New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of states in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawsuit challenges a new rule from the Trump Administration that could lead to significant barriers for residents seeking healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Attorney General Platkin stated, "Deliberately making it harder for millions of residents to access affordable health insurance is wrong and unlawful, and we will fight it." He expressed concerns about potential confusion in the healthcare marketplace as New Jersey prepares for the 2026 open enrollment period.
The final rule proposed by the Trump Administration includes amendments that could result in up to 1.8 million people losing their health insurance. It also threatens to increase costs for millions more through higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
The attorneys general argue that this rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and is arbitrary and capricious. They are seeking preliminary relief to prevent parts of the rule from taking effect before its August 25 effective date.
The ACA, enacted in 2010, aimed to increase health insurance coverage and reduce healthcare costs. Despite its success, with over 24 million people enrolled in plan year 2025, the new rule could reverse these gains by imposing new barriers.
GetCovered New Jersey has been instrumental in expanding access to affordable health insurance since its inception in 2020. The state's official marketplace saw record enrollment numbers during the open enrollment period for plan year 2025.
The HHS's final rule introduces several changes that could make ACA marketplaces less accessible. These include new verification requirements, automatic charges on certain consumers, shortened enrollment periods, and other modifications increasing costs for individuals nationwide.
Deputy Attorneys General Joshua Bohn, Monica Finke, Bassam Gergi, Viviana Hanley, Bryce Hurst, Amanda Morejon, Meghan Musso, and Estefania Pugliese-Saville are handling this case under Assistant Attorney General Mayur Saxena's supervision.
Joining Attorney General Platkin in this lawsuit are California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell along with other attorneys general from multiple states including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut among others.
