Ten Things To Know About Children’s Health Insurance Program In New Jersey
by: Begley Law Group
- Benefit. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in New Jersey provides health insurance to eligible children under age 19. It is part of New Jersey FamilyCare. Eligible children can receive this benefit regardless of immigration status. It offers free or low-cost coverage for families with incomes up to 355% of the federal poverty level and adults with up to 138% of the federal poverty level. The benefit includes doctor visits, vaccinations, dental, vision, prescriptions, and mental health services. There is no monthly premium for CHIP, but there is a copayment of $5 to $35.
- Income Limit. Income varies with family size. A family of one can have income of $4,722 per month. A family of four, the income limit is $9,763 per month. A family of six can have income up to $13,124 per month, and for each additional family member, the income limit is $1,681 per month.
- Resource Limit. There is no resource limit for CHIP, but if resources are invested and produces income, the investment income would be counted as income.
- Deeming. There is deeming from each household member. It is based on household size.
- Transfer of Asset Penalty. There is no transfer of asset penalty.
- Lookback Period. There is no lookback period.
- Penalty Calculation. There is no penalty calculation for transfer of assets.
- Who Can Collect? Individuals who can collect are children age 18 and under. A U.S. citizen, national, or qualified alien. (This may change in the Fall of 2026.) The individual must be uninsured and not eligible for any other form of Medicaid, and must be a resident of New Jersey.
- Special Needs Trust. A Special Needs Trust may be required, if the income limit would be exceeded. Typical reasons for the need for a Special Needs Trust include an inheritance or a personal injury recovery.
- Determination of Disability. No determination of disability is required.