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What Is Needed to Apply for New Jersey Medicaid?

With the assistance of federal funds, New Jersey's Medicaid program provides health insurance to qualifying persons through the state's Department of Human Services. Applicants seeking to qualify for Medicaid in New Jersey must satisfy certain residency, citizenship and financial requirements and fall into one of three categories: families with children; aged 65 or older; blind or the permanently disabled or women who are pregnant. New Jersey residents can apply at their County Welfare Agency.

  1. Basic Applicant Requirements

    • As a preliminary matter, an applicant for New Jersey's Medicaid must independently satisfy three requirements to be eligible. First the applicant must be a resident of New Jersey. Second, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Generally, post-1996 immigrants are barred from receiving Medicaid benefits for five years, although they may be eligible for other services in New Jersey. Finally, applicants must demonstrate financial need.

    Suggested Documentation

    • New Jersey has provided examples of documentation that can assist Medicaid applicants in the processing of their application. To verify age, the applicant should provide some form of government-issued ID (such as a drivers license, state ID or a US passport). To prove citizenship, the applicant should provide a US passport, birth certificate, adoption papers or an alien registration card. Because a spouse's resources are counted for certain Medicaid programs, the applicant should also bring a marriage certificate or, if applicable, a divorce decree.

    Families with Children

    • Low income parents and their children may be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain income requirements. For example, as of January 2011, a parent may be eligible for Medicaid if the household income is $2,444 per month for a family of four. Children age 18 and younger may be eligible for Medicaid if the household income income is $6,432 per month and their family consists of four people.

    Proof of Income

    • In order to prove monthly income, New Jersey requires that applicants provide documentation such as recent pay stubs, disability and/or unemployment checks or Social Security checks. In addition, applicants are permitted to have $2,000 in resources ($4,000 if married). Proof of resources requires copies of documents such as bank statements, CDs, brokerage account statements and retirement account information. For each financial account maintained by the applicant, documentation for the last three months must be furnished to the state.

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