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How New Jersey Realtors Should Compare Health Insurance Plans
Agents compare premiums and stop. Here's the order that actually protects you.
1. Out-of-pocket maximum
The most you can spend in a year on covered care. This is the number that matters in a bad year. Marketplace plans in New Jersey cap around $9,200 individual; private PPOs commonly $6,000–$9,000.
2. Network — and where it works
Is your doctor in it? Is the hospital you'd actually go to in Essex County in it? Does it work in another state? HMO vs. PPO decides this. MagnaCare and Cigna PPO PPOs are national.
3. Deductible
How much you pay before the plan pays. Healthy agents usually do best with a mid-range deductible and lower premium, plus an HSA.
4. Premium
Only now. And compare net of subsidy if you qualify, net of the self-employed deduction either way. New Jersey has a progressive state income tax, so a self-employed health premium deduction is worth more here than in a no-tax state.
5. Enrollment flexibility
Marketplace: once a year. Private: any month. If your income is volatile, flexibility has value.
New Jersey does not allow short-term medical plans, so the private alternatives here are the shared-network PPO plans rather than short-term coverage.
Our quoting tool shows every private plan in New Jersey with deductible and out-of-pocket max side by side. Or check your options and we'll compare both markets for you.