From March 2020 through March 2023, NJ FamilyCare did not make any changes to Medicaid enrollment. This included not terminating anyone, even if they no longer qualified for the NJ FamilyCare program in which they were enrolled.

During that time period, your household income may have changed. Due to the increase in the minimum wage in New Jersey, many people had an increase in their income. Your household size may have changed as well, for example, due to children getting older and moving out, or adding a new baby.

The New Jersey Medicaid program, NJ FamilyCare, has to evaluate everyone for coverage. Starting on April 1, every enrollee will be checked annually to make sure that they are enrolled in the correct program.

If you have children in your household, it is important for you to return the renewal paperwork, especially if your situation may have changed. NJ FamilyCare has many different options for coverage for children, including Medicaid and CHIP programs. The income limits for children’s coverage are much higher than adult coverage.

It might be the case that you or the other adults in your household no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare coverage. This will not affect your children’s eligibility. It is not necessary for everyone in the household to qualify for Medicaid in order for children to be covered under NJ FamilyCare. Your children will be switched to the correct program, and you will be provided with information on other options.

If your children are switched to CHIP coverage due to a higher household income, then there may be a copay for doctor’s visits and other care. The notice will explain this change. Although CHIP coverage sometimes also requires a monthly premium, at the present time, no premiums are being charged.

If you have children in your household and you have questions about their eligibility or coverage, contact the LSNJ Health Care Access Project through the LSNJLAW Hotline at www.lsnjlawhotline.org (1-888-LSNJ-LAW, 1-888-576-5529), or your local Legal Services program.

This information last reviewed: Aug 25, 2023