NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's name for its Medicaid program, but it covers more people than federal Medicaid alone

NJ FamilyCare is the official name New Jersey uses for its Medicaid program. When you hear "Medicaid" in New Jersey, the state is usually referring to NJ FamilyCare. However, NJ FamilyCare is actually broader than Medicaid by itself — it includes both traditional Medicaid and a separate program called the State Children's Health Program (SCHP), which serves children whose families earn too much to may have access to for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

The distinction matters because you might be told you do not may have access to for "Medicaid" but you could still may have access to for NJ FamilyCare under the SCHP portion. Both programs are administered by the same state agency, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), and both provide the same coverage once you are enrolled.

Key Takeaways

  • NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's official name for Medicaid, but it includes both traditional Medicaid and a separate program for children whose families earn slightly too much for Medicaid.
  • Income limits for NJ FamilyCare Medicaid are lower than the limits for the State Children's Health Program, so a child might not may have access to for one but could may have access to for the other.
  • Both programs cover the same medical services once you are enrolled, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and dental care for children.
  • You apply to NJ FamilyCare through the state's benefits portal or by mail, and the state will determine which program (Medicaid or SCHP) you may have access to for based on your income and household size.

How NJ FamilyCare differs from federal Medicaid

Federal Medicaid is a joint federal-state program with baseline requirements that all states must follow. New Jersey, like every state, has the power to expand its program beyond those federal minimums. NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's expansion — it uses federal Medicaid money but also state money to cover people who would not may have access to under the federal baseline alone.

The practical result is that NJ FamilyCare has higher income limits than the federal Medicaid standard. A family might earn too much to may have access to for Medicaid in another state but still may have access to in New Jersey. The state also covers certain services that are optional under federal law, such as dental care for adults (though dental coverage for adults is limited compared to coverage for children).

Income limits for Medicaid versus the State Children's Health Program

NJ FamilyCare Medicaid covers children, pregnant people, parents, and adults with disabilities. The income limit for Medicaid in New Jersey varies by household type and changes each year based on federal poverty guidelines. As of 2024, a single adult with no children can earn up to roughly 138% of the federal poverty level (about $1,810 per month for an individual), though this figure changes annually.

The State Children's Health Program (SCHP) portion of NJ FamilyCare covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. The SCHP income limit is higher — typically around 350% of the federal poverty level for children, though this also changes yearly. If your child does not may have access to for Medicaid, the state will automatically screen them for SCHP when you apply.

Because income limits shift each year, the best way to find the current thresholds is to contact the state directly or check the DMAHS website. Your actual may be able to access depends on your household size, income, and whether you have dependents.

What coverage looks like under NJ FamilyCare

Once enrolled in NJ FamilyCare — whether through Medicaid or SCHP — you receive the same set of covered services. These include doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription medications, mental health and substance use treatment, and preventive care like vaccinations and screenings.

Children covered by NJ FamilyCare also receive dental care, vision care, and hearing services. Adults covered by Medicaid receive limited dental coverage (emergency services and extractions only, in most cases). Pregnant people receive full prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, including mental health services related to pregnancy.

You do not pay a premium to enroll in NJ FamilyCare Medicaid, though some people pay small copayments when they use services. SCHP members may pay a small monthly premium (currently $0 to $30 per month depending on income), but the state waives premiums for families below certain income thresholds.

How to apply and which program you will be placed in

You apply for NJ FamilyCare through the state's benefits portal, NJ BENEFITS, or by mail. When you submit your application, you provide information about your household size, income, and who needs coverage. The state then determines which program you may have access to for based on your circumstances.

If you may have access to for Medicaid, you will be enrolled in Medicaid. If you do not may have access to for Medicaid but you have children who fall within the SCHP income range, those children will be enrolled in SCHP. The state will notify you in writing which program each household member qualifies for and when coverage begins.

You can also call the NJ FamilyCare hotline at 1-800-701-0710 to ask questions about your specific situation before applying. The state also operates local county offices where you can apply in person, though many people now apply online through NJ BENEFITS.

When NJ FamilyCare coverage ends

NJ FamilyCare coverage is not permanent. You must renew your coverage periodically — typically once per year — by providing updated income and household information. If your income rises above the limit for your program, your coverage will end. If your household size changes, you should report it to the state, as it may affect your may be able to access.

If you lose coverage because your income increased, you may still have options. You might may have access to for a federal tax credit to help you buy private insurance through the federal marketplace, or you might may have access to for coverage through an employer. The state will provide information about these alternatives when your coverage ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both NJ FamilyCare Medicaid and private insurance at the same time?

Yes. If you have employer-sponsored insurance or private coverage, you can still enroll in NJ FamilyCare Medicaid. Medicaid will pay for services your private insurance does not cover or will pay after your private insurance pays its share. This is called coordination of benefits.

Does NJ FamilyCare cover dental care for adults?

NJ FamilyCare Medicaid covers limited dental care for adults — emergency services and tooth extractions only. Children receive full dental coverage. If you need routine dental work, you may need to find a dentist who accepts Medicaid or pay out of pocket. Some community health centers offer low-cost dental services regardless of insurance status.

What happens if I move out of New Jersey while enrolled in NJ FamilyCare?

Your NJ FamilyCare coverage will end when you move. You will need to apply for Medicaid in your new state. Each state has different income limits and covered services, so your coverage may change. Contact your new state's Medicaid office as soon as you move to understand your options.

Can I apply for NJ FamilyCare if I am not a U.S. citizen?

may be able to access for non-citizens varies. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can generally enroll. Undocumented immigrants may be able to access emergency Medicaid for emergency medical conditions only. Contact the NJ FamilyCare hotline or a local community health center to discuss your specific immigration status and what coverage may be available to you.

How long does it take to learn about I may have access to for NJ FamilyCare?

The state typically processes applications within 30 days. If you apply online through NJ BENEFITS, you may receive a decision faster. If the state needs more information from you, it will send you a notice asking for documents like pay stubs or proof of residency. You have 10 days to respond before your application may be denied.