Stay Covered. Stay Connected.
NJ Medicaid & NJ FamilyCare Rules Are Changing.
If you or a family member has health coverage through NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, changes beginning in 2026 and 2027may affect eligibility, renewal requirements, or what you need to do to maintain coverage.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is here to help you find reliable information and connect with resources.
These changes do not affect everyone. Your eligibility and requirements depend on your individual circumstances, and the State of New Jersey determines eligibility for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid.
What Are the New NJ Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare Changes?
New federal rules are changing certain NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements in New Jersey.
Some of the changes begin October 1, 2026, while additional requirements begin January 1, 2027.
The changes include:
- New eligibility rules that may affect some non-citizen immigrants
- New community engagement requirements for certain adults ages 19–64
- More frequent NJ FamilyCare renewals for some adults
Not everyone will be affected.
For the most current information, visit the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Important NJ FamilyCare Changes and Dates
October 1, 2026: Changes for Some Non-Citizen Immigrants
Beginning October 1, 2026, some non-citizen immigrants may no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid under new federal eligibility rules.
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and immigration status. Some non-citizens will continue to qualify.
If you receive NJ FamilyCare and receive a notice about your eligibility, read the notice carefully and respond by the deadline.
If you lose NJ FamilyCare coverage, you may have other health insurance options, including coverage through Get Covered New Jersey.
Learn more about federal Medicaid changes in New Jersey →
January 1, 2027: New Community Engagement Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, certain NJ FamilyCare members ages 19–64 may need to complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to maintain their coverage.
These are called community engagement requirements.
Qualifying activities may include:
- Working
- Self-employment
- Attending college or vocational school
- Participating in approved job training
- Volunteering
You may be able to combine different qualifying activities to reach the monthly requirement.
Some people will be exempt from the community engagement requirements based on their individual circumstances.
Do I have to work 80 hours a month to keep NJ Medicaid?
Not necessarily.
If the community engagement requirements apply to you, qualifying activities may include work, education, job training, or volunteering. Some people may also qualify for an exemption.
New Jersey’s official NJ FamilyCare Activity Requirements Checker can help you determine whether the requirements may apply to you.
Check Your NJ FamilyCare Requirements →
The Activity Requirements Checker is an informational tool. NJ FamilyCare makes the final determination about your eligibility and whether an activity qualifies.
Some NJ FamilyCare Members May Need More Frequent Renewals
Beginning in 2027, some adults may need to renew their NJ FamilyCare coverage every six months instead of once a year.
Being exempt from the community engagement requirement does not necessarily mean you are exempt from more frequent renewals.
NJ FamilyCare may send you a renewal packet, request for information, or other important notice.
Open every letter from NJ FamilyCare and respond by the deadline.
Failing to complete a renewal or provide requested information could result in a loss of coverage.
Could the New NJ Medicaid Rules Affect Me?
The new rules do not apply to everyone. You may want to learn more if:
You are 19–64 and enrolled in NJ FamilyCare
You may be affected by the new community engagement requirements beginning January 1, 2027.
You are a non-citizen enrolled in NJ FamilyCare
Your eligibility may be affected beginning October 1, 2026, depending on your immigration status and other circumstances.
You received a renewal notice from NJ FamilyCare
Don’t wait. Read the notice and complete your renewal or provide the requested information by the deadline.
You haven’t received a notice
Make sure NJ FamilyCare has your current address, phone number and other contact information so you can receive important notices.
You’re not sure whether the new rules apply to you
That’s okay.
Use New Jersey’s official resources or contact NJ FamilyCare directly at 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711).
What Can I Do Now to Keep My NJ FamilyCare Coverage?
Taking a few simple steps can help you avoid an interruption in coverage.
1. Update your contact information
Make sure NJ FamilyCare has your current:
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address, if applicable
NJ FamilyCare Customer Service:
1-800-701-0710
TTY: 711
2. Watch your mail
Look for letters from NJ FamilyCare about your eligibility, renewal, or requested information.
Open every letter and respond by the deadline.
3. Complete your renewal
Even if you think you may no longer qualify, complete your renewal or application.
New Jersey will determine whether you remain eligible or whether another coverage option may be available.
4. Keep documentation
If the community engagement requirements apply to you, keep records of your qualifying activities.
Depending on the activity, documentation may include:
- Pay stubs
- School enrollment records
- Training records
- Volunteer-hour records
5. Watch for Medicaid scams
NJ FamilyCare does not charge members to apply for or renew coverage.
Be cautious of anyone asking for money, banking information, or credit card information to renew your Medicaid coverage.
Can Volunteering Help Meet NJ FamilyCare Requirements?
For people who are subject to the community engagement requirements, volunteering may be one way to meet the monthly activity requirement.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center offers volunteer opportunities at our Paramus campus, where volunteers support patients, families, staff and the Medical Center.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, our Volunteer Services team can provide information about available opportunities and how to get involved.
Explore Volunteer Opportunities at Bergen New Bridge
1. Find an opportunity
Explore available volunteer positions through Bergen New Bridge Volunteer Services.
2. Ask about your hours
If you need documentation of your volunteer hours for NJ FamilyCare, ask Volunteer Services about documenting your service.
3. Keep your records
Save documentation of your volunteer activities and the hours you complete.
4. Confirm that your activity qualifies
Not every volunteer activity necessarily qualifies toward the NJ FamilyCare community engagement requirement.
Use New Jersey’s NJ FamilyCare Activity Requirements Checker or contact NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711) to confirm.
Important: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center can provide volunteer opportunities and documentation of your service. NJ FamilyCare determines whether your specific volunteer activity qualifies toward the Medicaid community engagement requirement.
Explore Volunteer Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center →
Check Your NJ FamilyCare Requirements →
Need Help With NJ FamilyCare?
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Can Connect You With Resources
If you’re a Bergen New Bridge Medical Center patient and have questions about NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, our team can help you find reliable information and connect you with available resources.
Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare Assistance
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is listed by the State of New Jersey as a community organization that has received NJ FamilyCare training and can assist members with renewal questions.
Email: PFS@newbridgehealth.org
Phone: 201-967-4114
For questions about your specific eligibility, renewal status, or application, contact NJ FamilyCare directly:
1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711)
Official NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid Resources
For the most current information about NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid, use official New Jersey resources.
NJ FamilyCare
Apply for coverage, manage your NJ FamilyCare information, and learn about your benefits.
Visit NJ FamilyCare →
Stay Covered NJ
Get information about NJ FamilyCare renewals, eligibility reviews and coverage changes.
Visit Stay Covered NJ →
Federal Medicaid Changes
Learn about new federal requirements, eligibility changes and who may be affected.
Learn More About NJ FamilyCare Federal Changes →
NJ FamilyCare Activity Requirements Checker
Find out whether the new community engagement requirements may apply to you.
Check Your Requirements →
Get Covered New Jersey
If you lose NJ FamilyCare coverage, you may qualify for health insurance through New Jersey’s official marketplace. Financial assistance may also be available.
Visit Get Covered New Jersey →
NJHelps
Use New Jersey’s screening tool to learn about NJ FamilyCare and other assistance programs.
Visit NJHelps →
Keep Your Coverage. Keep Your Care.
Losing health coverage can make it harder to get medications, see your doctor and receive the care you need.
Don’t wait for a coverage problem to happen. Take action now.
- Update your information
- Watch for NJ FamilyCare mail
- Respond to renewal notices
- Keep records of qualifying activities
- Ask questions if you’re unsure
- Use official New Jersey resources
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is here to help you find reliable information and connect you with resources.
Stay Covered. Stay Connected.
Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Medicaid Changes
When do the new NJ Medicaid rules take effect?
Some changes begin October 1, 2026, while new community engagement requirements for certain adults begin January 1, 2027.
Who has to complete the 80-hour NJ Medicaid requirement?
Certain NJ FamilyCare members ages 19–64 may need to complete 80 hours per month of qualifying community engagement activities. Some people are exempt.
Can volunteering count toward the NJ FamilyCare 80-hour requirement?
Volunteering may qualify as a community engagement activity for people who are subject to the requirement. However, NJ FamilyCare determines whether a specific activity qualifies.
Will everyone on NJ FamilyCare have to work 80 hours a month?
No. The community engagement requirements do not apply to everyone. Some people may qualify for an exemption, and qualifying activities can include education, job training, work and volunteering.
Will NJ FamilyCare renewals change?
Some adults may need to renew their NJ FamilyCare coverage every six months instead of annually beginning in 2027.
Who determines whether I qualify for NJ FamilyCare?
The State of New Jersey determines NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid eligibility. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center can provide information and connect patients with resources, but we do not determine eligibility.
Where can I get help with NJ FamilyCare?
You can contact NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711) or use the official New Jersey resources listed on this page. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center can also help patients find reliable information and resources.
Information Disclaimer
Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and is based on current New Jersey guidance. NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid rules can change. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center does not determine eligibility for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid.
For the most current information or to determine whether you qualify, contact NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711) or visit the official New Jersey resources listed above.
