New Jersey Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is NJ FamilyCare?

NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's name for its Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) combined under one umbrella. All benefits — medical, dental, behavioral health, and long-term care — flow through NJ FamilyCare. There is no separate "Medicaid" brand in New Jersey; NJ FamilyCare is it.

The program is administered by the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), which operates within the Department of Human Services (DHS). DMAHS contracts with managed care organizations (MCOs) to deliver most services — meaning your NJ FamilyCare coverage comes through a health plan, not directly from the state.

Who runs NJ FamilyCare day-to-day?

Four managed care organizations currently serve NJ FamilyCare enrollees: Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, Horizon NJ Health (the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ Medicaid plan), UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Jersey, and WellCare of New Jersey. Plan availability depends on your county. When you enroll, you select one of the plans available in your area — and that plan handles your doctor referrals, prior authorizations, and care coordination.

County Boards of Social Services handle in-person applications and ongoing case management across all 21 New Jersey counties. If you prefer a face-to-face meeting or need help with your application, your county board is the right starting point.

How many people does NJ FamilyCare cover?

Approximately 2 million New Jerseyans are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, based on CMS and DMAHS enrollment data. That is roughly one in five state residents — a significant share of the population that depends on the program for primary care, specialist visits, prescriptions, and long-term services.

The income limit most NJ families don't know about

New Jersey covers children at income levels up to 355% of the Federal Poverty Level — one of the highest thresholds in the country. For a family of four, that is roughly $115,000 per year in 2026 (estimate; FPL dollar amounts update annually). Many higher-income NJ families assume they earn too much for any public program. They're often wrong.

Below 200% FPL, children pay no premiums. Above 200% FPL, a small monthly premium applies — typically in the $40–$50 range per child, capped per family. DMAHS updates these amounts annually; confirm current figures at NJHelps.gov or by calling 1-800-701-0710.

Adults 19–64 qualify up to 138% FPL under ACA expansion. Pregnant women qualify up to 205% FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities have separate eligibility rules — see the seniors and long-term care section for details.

What does NJ FamilyCare cover?

Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescriptions, mental health and substance use treatment, dental, vision, and for qualifying enrollees, home and community-based long-term care. Children under 21 receive Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services — which means any medically necessary service is covered, regardless of whether New Jersey explicitly lists it in its benefit package.

• Primary care and specialist visits
• Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
• Dental care (comprehensive for adults; EPSDT for children under 21)
• Vision services
• Home health and personal care services
• Managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) for qualifying enrollees

How to apply

The fastest way to apply is online at NJHelps.gov. One application covers the entire family and screens for all NJ FamilyCare categories. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-701-0710 or in person at your county Board of Social Services.

See the full how to apply guide for documents needed, processing timelines, and county office locations.

New Jersey Medicaid topics

What does NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid) cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid) website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through New Jersey's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). New Jersey must follow that federal timeline.