The New Jersey state program FamilyCare provides affordable health care to kids and low-income parents. The care can be free or may require a small monthly premium, depending on the income level of the family. As of March 1, 2010, budget cuts to the program have forced New Jersey to make changes in eligibility requirements.
Changes Since March 2010
Income requirements have been lowered from previous years. If you are currently enrolled and fail to pay your premiums or do not renew when required, you may not be able to enroll. If your family does not have legal permanent residence status for at least five years, you can no longer be enrolled in the FamilyCare program.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the New Jersey FamilyCare program is dependent on several factors. Children must be 18 years or younger, and income requirements must be met for the family size. The income level is 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, if a family of four has an income of less than $6,432, they could be eligible. Family size is determined by all members of the family, including children up to the age of 21, who live in the household. If a family makes more than this amount, then it can purchase health care through the NJ FamilyCare Advantage program. If a child has been insured in the past, the insurance must have been lapsed for at least three months before the family can apply.
Payments
In many cases, it will not cost anything to be a member of the FamilyCare program. However, there are some cases where there is a small premium based upon the income of the family. Depending upon the monthly income of the family, the premium could be as much as $133 monthly or as little as $40 per month, as of August 2010.
Coverage
The FamilyCare program covers many health care needs. Doctors' visits, eyeglasses, vision and dental exams are covered. Mental health programs are also covered, as are lab tests and X-rays. Hospitalizations and regular checkups are also covered benefits.
How It Works
Once the application is received online or in the mail, the FamilyCare program will evaluate it to see what the child is eligible for and if there will be any costs associated with his coverage. Then the family will be able to choose a health care provider from a list of providers. There are at least three to four HMOs to choose from.
Member Comments