New Jersey Medicaid Income Limits 2026

Last Updated: February, 2026 | Source: NJ FamilyCare / New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS)

New Jersey Medicaid Income Limits in 2026

New Jersey Medicaid — officially called NJ FamilyCare — sets income limits based on your age, family size, and the type of care you need.

For 2026, a single adult can qualify with income as low as $1,800/month, while long-term care programs have separate caps starting at $2,982/month.

Knowing which program you fall under is the first step to getting covered.

Quick Summary: What This Article Covers

• Adults (19–64) qualify for NJ FamilyCare with income up to $1,800/month — no asset limit required
• Seniors and disabled individuals (ABD Medicaid) must earn under $1,330/month with assets at or below $4,000
• Nursing home applicants (MLTSS) face a $2,982/month income cap — a Miller Trust can help if you earn more
• Too much income? You may still qualify by spending down medical bills to the $367/month Medically Needy threshold
• Prescription help is available through PAAD for seniors earning up to $54,943/year — even if you don’t qualify for full Medicaid
• Apply free at NJHelps.gov or call 1-800-701-0710 — most decisions come within 45 days

2026 NJ Medicaid Income Limits at a Glance

New Jersey uses two income methods: MAGI (for most adults) and a fixed income cap (for seniors and long-term care). The table below shows all major program limits side by side.

Source: NJ FamilyCare / DMAHS Official Program Page

NJ FamilyCare Expansion for Adults (Ages 19–64)

This is the most common Medicaid program for working-age adults in New Jersey. It uses the MAGI method, which is based on your adjusted gross income from your federal tax return.

The good news? This program has no asset limit, so owning a car or having savings does not disqualify you.

Income Limits for Adults

• Single adult: $1,800/month (138% of the Federal Poverty Level)
• Married couple: $2,433/month combined

To fully understand who qualifies and what documents you need, review the complete guide to New Jersey Medicaid eligibility in 2026.

Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid 2026

ABD Medicaid covers New Jersey residents who are 65 or older, legally blind, or have a permanent disability. This group is not eligible for the MAGI expansion program.

Unlike the adult expansion program, ABD Medicaid has strict asset limits in addition to income caps.

ABD Income Limits

• Single applicant: $1,330/month
• Married couple: $1,803.33/month (combined)

ABD Asset Limits

What counts as an asset? Bank accounts, stocks, cash, and retirement accounts are all counted. However, these are generally exempt:

• Your primary home (if you live in it)
• One car used for transportation
• Irrevocable funeral trusts
• Certain Medicaid-compliant annuities

MLTSS: Long-Term Care and Nursing Home Medicaid 2026

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) is New Jersey’s program for people who need nursing home care or home-based health aide services. This program has the strictest rules of all NJ Medicaid programs.

The income cap is $2,982/month (gross). If you earn more than this, you are not automatically disqualified — but you will need a special planning tool called a Qualified Income Trust (QIT).

MLTSS Asset Limits

• Single applicant: $2,000
• Couple: $3,000

Spousal Protections (Community Spouse Rules)

When one spouse needs long-term care, the well spouse (called the “Community Spouse”) receives important financial protections:

The home equity exemption also applies regardless of value if a spouse, minor child, or disabled child lives in the home.

The 60-Month Look-Back Period

For MLTSS applicants, New Jersey reviews 5 years (60 months) of financial history before your application date.

If you gave away money or sold assets for less than fair market value during this period, you may face a penalty period — meaning Medicaid will not pay for your care for a certain number of months.

Do not transfer assets without speaking to a Medicaid planning attorney first.

Qualified Income Trust (QIT) — The Miller Trust

If your monthly income is above the $2,982 cap, you may still qualify for MLTSS by placing your excess income into a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also called a Miller Trust.

This is a legal tool that holds extra income each month, so it does not count against your eligibility. Most applicants need a lawyer to set one up correctly.

For a full breakdown of how fees and billing work once approved, see the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026.

Children and Pregnant Women: Higher Income Limits

New Jersey offers much more generous income thresholds for children and pregnant women to ensure these groups stay covered.

These programs cover basic health care, prenatal visits, deliveries, and well-child checkups.

2026 Income Limits for Children and Pregnant Women

Important notes:

• Children may qualify regardless of immigration status.
• Pregnant women are covered through 60 days postpartum.
• Newborns born to covered mothers are automatically enrolled.

Medically Needy Program: The Spend-Down Option

If your income is too high for regular Medicaid, you may still qualify through the Medically Needy program. This works through a process called a “spend-down.”

This option is especially useful for seniors and disabled individuals with moderate incomes who face large medical bills.

How the Spend-Down Works

• Income limit: $367/month (single applicant)
• Each month, you pay your own medical bills until your remaining income drops to $367
• Once you reach that threshold, Medicaid covers the remaining costs for that period

Example: If you earn $900/month, you must pay $533 in medical expenses. After that, Medicaid kicks in for the rest of the month.

PAAD and Senior Gold: Prescription Help for Seniors

These two programs help New Jersey seniors (65+) and disabled residents who earn too much for Medicaid but still struggle with prescription drug costs.

These are administered by the New Jersey Division of Taxation and are separate from NJ FamilyCare.

2026 Annual Income Limits

PAAD and Senior Gold do not have an asset limit for eligibility.

Source: NJ PAAD and Senior Gold Program

Income Limits Compared: How NJ Stacks Up

New Jersey is one of the more generous Medicaid states. Its 138% FPL limit for adults matches the ACA expansion standard, but its children’s coverage at 355% FPL is among the highest in the country.

To see how other states compare, check out our full guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.

How to Apply for NJ Medicaid in 2026

Applying is free and takes about 20–30 minutes online. Here is how:

1. Online: Visit NJHelps.gov — New Jersey’s official benefits portal
2. Phone: Call 1-800-701-0710 (NJ FamilyCare hotline)
3. In person: Visit your local county welfare agency
4. By mail: Download the paper application from the NJ FamilyCare website

Documents to have ready:

• Proof of identity (ID, passport, or birth certificate)
• Proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter)
• Social Security number(s)
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

Most decisions are made within 45 days (or 90 days for disability-based applications).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Information on this page reflects official 2026 figures effective January 1, 2026, from the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS). Always verify current limits at www.njfamilycare.org or call 1-800-701-0710.