The Nj Care Program, also known as NJ FamilyCare, offers accessible health coverage to New Jersey residents who qualify. Eligibility is determined based on factors such as age, income, family size, and immigration status. This program ensures that individuals and families in New Jersey have access to essential healthcare services.
Who is Eligible for the NJ Care Program?
NJ FamilyCare has different eligibility categories to accommodate a wide range of individuals and families within New Jersey. Below are the main groups who can qualify for this vital healthcare program:
Children Under 19
Children under the age of 19 are eligible for the NJ Care Program with more generous income thresholds compared to adults. Families with children can qualify even with higher incomes, up to 355% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of four, this translates to approximately $9,512 per month. It’s important to note that parents need to renew the coverage annually. Crucially, children are eligible regardless of their immigration status, ensuring healthcare access for all children residing in New Jersey.
Adults Age 19-64
Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 can also access healthcare through the NJ Care Program. The income limit for adults in this age group is set at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This means that single individuals with a monthly income of up to $1,800 and couples earning up to $2,433 per month may be eligible. Immigration status is a factor for adults; generally, immigrant adults must hold Legal Permanent Resident status in the U.S. for at least five years to qualify. However, exceptions exist for certain lawfully present immigrants, such as refugees and asylees, regardless of their entry date. Younger immigrants aged 19 and 20 who are lawfully present and have very low incomes (e.g., $509/month for a single person) may also qualify.
Pregnant Individuals
The NJ Care Program provides crucial support for pregnant individuals, offering eligibility to those with incomes up to 205% of the FPL. For a family of four, this income limit is around $5,493 per month. A significant aspect of this category is that lawfully present pregnant individuals are eligible irrespective of their date of entry into the United States, ensuring access to prenatal and maternal care.
People Over Age 65, Blind, Disabled, or with Medicare
The NJ Care Program extends its coverage to older adults over 65, individuals who are blind or disabled, those requiring long-term care, and adults aged 19-64 who already have Medicare. These categories recognize the specific healthcare needs of these populations and provide pathways to access comprehensive care through NJ FamilyCare. For more detailed information regarding these categories, you can click here to visit the official New Jersey Department of Human Services website.
New Income and Household Size Calculations with MAGI
NJ FamilyCare utilizes Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine financial eligibility. This simplified approach uses your latest federal tax return to verify income and household size electronically. This tax-based system streamlines the application process and ensures accurate income assessment for NJ Care Program eligibility.
For a clearer understanding of income guidelines, you can access the Spanish version of the income table here or obtain a printer-friendly version for easy reference.
The NJ Care Program is a vital resource for New Jersey residents, offering various pathways to healthcare coverage based on individual and family circumstances. Understanding the eligibility criteria outlined above is the first step towards accessing the healthcare you need.
