Starting in Fall 2026, federal changes to Medicaid included in HR1, also known as OBBA, will go into effect. In New Jersey, this will impact eligibility for NJ FamilyCare and the requirements for maintaining coverage.
What’s Changing?
Limited eligibility para immigrants
Beginning October 1, 2026, some immigrants will no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare will mail a “Non-citizen Initial Letter” to every member whose records do not clearly confirm they qualify under the new rules. If you get one of these letters, it does not necessarily mean your coverage is ending — NJ FamilyCare just needs more information from you. But if you do not respond, your coverage will end on September 30, 2026.
To see which immigration statuses still qualify for Medicaid, visit the NJ Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services subpage.
New work reporting and redetermination requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, certain adults aged 19 to 64 will have to work, volunteer, or go to school to keep their coverage or qualify for NJ FamilyCare.
These members must also renew their coverage every 6 months (instead of every 12 months). Some of these adults will be exempt from the work reporting requirement but they may still have to renew their coverage every 6 months.
