On September 1, 2008, the NJ FamilyCare program for free and low-cost health insurance expanded its income eligibility limit to 200% of the federal poverty level (fpl) for parents and caretakers of children under the age of 19. For 2009, this is $3,675 (gross income) a month for a family of four. The income limit is lower for a smaller family and increases if there are more household members. Children under the age of 19 are eligible with family income to 350% fpl ($6,432 a month for a family of four).*
Like most insurance coverage, NJ FamilyCare coverage must be renewed every 12 months. Depending on your family’s income, some families must also pay a small monthly premium. If your family pays a monthly premium and your income or family situation changes, you should contact NJ FamilyCare at once—you may be eligible for a lower premium or no premium at all. (As of July 1, 2009, there are no longer premiums for children in FamilyCare’s Plan C - family income between 150% and 200% fpl.) But you must renew on time and keep any monthly premiums up to date or you will be terminated from the program.
There are two very important reasons why you do not want to lose your NJ FamilyCare coverage if you do not have other health insurance. First, medical care for you and your children will no longer be covered. The cost of health care continues to increase, and it is unaffordable for most everyone without insurance. Health insurance coverage also pays for preventive care, such as physical exams and periodic screenings to help avoid serious illnesses from developing.
There is a second reason that is especially important for renewing your NJ FamilyCare coverage promptly. In hard economic times, the State has considered freezing enrollments for parents and caretakers to save money. If this happens, only parents and caretakers who are already enrolled in FamilyCare will be covered. Adults who have let their enrollment lapse would no longer be eligible. Be sure you don’t lose your own FamilyCare coverage because you did not renew your enrollment on time!
If you have minor children, you will be notified to renew as a family. NJ FamilyCare should send you a renewal form that is already printed with the information you have given them about everyone in your family who is covered by NJ FamilyCare and your current household income. You must look over this information carefully, correct any mistakes, sign the renewal form, and return it to NJ FamilyCare as soon as possible. Always remember to make a copy and save it, and to note the date you mailed it to NJ FamilyCare.
If you have any questions about your NJ FamilyCare coverage or about your renewal, contact NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710. If you have any question about whether your renewal has been received and processed, call FamilyCare immediately. If you need assistance or you think you have been terminated wrongly - or if you are having problems getting the health care you need - contact the Health Care Access Project for free help through LSNJ-LAW, Legal Services of New Jersey’s statewide, toll-free, legal hotline, at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)
* If you think you may be eligible for NJ FamilyCare coverage, please call 1-800-701-0710 or go to their Web site.
This information last reviewed 3/21/10. |
