NJ FamilyCare provides access to affordable healthcare for New Jersey residents. It’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria to determine if you or your family can benefit from this program. Everyone residing in New Jersey is eligible to apply for NJ FamilyCare, and financial eligibility is assessed based on your latest federal tax return, which is electronically verified upon filing.
Eligibility for Children Under 19
Children under the age of 19 can qualify for NJ FamilyCare with higher household incomes, up to 355% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of four, this translates to a gross income of approximately $9,230 per month. It’s important to remember that parents need to renew coverage annually. Significantly, children are eligible regardless of their immigration status, ensuring healthcare access for all children in New Jersey.
Eligibility for Adults Age 19-64
Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 are eligible for NJ FamilyCare if their income is up to 138% of the FPL. This income limit equates to roughly $1,732 per month for a single individual and $2,351 per month for a couple. Immigration status plays a role in adult eligibility. Generally, adult immigrants must hold Legal Permanent Resident status in the U.S. for a minimum of five years to qualify. However, certain lawfully present immigrants may be eligible regardless of their entry date, such as refugees and asylees. Furthermore, lawfully present immigrants aged 19 and 20 with very low incomes (around $509/month for a single person and $805/month for a family of two) may also qualify for NJ FamilyCare.
Eligibility for Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant individuals in New Jersey can qualify for NJ FamilyCare with incomes up to 205% of the FPL. For a family of four, this corresponds to a monthly income of about $5,330. Similar to children, lawfully present pregnant individuals are eligible regardless of their date of entry into the United States, ensuring access to prenatal and postnatal care.
Eligibility for Seniors, Blind, Disabled, and Medicare Recipients
NJ FamilyCare also extends eligibility to individuals over the age of 65, those who are blind or disabled, individuals requiring long-term care, and adults aged 19-64 who are Medicare beneficiaries. Detailed information regarding eligibility for these categories can be found by clicking here.
Understanding Income and Household Size Calculations
NJ FamilyCare utilizes Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine financial eligibility. This calculation simplifies income assessment by relying on information from your most recent federal tax return. The tax-based household size is also used for this determination, streamlining the income calculation process and making it easier to understand eligibility requirements.
