While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory.
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The New Jersey state CHIP program is called NJ FamilyCare. It is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). For more information about NJ FamilyCare, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in New Jersey for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for NJ FamilyCare, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the NJ FamilyCare Information Line at 1 (800) 701-0710 or review the New Jersey CHIP brochure here.
To qualify for CHIP in New Jersey, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on New Jersey’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
Depending on your gross household income, your premium may be $0 to $151.50 per month, regardless of how many children you have enrolled in the program.
When your child receives covered medical services, your copay will be $5 to $10 except for emergency services. Your copay for emergency visits may be up to $35.
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in New Jersey, visit the NJ FamilyCare fact sheet here. Or call the NJ FamilyCare Information Line at 1 (800) 701-0710.
Before applying for NJ FamilyCare, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through the NJ FamilyCare Portal here.
To apply for CHIP in person, click here to find your nearest County Welfare Office location.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call 1 (800) 701-0710.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP after your application has been processed. If approved for CHIP, you will be sent instructions to enroll in a health plan with one of the available providers.
For more information about what happens after you apply for NJ FamilyCare, you can contact the NJ FamilyCare Information Line at 1 (800) 701-0710.
If you do not agree with the New Jersey Department of Health’s decision to deny your CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal within 60 days of when you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
To file an appeal, you must complete the External Appeal Application that will be included in your determination letter. You cannot apply for an appeal over the phone. If you no longer have your determination letter, you can contact the NJ FamilyCare Information Line for further assistance at 1 (800) 701-0710.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the NJ FamilyCare Information Line at 1 (800) 701-0710
If you have any further questions about NJ FamilyCare or CHIP, call the NJ FamilyCare Information Line at 1 (800) 701-0710.
You can also contact your local New Jersey County Welfare Office for assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
Services are available Monday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
