Medicaid, a national and state-funded program, offers low-cost or free health care to Americans of any age who qualify. NJ FamilyCare Aged Blind and Disabled Programs, a division of the NJ Department of Human Services, administers Medicaid in New Jersey.
To qualify for Medicaid in New Jersey, single seniors who are permanent residents and United States citizens or qualified Immigrants must have a monthly income that’s equal to or less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level of $1,012. Medicaid considers income from all sources, including wages, pensions, alimony, SSI payments and interest from investments. Resources are capped at $4,000 for individuals, and couples can earn no more than $1,372 per month and must possess a maximum of $6,000 or less in resources.
Resources are considered in a similar way to income in that all possible sources are counted when determining eligibility. IRAs, bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, real estate, and stocks and bonds are some, but not all, of the countable resources. Assets excluded include personal belongings, an automobile, irrevocable burial trusts and the primary residence, provided that the applicant or spouse resides there and it’s valued at $878,000 or less.
Long-Term Services and Supports
LTSS are available for seniors who qualify for Medicaid and wish to remain in their homes or communities, such as an assisted living facility. In addition to meeting Medicaid criteria described above, applicants must require assistance with three or more activities of daily living, such as self-care, bathing or meal preparation. This clinical eligibility is determined by the Division of Aging Services, while financial eligibility, which at $2,250 is slightly higher than the Medicaid cap, is determined through the local County Welfare Agency.
To learn more about New Jersey Medicaid or LTSS, seniors can call (800) 356-1561 or go online to the NJ FamilyCare Aged Blind and Disabled Programs page to complete and submit an application. Completed applications may also be brought to the Middlesex County Board of Social Services.