You know the saying “The more things change the more they stay the same”? I feel like that’s an appropriate way to describe this year’s health insurance open enrollment period. Yes, there still is an Affordable Care Act Individual Marketplace. Yes, there still are ways to get help paying for a plan. Yes, the Marketplace plans still cover preexisting conditions and preventive care.

We have good evidence that insurance provides access to healthcare services that can keep you healthy as well as give you peace of mind in case something does happen.

Since 2013, people who needed health insurance have gone online or made appointments with enrollment counselors in November to find out their options for the following year and if they’re eligible for financial assistance.

But as I talk to people about the importance of health coverage this year, I hear a lot of worried questions about whether the financial help is still available, or even if there is still an insurance marketplace.

I want to reassure residents of New Jersey that affordable health insurance for 2019 is available through the Affordable Care Act Individual Marketplace. Let me explain a few other things:

• Marketplace health insurance open enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Unless you have a major life event, like having a baby, this is the only time to purchase health insurance through the Marketplace for 2019.
• Plans and prices change every year on the Marketplace, and for 2019 the cost in New Jersey has gone down roughly 10 percent. It’s always smart to shop and compare benefits and prices.
• While the federal penalty for going uninsured was reduced to $0, New Jersey has enacted an individual mandate penalty that’s the same amount as the federal one used to be: $695 or 2.5 percent of your income. That penalty will be applied at tax time, unless you qualify for a waiver.
• Financial assistance is still available for those who qualify. Last year, eight out of 10 people who shopped on the Marketplace in New Jersey received a tax credit to help pay for their plan.
• There are trained people available to help you enroll and answer questions - online, over the phone and in person. To find free local help, visit www.GetCovered.NJ.gov or call 1-887-9-NAVIG8 (1-887-962-8448) to talk about options or get enrolled.

If you’re still unsure about your options, watch for enrollment events in community spaces like places of worship and public libraries. When you’re ready to sign up, visit www.Healthcare.gov to complete the process.

A few things about getting health insurance have changed for 2019, but these two things haven’t: having health insurance means access to care and peace of mind, and a healthy New Jersey is a better New Jersey for everyone.