Starting Oct. 1, a change in federal rules puts about 25,000 noncitizens who legally reside in New Jersey at risk of losing Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) eligibility. Those affected include victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, people admitted for humanitarian reasons, and refugees. Many categories, including children and pregnant women, will keep their eligibility. Affected individuals will be notified by mail, and those who do not respond to requests to verify eligibility may be dropped from coverage.
Starting Oct. 1, Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) eligibility requirements will change in New Jersey. Because of a change in federal rules, about 25,000 noncitizens who legally reside in the state are at risk of losing their health coverage.
Those affected include victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, people admitted for humanitarian reasons, and refugees. State health officials have expressed concern because these are people who are in the country legally, not undocumented immigrants. Another change is scheduled for early 2027.
Children and Pregnant Women Keep Coverage… Checking Your Mail Is Key
All children and pregnant women will keep their eligibility. Several other noncitizen categories will also remain eligible. However, because it is hard for people to tell on their own which group they fall into, they should be sure to open any mail notices from the state and respond to eligibility verification requests by the deadline. Those who do not respond may be dropped from coverage even if they are eligible.
Those who lose eligibility can buy a plan through Get Covered NJ, the state's health insurance marketplace. With subsidies, some plans start at around $10 a month. A special enrollment period will be open from October through December, so it is important not to miss it.
This is not someone else's problem: some Korean American families, such as those of international students or people staying in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds, may be affected. If English-language paperwork is a burden, it is safer to get help through the insurance counseling services of local Korean community organizations or other trusted community institutions. When you are unsure, doing nothing is the riskiest choice.