Horizon Brief Notes: Action Required for Impacted Clients Ahead of 2026 Renewals

Posted on June 29, 2026

See Horizon Brief Notes below…

Applies to: Small Employer Groups Enrolled in Pre-ACA Plans

Horizon is withdrawing certain small employer transitional (Pre Affordable Care Act) health and prescription drug plans from the market, following approval from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). This change affects small employer groups enrolled in these plans at their 2026 renewal anniversary dates (October through December).

What This Means for Your Clients
Any client currently covered by one of these withdrawn plans will be required to select new coverage, as their existing plan will not be renewed and will no longer be available after the anniversary date. The withdrawal is being applied uniformly and is not based on the claims experience of any group or any health‑related factors of current or future employees.

What to Expect
Your clients will receive notice, including a 90-day notice prior to their non-renewal date, reminding them of the plan withdrawal and the need to take action before their anniversary dates.

If any impacted employers are not eligible for ACA compliant small employer coverage, please assist those clients with reviewing individual health coverage (IHC) options, if eligible. Impacted employers enrolling in new coverage must also complete a Small Employer Certification Form confirming eligibility prior to enrollment.

We encourage you to contact impacted clients promptly to review available coverage options, discuss eligibility considerations and assist groups with plan selection.

Next Steps
You and the impacted groups will be sent a 60-day Withdrawal Notification by the end of next week.

Each group will need to complete a certification form to determine eligibility. If a group is deemed eligible, they will need to select a new product, as Horizon will not automatically convert any group into a new product or platform.

You will receive an impacted group listing for your review within the next few weeks. Please ensure these groups complete and return the certification form to determine eligibility. If the certification is not completed, please note that the group will automatically be terminated.