New Jersey health officials are urging thousands of residents to respond to eligibility notices as new federal rules affecting NJ FamilyCare took effect on October 1, 2026.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services said it is still waiting to hear from approximately 10,400 people whose coverage may be affected by the new rules.
Officials stressed that receiving a notice does not necessarily mean a person is no longer eligible for NJ FamilyCare. In many cases, the state needs additional immigration documentation before it can determine whether coverage should continue.
New Federal Rules Took Effect October 1
The changes are part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025.
Beginning October 1, some non-citizens who previously qualified for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid may no longer be eligible based on their immigration status. New Jersey is required to follow the new federal eligibility rules.
The changes do not affect all immigrants enrolled in the program.
According to NJ FamilyCare, groups that may continue to qualify include many lawful permanent residents who have held qualifying status for at least five years, children under 19, lawfully present people under 21, pregnant people and certain other protected immigration categories.
Some Coverage Loss Can Still Be Prevented
Earlier this year, NJ FamilyCare began mailing letters to certain non-citizen members whose records did not clearly establish whether they remained eligible under the new federal rules.
Those residents were asked to submit additional immigration documents so the state could verify their status.
State guidance makes clear that simply receiving one of those letters did not mean a person was automatically ineligible. If the documentation shows that the member still qualifies, coverage can continue.
However, residents who received an initial notice but did not receive a subsequent letter confirming continued eligibility had NJ FamilyCare coverage ending September 30, 2026.
That is why state officials are continuing to urge people to respond even after the October 1 deadline.
What Affected Residents Should Do
Residents who believe they may be among those affected should check their NJ FamilyCare notices and provide any requested immigration documents as soon as possible.
NJ FamilyCare says individuals can contact the HMS hotline at 833-635-7060 to determine whether a notice was sent to them and request another copy if necessary.
People who ultimately no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare may be able to obtain coverage through Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.
Residents losing NJ FamilyCare on September 30 generally have a special enrollment opportunity to obtain marketplace coverage.
More Medicaid Changes Are Coming in 2027
The October changes involving immigration status are only the first phase of broader federal Medicaid changes affecting New Jersey.
Beginning January 1, 2027, certain adults ages 19 through 64 enrolled through Medicaid expansion will be required to complete qualifying work, education, training or volunteer activities in order to obtain or maintain coverage, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Some members will also have to renew their Medicaid eligibility every six months instead of once a year.
New Jersey officials have warned that the broader federal changes could eventually affect hundreds of thousands of residents, although the number who ultimately lose coverage will depend on exemptions, eligibility and how successfully residents complete the new requirements.
For now, the state’s message to the approximately 10,400 residents who have not yet responded is simple: verify your eligibility before assuming your NJ FamilyCare coverage is gone.
Sources: New Jersey Department of Human Services; NJ FamilyCare; Get Covered New Jersey
By NJ RADAR Team