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Grace Period

Paying your premium on time is important to keeping your health coverage. If you purchased your Horizon BCBSNJ plan through the Exchange, received financial assistance, and miss a payment, you have three months to pay your balance in full before your coverage is terminated. This means after the three-month grace period, if any amount due is not paid, your coverage will terminate. You will be responsible to pay for all your doctors, other health care professionals and/or facilities for all services received.

If you purchased your insurance directly from Horizon BCBSNJ or purchased through the Exchange and did not receive financial assistance, you have 31 days to pay your premium without losing your coverage.

When is my payment due?

Your premium payment is due on the first or 15th day of each month. If Horizon BCBSNJ does not receive your payment by the due date, you will be considered delinquent and the grace period begins. Please make your payment in full before the end of the grace period to avoid having your Horizon BCBSNJ coverage terminated.

Am I eligible for a three-month grace period?

To be eligible for the three-month grace period, you must have:

  • Purchased your health coverage through the Exchange
  • Received financial assistance to purchase insurance through the Exchange
  • Paid at least the first month's premium payment in full for the current benefit year

What happens to claims during the grace period?

If you do not make your payment on time, your claims for eligible medically necessary services will only be paid for the first 30 days of the grace period. Beginning on day 31 of the grace period, your claims will be held until payment is received. Horizon BCBSNJ will process your eligible claims once your account is paid in full. However, your account must be paid in full within the grace period.

Horizon BCBSNJ will not accept premium payments after the grace period ends. Claims will be denied when the grace period ends. If your coverage is terminated for nonpayment, you will be required to pay your doctors, other health care professionals and/or facilities for all services received during the second and third months of the grace period.

Have another question about your health coverage?

To get answers to your questions about claim status, benefits, enrollment and more, you can:

  • Read our online FAQs.
  • Send your question by secure email.
  • Ask your question through Chat during normal business hours.
  • For technical questions, call the eService Help Desk at 1-888-777-5075, weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.