New Jersey Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in New Jersey.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
New Jersey Department of Human Services - Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
Processing Time
30-45 days for standard Medicaid; GOLTC enrollment can occur quickly once Medicaid is approved (often within 30 days). New Jersey has relatively efficient processing compared to other large states.
New Jersey Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in New Jersey, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). New Jersey follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$4,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$6,000
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
New Jersey Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $12,456/month average (semi-private), $13,667/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in New Jersey).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in New Jersey
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in New Jersey once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $12,456/month average (semi-private), $13,667/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Global Options - Assisted Living Services / Assisted Living Residence (ALR) Medicaid: New Jersey covers assisted living through both GOLTC managed care and the Assisted Living Residence Medicaid benefit. Medicaid pays for personal care services, medication administration, care coordination, and some supportive services in licensed assisted living residences. Room and board costs are NOT covered—residents pay housing costs (approximately $1,500-2,500/month) from their income while Medicaid covers care services.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
New Jersey offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Global Options for Long-Term Care (GOLTC)
New Jersey's comprehensive managed long-term services and supports program serving individuals age 21+ who meet nursing facility level of care. Includes all waiver services through managed care organizations: adult day health, assisted living services, case management, home-delivered meals, home modifications, personal care, respite care, private duty nursing, and more. Over 50,000 participants statewide—one of the largest MLTSS programs nationally.
Program Details →Community Care Program (CCP)
Fee-for-service waiver program for those not enrolled in managed care. Similar services to GOLTC including adult day care, assistive technology, care management, environmental modifications, home-delivered meals, homemaker, personal care, respite, and transportation.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in New Jersey
New Jersey Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for standard Medicaid; GOLTC enrollment can occur quickly once Medicaid is approved (often within 30 days). New Jersey has relatively efficient processing compared to other large states.. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in New Jersey through:
- Online at NJFamilyCare.org or NJ OneApp system
- Phone: 1-800-701-0710 (NJ FamilyCare hotline)
- Download application and mail to: Middlesex County Board of Social Services, P.O. Box 509, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 (centralized processing)
- In-person at County Board of Social Services office (21 county offices)
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in New Jersey from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
New Jersey-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (SLMB/QI/QDWI)
SLMB pays Medicare Part B premiums. QI pays Part B premiums (limited funding). QDWI pays Part A premiums for working disabled individuals. Note: QMB (full Medicare cost-sharing) is automatically included with Medicaid in NJ.
Learn MorePharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
State-funded prescription assistance for seniors age 65+ and disabled adults with income below $42,000 (single) or $58,000 (couple). $5 copay per prescription.
Learn MoreSenior Gold Prescription Discount Program
For those with income too high for PAAD but below $75,000 (single) or $100,000 (couple). Provides significant prescription discounts.
Learn MoreNeed Help with New Jersey Medicaid?
Contact New Jersey Department of Human Services - Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-800-356-1561Application Helpline
1-800-701-0710