NJ FamilyCare: Free & Low-Cost Health Coverage
Last updated June 2026 · Educational overview, not legal or tax advice.
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program. It brings together Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid expansion under one name, so qualified New Jersey residents of any age may get free or low-cost coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, and more.
What is NJ FamilyCare?
NJ FamilyCare is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. It is the state’s name for its combined Medicaid and CHIP coverage. Because it includes the Medicaid expansion population, adults as well as children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify. Coverage is free or low-cost depending on household income and size.
What does it cover?
NJ FamilyCare covers a broad range of services, including doctor visits, prescriptions, vision care, dental care, mental health and substance use services, and hospitalization. Covered benefits and any small co-pays can vary by the specific eligibility group, so it is worth reviewing the official plan details when you enroll.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based mainly on New Jersey residency, household income, and household size, with different income limits for children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, adults under the Medicaid expansion, and seniors or people with disabilities. As of January 1, 2023, children under 19 can apply regardless of immigration status, though all other program requirements still apply. Because income limits change over time, check your specific eligibility on the official NJ FamilyCare site rather than relying on a single dollar figure.
Note: New Jersey has announced that some rules to qualify for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid are scheduled to change starting in Fall 2026. Confirm current rules at the official source below before applying.
How to apply
You can apply online through the official NJ FamilyCare website, by phone, or with help from an enrollment assister. There is no open-enrollment limit for Medicaid/CHIP, so you can apply at any time of year. You can call NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 (TTY 711) for help. Applicants who are not eligible for NJ FamilyCare can explore other affordable coverage options through New Jersey’s Get Covered NJ marketplace.
Frequently asked questions
Is NJ FamilyCare the same as Medicaid?
NJ FamilyCare is the name New Jersey uses for its combined Medicaid and CHIP coverage, including the Medicaid expansion. So if you have NJ FamilyCare, you have Medicaid or CHIP coverage under New Jersey’s program.
Does NJ FamilyCare cost anything?
For many members it is free. Some households with higher incomes may have small monthly premiums or co-pays. The exact cost depends on your eligibility group, household size, and income.
Can adults get NJ FamilyCare?
Yes. Because New Jersey expanded Medicaid, qualified adults, not just children and pregnant women, may be eligible based on income and household size.
Can children without legal immigration status enroll?
As of January 1, 2023, children under 19 can apply for NJ FamilyCare regardless of their immigration status. All other program requirements still apply.
When can I apply for NJ FamilyCare?
You can apply at any time of year. Unlike marketplace plans, Medicaid and CHIP do not have a limited open-enrollment window.
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