New Jersey Medicaid
Updated August 2026
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's name for its Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) combined under one umbrella. All benefits — medical, dental, behavioral health, and long-term care — flow through NJ FamilyCare. There is no separate "Medicaid" brand in New Jersey; NJ FamilyCare is it.
NJ FamilyCare rules are changing in fall 2026 and 2027 under H.R. 1
Congress passed H.R. 1 (the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") on July 4, 2025. Starting October 1, 2026, some non-citizen immigrants (including refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees who have not adjusted to Lawful Permanent Resident status) will no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare. Starting January 1, 2027, adults ages 19–64 in certain plan types must show they are working, volunteering, or in school to keep coverage, and will need to renew every 6 months instead of every 12. Use the NJ FamilyCare Activity Requirements Checker at njfcchecker.nj.gov or check nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs for current updates before applying or renewing.
What is NJ FamilyCare?
The program is administered by the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), which operates within the Department of Human Services (DHS). DMAHS contracts with managed care organizations (MCOs) to deliver most services — meaning your NJ FamilyCare coverage comes through a health plan, not directly from the state.
Who runs NJ FamilyCare day-to-day?
Five managed care organizations currently serve NJ FamilyCare enrollees: Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, Fidelis Care, Horizon NJ Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup New Jersey). Plan availability depends on your county. When you enroll, you select one of the plans available in your area — and that plan handles your doctor referrals, prior authorizations, and care coordination.
County Boards of Social Services handle in-person applications and ongoing case management across all 21 New Jersey counties. If you prefer a face-to-face meeting or need help with your application, your county board is the right starting point.
How many people does NJ FamilyCare cover?
Approximately 2 million New Jerseyans are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, based on CMS and DMAHS enrollment data. That is roughly one in five state residents — a significant share of the population that depends on the program for primary care, specialist visits, prescriptions, and long-term services.
The income limit most NJ families don't know about
New Jersey covers children at income levels up to 355% of the Federal Poverty Level — one of the highest thresholds in the country. For a family of four, that is roughly $115,000 per year in 2026 (estimate; FPL dollar amounts update annually). Many higher-income NJ families assume they earn too much for any public program. They're often wrong.
Below 200% FPL, children pay no premiums. Above 200% FPL, a small monthly premium applies — typically in the $40–$50 range per child, capped per family. DMAHS updates these amounts annually; confirm current figures at NJHelps.gov or by calling 1-800-701-0710.
Adults 19–64 qualify up to 138% FPL under ACA expansion. Pregnant women qualify up to 205% FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities have separate eligibility rules — see the seniors and long-term care section for details.
What does NJ FamilyCare cover?
Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescriptions, mental health and substance use treatment, dental, vision, and for qualifying enrollees, home and community-based long-term care. Children under 21 receive Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services — which means any medically necessary service is covered, regardless of whether New Jersey explicitly lists it in its benefit package.
- Primary care and specialist visits
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
- Dental care (comprehensive for adults; EPSDT for children under 21)
- Vision services
- Home health and personal care services
- Managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) for qualifying enrollees
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is online at NJHelps.gov. One application covers the entire family and screens for all NJ FamilyCare categories. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-701-0710 or in person at your county Board of Social Services.
See the full how to apply guide for documents needed, processing timelines, and county office locations.
NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid)
Visit the official New Jersey Medicaid website Check your NJ FamilyCare eligibilityRelated guides
What Is Medicaid?
An overview of how the program works, who runs it, and who it covers.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →