This is an informational notice regarding changes to the eligibility rules for non-citizen adults under NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), effective October 1, 2026.
 

1. Key Changes

• Effective Date: October 1, 2026

• Impact: Some lawfully present non-citizen adults will lose their NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid health

coverage.

• Exception (No Change): Children (under age 19) will continue to remain eligible as long as

they meet income requirements, regardless of their immigration status.

2. Non-Citizen Adults Who Will Continue to Qualify After October 1

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs):

  • ​Have held LPR status (green card) for at least 5 years.

  • Adjusted to LPR status less than 5 years ago, but have a combined total of at least 5

  • years in any qualified status.

  • Individuals in the following groups who have adjusted status to Lawful Permanent

  • Resident (green card): refugees, asylees, certified victims of human trafficking and their
    immediate families, veterans/active-duty military and their dependents, Amerasians,
    Iraqi/Afghan special immigrants or parolees, Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (paroled
    between Feb 24, 2022, and Sept 30, 2024), and individuals whose deportation is being
    withheld.​

• Cuban or Haitian Entrants

• COFA Migrants: Individuals from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau

• Lawfully present pregnant adults and children/youth up to age 21

​​

3. Non-Citizen Adults Who Will No Longer Be Eligible as of October 1

• Temporary Humanitarian Parolees (including those paroled into the U.S. for one year or

more)

• Individuals in the following categories who HAVE NOT adjusted to Lawful Permanent

Resident (green card) status:​

o Refugees, asylees, and certified victims of human trafficking and their families
o Iraqi and Afghan parolees, and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
o Veterans or active-duty military and their dependents
o Individuals whose deportation is being withheld and domestic violence victims applying
under VAWA

​

4. Alternatives and Options If You Lose Eligibility

• Get Covered NJ (NJ’s Health Insurance Marketplace): Shop for coverage and apply for

financial assistance at nj.gov/getcoverednj.

• NJSPCP (NJ Supplemental Prenatal and Contraceptive Program): Provides prenatal care

and family planning services for adults (19 and older) ineligible due to immigration status.
(Apply through a participating hospital or FQHC.)

• MEPP (Medical Emergency Payment Program): Covers emergency services, including labor

and delivery. (Apply through the hospital or your County Social Services Agency within 3
months of the emergency.)

• FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers): Provide low-cost primary care based on

income. Search at healthapps.nj.gov/fhs/cphc/cphcSearch.aspx.

5. Important Reminders and Free Legal Assistance

• If you currently have coverage, continue using your health insurance and keep your scheduled

appointments until you receive an official notice.

• If you receive a letter and have questions or need assistance, Legal Services of New Jersey

(LSNJ) provides free legal advice and representation.
o LSNJ Helpline: 1-833-576-5776
o Website: www.LSNJLAW.org