Published: November 14, 2025 | Last Updated: November 14, 2025
New Jersey Medicaid income limits for 2025 are $1,800 per month for a single adult. This equals $21,600 per year. Families of four can earn up to $3,698 monthly and still qualify for NJ FamilyCare coverage.
The state updated these limits on January 1, 2025. They follow federal poverty guidelines released in January 2025. New Jersey uses the 138% Federal Poverty Level standard for most adults ages 19-64.
Quick Facts About NJ Medicaid Income Limits:
- Single adults qualify with income up to $1,800/month ($21,600/year)
- Two-person households qualify at $2,433/month ($29,196/year)
- Four-person households qualify at $3,698/month ($44,376/year)
- No asset limits for ACA Medicaid expansion programs
- Pregnant women have higher income limits at 205% FPL
- Over 550,000 working adults are enrolled through ACA expansion
Check if you qualify for New Jersey Medicaid using the official NJ FamilyCare eligibility tool. You can also compare Medicaid income limits across all states to see how New Jersey ranks.
What Are the 2025 NJ Medicaid Income Limits?
New Jersey Medicaid uses different income limits for different groups. Most working adults fall under ACA expansion rules.
Adults Ages 19-64 (ACA Expansion)
The income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Here are the exact monthly limits:
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,800 | $21,600 |
| 2 people | $2,433 | $29,196 |
| 3 people | $3,065 | $36,780 |
| 4 people | $3,698 | $44,376 |
| 5 people | $4,330 | $51,960 |
| 6 people | $4,963 | $59,556 |
Add $633 per month for each person beyond six.
These limits apply to most adults without disabilities. You do not need to have children to qualify. New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Source: NJ Department of Human Services Income Chart
Who Qualifies for Higher Income Limits?
Some groups can earn more and still get Medicaid coverage.
Pregnant Women and New Parents
Pregnant women qualify at 205% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is much higher than standard limits.
2025 Income Limits for Pregnant Women:
- 1 person: $2,674/month
- 2 people: $3,614/month
- 3 people: $4,553/month
- 4 people: $5,493/month
Coverage continues for 12 months after giving birth. You do not lose benefits right after delivery.
Children Under Age 19
Children have the highest income limits in New Jersey. The state offers tiered coverage through CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Income limits for children reach up to 355% of FPL. Even families with good incomes may qualify. The lowest tier starts at 147% FPL.
Seniors and Disabled Adults
Adults age 65 and older qualify under different rules. So do people with disabilities who receive SSI.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Income Limits:
- Single person: $1,305/month ($15,660/year)
- Married couple: $1,763/month
- Asset limit: $4,000 (single) or $6,000 (couple)
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically qualify. New Jersey enrolls SSI recipients in Medicaid right away.
Source: NJ ABD Medicaid Requirements
What Income Counts for NJ Medicaid?
New Jersey uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility. This method counts most types of income.
Income That Counts:
- Wages from jobs
- Self-employment earnings
- Social Security benefits (taxable portion)
- Unemployment compensation
- Interest and dividends
- Alimony received
Income That Does Not Count:
- Child support payments
- Veterans benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Most needs-based assistance
New Jersey verifies income using IRS tax returns and pay stubs. The state checks electronic databases to confirm your earnings. You may need to provide recent pay stubs covering 4-5 weeks.
Source: NJ Medicaid Verification Plan
Do Assets Matter for NJ Medicaid?
Good news: Most adults do not face asset limits.
ACA Medicaid expansion programs do not count savings, homes, or cars. You can own property and still qualify. Only your monthly income matters.
Asset limits only apply to:
- Aged, Blind, and Disabled programs ($4,000 single / $6,000 couple)
- Long-term care and nursing home coverage ($2,000 single / $3,000 couple)
- Medically Needy pathway ($4,000 single / $6,000 couple)
Your primary home does not count as an asset. One car per household is also exempt. Wedding rings and burial plots are protected too.
How Do I Apply for NJ FamilyCare?
You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
Three Ways to Apply:
- Online: Visit NJFamilyCare.org and complete the application
- By Phone: Call 1-800-701-0710 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM)
- In Person: Visit your county Board of Social Services office
Documents You May Need:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license or birth certificate)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns
- Proof of residency (utility bill or lease)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Emergency Medicaid may be approved faster. You can get coverage while your application is pending if you meet all requirements.
Source: Official NJ FamilyCare Application
What Are the 2026 Changes to NJ Medicaid?
Important Update: Major changes are coming to Medicaid starting in 2026.
Work Requirements (Effective December 31, 2026)
Adults ages 19-64 will need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month. This comes from federal law H.R. 1 signed in July 2025.
Who Must Meet Work Requirements:
- Working-age adults (19-64) in ACA expansion
- People without disabilities
- Non-pregnant adults
Who Is Exempt:
- Pregnant women and new parents (up to 1 year postpartum)
- Parents with children age 13 or younger
- Former foster youth (up to age 26)
- People determined medically frail
You must verify your work hours every 6 months. New Jersey will send re-certification notices. Missing deadlines could end your coverage.
Estimated Impact: Up to 300,000 New Jersey residents may lose coverage due to paperwork issues. About 50,000 adults could lose benefits if they cannot document work hours.
Immigration Eligibility Changes (Effective October 1, 2026)
Coverage will end for many immigrants. Only lawful permanent residents, refugees, and specific groups will qualify.
This change affects 15,000-25,000 New Jersey residents. Emergency Medicaid will have reduced federal funding.
Shorter Retroactive Coverage (Effective January 1, 2027)
Currently, Medicaid covers medical bills from up to 3 months before you applied. This will drop to 1-2 months.
Apply as soon as you think you qualify. Do not wait if you need coverage.
How Does NJ Medicaid Compare to Other States?
New Jersey is one of 40 states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. The state covers all adults up to 138% FPL.
States Without Expansion:
Ten states have not expanded Medicaid. Adults in those states face much lower income limits or cannot get coverage at all.
New Jersey’s income limits are more generous than non-expansion states. Over 550,000 working adults have coverage because of expansion.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation Medicaid Expansion Map
What If My Income Is Too High?
If you earn slightly above the Medicaid limit, you have options.
Affordable Care Act Marketplace
People earning 138%-400% of FPL qualify for subsidized health insurance. Visit HealthCare.gov to compare plans.
You may get tax credits to lower monthly premiums. Some plans have low or no deductibles.
Spend-Down Program
The Medically Needy pathway helps people with high medical bills. You “spend down” excess income on medical costs.
Income Limits for Medically Needy:
- Single person: $367/month
- Married couple: $434/month
- Asset limit: $4,000 (single) or $6,000 (couple)
The spend-down period is 6 months. You must show medical bills equal to the difference between your income and the limit.
Key Takeaways
New Jersey Medicaid provides health coverage to nearly 20% of state residents. Income limits are generous for most adults.
Remember These Points:
- Single adults qualify at $1,800/month in 2025
- No asset limits for ACA expansion programs
- Pregnant women and children have higher limits
- Work requirements start December 31, 2026
- Apply early to avoid coverage gaps
Check your eligibility and apply at NJFamilyCare.org today. The application is free and your information stays private.
For questions, call the NJ FamilyCare hotline at 1-800-701-0710. Assistance is available in multiple languages Monday through Friday.
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