New Jersey's Medicaid program, called NJ FamilyCare, covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. The income limits are updated each January based on the federal poverty level (FPL), and the 2026 figures took effect on January 1, 2026. Whether you are applying for the first time or checking whether a recent income change affects your coverage, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.
What Is NJ FamilyCare?
NJ FamilyCare is the umbrella name for New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP programs. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to residents who meet income and residency requirements. New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the ACA, which means adults without children can qualify based solely on income.
The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescription drugs, dental care for children, and more. For most applicants, there is no asset test and no waiting period.
2026 NJ FamilyCare Income Limits by Program
The limits below reflect the 2026 federal poverty guidelines effective January 1, 2026. Income is measured as modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for most groups.
Adults Ages 19 to 64 (ACA Expansion)
New Jersey covers non-elderly adults at up to 138% FPL. This is the broadest coverage group and includes adults without dependent children.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $21,597 |
| 2 | $2,433 | $29,196 |
| 3 | $3,067 | $36,804 |
| 4 | $3,700 | $44,412 |
| 5 | $4,333 | $51,996 |
| 6 | $4,967 | $59,604 |
No asset limit applies to this group.
Children Under Age 19
New Jersey has some of the most generous children's coverage in the country. Children qualify at up to 355% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $4,147 | $49,764 |
| 2 | $5,608 | $67,296 |
| 3 | $7,069 | $84,828 |
| 4 | $9,512 | $114,144 |
| 5 | $10,990 | $131,880 |
| 6 | $12,451 | $149,412 |
Children in families above this threshold may qualify for coverage through the New Jersey CHIP program at a low monthly premium.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at up to 205% FPL. Income is calculated as the household size including the unborn child.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 2 (pregnant person + 1 unborn) | $2,783 | $33,396 |
| 3 | $3,508 | $42,096 |
| 4 | $4,233 | $50,796 |
| 5 | $4,957 | $59,484 |
| 6 | $5,493 | $65,916 |
Pregnant women who qualify receive full Medicaid benefits, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD Medicaid)
Seniors aged 65 and older, people who are blind, or people with qualifying disabilities may apply for ABD Medicaid. This group uses SSI-related income rules rather than MAGI.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,330 |
| Couple | $1,804 |
Asset limits do apply here. A single applicant can have no more than $4,000 in countable assets. A married couple can have no more than $6,000. The family home, one vehicle, and personal property are typically excluded.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care (MLTSS)
New Jersey's Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program covers nursing home care and home-based long-term services. The 2026 income limit is $2,982 per month for an individual. If an applicant's income exceeds this, they may still qualify by establishing a Qualified Income Trust (sometimes called a Miller Trust) to redirect excess income.
| Coverage Type | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Nursing Home (individual) | $2,982 |
| HCBS Waiver (individual) | $2,982 |
Asset limits for long-term care are strict. A single applicant must spend down to $2,000 in countable assets. A spouse who remains at home (the community spouse) may retain significantly more through the community spouse resource allowance.
Medically Needy / Spend-Down
New Jersey has a Medically Needy program for people whose income is too high for standard Medicaid but who have high medical expenses. The spend-down works by subtracting qualifying medical costs from income until the person reaches the Medically Needy income level.
| Household | Monthly Medically Needy Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $367 |
| Couple | $434 |
Who Qualifies for NJ FamilyCare?
Beyond income, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a New Jersey resident
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or a qualifying immigrant (certain legal immigrant categories have a waiting period)
- Provide a valid Social Security number, or apply for one
- Not be incarcerated (except for pending approval at time of arrest)
NJ FamilyCare does not have a waiting period for most groups. You can apply any time of year since there is no open enrollment window like private insurance.
What NJ FamilyCare Covers
Approved members receive comprehensive health coverage that includes:
- Primary care and specialist visits
- Emergency room and hospital care
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Prescription drug coverage
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Pediatric dental and vision for children
- Maternity and newborn care
- Lab work and imaging
Most services have no copayment for children and pregnant women. Adults may have small copayments for some non-emergency services.
How to Apply for NJ FamilyCare in 2026
There are four ways to apply. The online portal is the fastest option.
Step 1: Gather your documents.
You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or mail), Social Security numbers for all household members applying, and proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter). If you are self-employed, bring your most recent federal tax return and any records of business income.
Step 2: Choose how to apply.
- Online: Visit njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us and complete the application. This is the fastest method and usually produces a same-day eligibility decision for straightforward cases.
- By phone: Call 1-800-701-0710 (NJ FamilyCare Helpline). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- By mail: Download and complete the paper application from the NJ FamilyCare website and mail it to your local county welfare agency.
- In person: Visit your county's Board of Social Services office. You can find your local office at the New Jersey Department of Human Services website.
Step 3: Submit the application.
After submitting online, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for follow-up calls. If you apply by mail or in person, ask for a dated receipt.
Step 4: Respond to any requests.
The county may contact you within 30 to 45 days if they need additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays. If you are pregnant or in a medical emergency, you can request expedited processing.
Step 5: Receive your coverage determination.
Once approved, you will receive a Medicaid ID card and information about managed care health plan options in your area. Coverage is typically retroactive to the first day of the month you applied.
2026 Policy Updates
New Jersey is removing the automatic renewal process in 2026. Previously, many NJ FamilyCare members were automatically re-enrolled at renewal. Starting in 2026, members must complete an annual renewal form to continue coverage. The state will mail renewal notices 60 to 90 days before your renewal date. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Additionally, income limits were updated effective January 1, 2026, following the annual federal poverty level revision announced by HHS on January 13, 2026. The 2026 FPL figures are modestly higher than 2025, meaning some households that were previously over the income threshold may now qualify.
What If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid?
If your household income falls above 138% FPL but below 400% FPL, you likely qualify for subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. New Jersey also runs its own state marketplace, called GetCoveredNJ, where you can compare plans and receive premium tax credits.
Above 400% FPL, you may still receive subsidies under the American Rescue Plan extension that remains in effect through 2025. Check GetCoveredNJ or HealthCare.gov during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15) to see your options.
You can also use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility across Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidies, and other programs in one step.
NJ FamilyCare vs. Medicare
Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older and certain people with disabilities. Some New Jersey residents qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, making them "dual eligible." In this case, NJ FamilyCare can cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments, reducing out-of-pocket costs significantly.
If you are close to 65 and enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, contact the program before your 65th birthday to understand how your coverage will change.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for NJ FamilyCare in 2026 for a single adult?
A single adult between the ages of 19 and 64 can earn up to approximately $1,800 per month (138% of the 2026 federal poverty level) and still qualify for NJ FamilyCare at no cost.
Does NJ FamilyCare cover undocumented immigrants?
Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for full NJ FamilyCare coverage. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical conditions for individuals who otherwise meet income and residency requirements. Children and pregnant women in certain immigrant categories may have additional options.
Is there an asset limit for NJ FamilyCare?
For most working-age adults, children, and pregnant women, there is no asset limit. Asset limits do apply to the ABD program (up to $4,000 for an individual) and to long-term care (typically $2,000 for a single applicant).
Can I apply for NJ FamilyCare any time of year?
Yes. Unlike private health insurance, NJ FamilyCare has no open enrollment period. You can apply any month of the year, and if approved, coverage usually starts the first day of the month you applied.
How long does the NJ FamilyCare application take?
Online applications for straightforward cases can receive a decision the same day or within a few days. Complex cases or those requiring additional documentation can take up to 45 days. If you have an urgent medical need, ask about expedited processing.
What should I do if I was automatically renewed before but did not receive a renewal notice this year?
Contact the NJ FamilyCare helpline at 1-800-701-0710. The state updated its renewal process in 2026 and is no longer automatically renewing all accounts. You may need to complete a renewal form to keep your coverage active.
What is the spend-down program in NJ FamilyCare?
The Medically Needy program allows people with incomes above the standard Medicaid limit to qualify by subtracting medical expenses from their income. Once your income minus allowable medical costs falls to $367 per month (for an individual), you qualify for that period. Keep records of all medical bills, as they count toward your spend-down amount.
Does NJ FamilyCare cover dental care?
NJ FamilyCare covers dental care for children as a required service. Adult dental coverage is more limited under standard Medicaid, but some managed care plans offered through NJ FamilyCare include adult dental benefits. Check with your specific health plan after enrollment to see what dental services are available to you.
