NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid & CHIP)
Last updated August 2026
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's publicly funded health coverage: Medicaid, Medicaid expansion, and CHIP rolled into one program with one application. It covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health and substance use care, and hospital stays, free or at low cost. Apply online through the NJ FamilyCare portal or call 1-800-701-0710 for help.
The adult line is what most people expect: 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, currently $1,836 a month for a single person and $2,489 for a couple. Pregnant people go higher, up to 205 percent, which is $5,638 a month for a family of four.
The children's rules are what people get wrong. Kids under 19 qualify up to 355 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $9,763 a month for a family of four. Read that again: a two-income working family can still get the kids covered. Parents earning far too much for adult coverage should apply for the children anyway.
And since January 2023, Cover All Kids means immigration status does not block a child. Children under 19 can enroll in NJ FamilyCare regardless of status. If fear of paperwork has kept your kids uninsured, this rule exists for your family.
One application sorts the whole household: each person is checked against their own category, and a denial for one decides nothing about the others. A pregnancy, a new baby, or a lost job are all moments to apply or reapply, whatever the last answer was.
While coverage processes, keep the rest standing. The NJHelps screener checks NJ SNAP and WFNJ cash assistance in the same pass, community health centers see patients regardless of coverage, and 2-1-1 finds the nearest one. WIC pairs naturally with a FamilyCare pregnancy or a young child.
Phone 1-800-701-0710
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Qualified New Jersey residents of any age may be eligible, based on income and household size
- Since January 2023, children under 19 can apply regardless of immigration status, though other rules still apply
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the NJ FamilyCare portal, or call 1-800-701-0710 for help applying.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and New Jersey residency for each person.
- 3
Watch your mail and email for requests for more information.
- 4
If approved, complete renewals on time and report changes so coverage does not lapse.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and dates of birth for those applying
- Proof of income and New Jersey residency
- Immigration documents where they apply; children under 19 qualify regardless of status.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for NJ FamilyCare?
Adults 19 to 64 up to 138 percent of poverty ($1,836 a month for one person), pregnant people up to 205 percent, and children under 19 up to 355 percent ($9,763 a month for a family of four).
My income is too high for adult Medicaid. Can my kids still get covered?
Very likely yes. Children qualify up to 355 percent of the federal poverty level, far above the adult line. Apply for the kids even if the parents are over the limit.
Does my child's immigration status matter?
No. Since January 1, 2023, Cover All Kids lets children under 19 enroll in NJ FamilyCare regardless of immigration status.
How do I apply?
Online through the NJ FamilyCare portal, or call 1-800-701-0710 (TTY 711) for help. The NJHelps screener can also check the whole household in minutes.
What does coverage include?
Doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health and substance use services, and hospitalization, free or at low cost depending on income.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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