Why this is happening: the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)
New federal rules, signed into law by President Trump, are changing who qualifies for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid based on immigration status. Some lawfully present noncitizens will no longer qualify for coverage after September 30, 2026, even if they had Medicaid for years under previous federal rules.
Most non-citizens enrolled in NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid will not be impacted. Children and pregnant people will remain eligible, regardless of immigration status. To see which immigration statuses still qualify for Medicaid, visit the NJ Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services subpage here: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/obbba/noncitizen.shtml.
What to expect
NJ FamilyCare will mail a “Non-citizen Initial Letter” in July 2026 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.
For anyone who does not qualify under the new rules, NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid coverage will end on September 30, 2026. Coverage will remain fully active through that date — you should continue to use it for doctor visits, prescriptions, and any other healthcare services until then.
If you submit documents and NJ FamilyCare cannot finish reviewing them before September 30, your coverage will stay active until the review is complete. You will receive a letter with the outcome once a decision is made.
How to act
Update your address now so the letter reaches you. Update your address at: https://dmahs-nj.my.site.com/addressupdate/.
If you receive a notice, submit your documents through HMS.
NJ FamilyCare has partnered with HMS, a Texas-based company, to collect and process immigration and citizenship documents for this review. When you receive your letter, it will include a response form and instructions.
The process for document submission is as follows:
Step 1: Complete the form included with your letter.
Step 2: Gather copies of your documents. Do not send originals. Submit as many documents as possible — more documentation helps NJ FamilyCare verify your status faster. An Immigration Document Guide listing accepted documents for each qualifying category is available in multiple languages at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/obbba/noncitizen.shtml.
Step 3: Submit your documents. Documents can be submitted in three ways:
- Online (preferred) — Upload at www.VerifyOS.com. Log in with your reference number (top-right corner of your letter) and date of birth.
- Fax — Fax documents directly to HMS at +1 877-223-8478
- Mail — Mail copies of documents to PO Box 165308, Irving, TX 75016-9923. Please allow 3-5 business days for receipt.
You can also have a trusted person — a family member, lawyer, or community advocate — help you respond or submit documents. You do not have to pay someone to help you. Help from Legal Services of New Jersey is available by phone at 1-833-576-5776 (TTY: 711) for free. You can also contact Trenton Health Team by calling 609-256-4010.
If you think you should have received a Non-citizen Initial Letter but did not, call the HMS hotline at 1-833-635-7060 (TTY: 711) to find out if one was sent. You can also call the HMS hotline for another copy if you lost your letter. Don’t wait. Submit as soon as possible after receiving your letter. After submitting, allow at least 30 days for NJ FamilyCare to complete its review. You will receive a letter notifying your eligibility or requesting more documentation.
NJ FamilyCare will never charge you to submit documents.
Get help
HMS — questions about your letter or how to submit your documents
1-833-635-7060 (TTY: 711)
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ HealthLine) — questions about understanding eligibility or assistance documenting your status
1-833-576-5776 (TTY: 711) www.lsnjlawhotline.org
Health Benefits Coordinator Call Center — questions about your health benefits
1-800-701-0710 (TTY:711)
For more information, visit: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/obbba/noncitizen.shtml.