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How do I get low income health insurance in NJ?

Author

Olivia Carter

Published Mar 20, 2026

How do I get low income health insurance in NJ?

Low-income residents access public health insurance programs through NJ FamilyCare. It includes Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Both programs offer low-cost or no-cost coverage to eligible residents.

Likewise, how do I get free health insurance in NJ?

How to apply:

  1. You can apply online through or
  2. You can download an application for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid from or call 1-800-701-0710 to request that an application be mailed to you.
  3. You can apply at your local County Board of Social Services.

Likewise, does New Jersey have free health insurance? Qualifying New Jersey residents of any age may be able to get free or low-cost health insurance through New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program, NJ FamilyCare.

People also ask, what is the income limit for NJ Medicaid?

Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$17,131
2$23,169
3$29,207
4$35,245

Is it illegal to not have health insurance in NJ?

The New Jersey Health Insurance Market Preservation Act requires most state residents to maintain health coverage. You and your tax household must have minimum essential health coverage, qualify for an exemption, or remit a Shared Responsibility Payment when you file your New Jersey Income Tax return.

Who qualifies for NJ health insurance?

Get Covered NJ

In New Jersey, a family of four with an annual income of up to about $100,400 and an individual earning up to about $48,560 a year can qualify.

How long does it take to get approved for NJ FamilyCare?

your application anyway.

We'll follow-up with you within 1–2 weeks. You'll get instructions on the next steps to complete your health coverage. If you don't hear from us, visit njfamilycare.org or call 1-800-701-0710.

How do I know if my NJ Medicaid is active?

If you applied for NJ FamilyCare coverage through the website or by phone, you can track your application's status by calling 1-800-701-0710.

How much money can you have and still get Medicaid?

In 2021, a single Medicaid applicant must have income less than $2,382 per month and may keep up to $2,000 in countable assets to qualify financially. Generally, the government considers certain assets to be exempt or “non-countable†(usually up to a specific allowable amount).

How much money can you make and still get Medicaid?

So in a state in the continental U.S. that has expanded Medicaid (which includes most, but not all, states), a single adult is eligible for Medicaid in 2021 with an annual income of $17,774. Medicaid eligibility is determined based on current monthly income, so that amounts to a limit of $1,481 per month.

How much can you make to qualify for NJ FamilyCare?

Adults without dependent children with ages 19-64 and income up to 138% FPL ($1,482/month for a single person and $2,004/month for a couple). Immigrant adults must have Legal Permanent Resident status in the US for at least five years in order to be eligible for NJ FamilyCare.

Is NJ Familycare the same as Medicaid?

New Jersey Medicaid, also known as the New Jersey Family Care program, is a health care program for those in financial need, funded by the federal government and the NJ state government. It's different from New Jersey Medicare. Let's take a look at NJ Family Care eligibility and what the program covers.

Who is not eligible for Medicaid?

In the 15 states that have not implemented the ACA Medicaid expansion (as of April 2020), adults over 21 are generally ineligible for Medicaid no matter how low their incomes are unless they are pregnant, caring for children, elderly, or have a disability.

How long does it take to get Medicaid in NJ?

In some counties, an application can be approved within 90 – 150 days. In other counties, it takes 6 months to a year. In special situations, the application must be approved in Trenton and this can take 18 months or longer.

Do you have to pay back Medicaid in NJ?

Under both federal and New Jersey law, Medicaid is required to recover funds from the estate of an individual receiving — or who has received — Medicaid benefits on or after age 55.

How do I get Medicare in NJ?

You can apply for Medicare in New Jersey by visiting your local Social Security Administration office or the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM.

What is poverty level in NJ?

' The federal poverty level is $20,598. Meaning anyone who earns above it does not qualify for federal support programs. But the true poverty level — the minimum a family of three needs to earn in order to get by in New Jersey — is $74,372.

How do you see if you qualify for Medicaid?

You can see if you qualify for Medicaid 2 ways:
  1. Visit your state's Medicaid website. Use the drop-down menu at the top of this page to pick your state.
  2. Fill out an application in the Health Insurance Marketplace. When you finish the application, we'll tell you which programs you and your family qualify for.

Is NJ FamilyCare the same as Obamacare?

NJ FamilyCare is federal and state funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access to affordable health insurance. "They'll continue to have the same coverage that they've had (and) that they've enjoyed under NJ FamilyCare and the same HMO."