Roughly one in five Garden State residents on NJ FamilyCare could see big changes under the newly signed law.
New Jersey’s 350,000 Medicaid recipients have just learned that the sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by former President Donald Trump on July 4, trims a staggering $1 trillion from the program nationwide. What does that mean for families who rely on NJ FamilyCare? Here’s the roadmap.
New work requirement will begin no sooner than January 2027 and no later than January 2029
The state Department of Human Services says every “able‑bodied” adult must clock 80 hours of work each month to stay covered. Students, full‑time caregivers and people with disabilities may ask for an exemption, yet many parents juggling part‑time gigs might still feel the pinch. Ready or not, employers and job‑training agencies are already bracing for the paperwork rush.
New Jersey expanded Medicaid to residents earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level—about $21,597 a year for a single adult—under the Affordable Care Act. Under the new federal law this “expansion” group faces a fresh eligibility check every six months starting in January 2027. Even if you clear that hurdle, expect larger co‑pays beginning in October 2028. How much more? State officials say precise dollar figures will be released after a federal guidance update later this year.
Earlier deadlines on retroactive coverage and cuts for some noncitizens arrive in 2026 and 2027
Starting October 2026, certain refugees, abused spouses and asylum grantees will lose access to NJ FamilyCare altogether. Then, in January 2027, retroactive coverage tightens to one month for expansion enrollees and two months for traditional recipients. Advocates warn that surprise hospital bills could soar if residents miss those shortened windows. Below is a quick reference table to keep key dates straight:
| Change | Takes effect | Who is affected |
|---|---|---|
| Work requirement (80 hours/month) | Jan 2027–Jan 2029 | Able‑bodied adults |
| Six‑month eligibility reviews | Jan 2027 | Expansion enrollees |
| Higher co‑pays/out‑of‑pocket | Oct 2028 | Expansion enrollees |
| Retroactive coverage cutback | Jan 2027 | All Medicaid groups |
| Noncitizen eligibility rollback | Oct 2026 | Certain refugees, asylum seekers |
Consequently, New Jersey hospitals face a projected $3.3 billion annual funding hit, while the state budget could shrink by $360 million a year. Nationwide, up to 12 million Americans may ultimately lose Medicaid, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and the federal deficit could still balloon by $3.4 trillion over the decade.
So, what should NJ FamilyCare members do right now? First, keep an eye on mail from the Department of Human Services—that envelope may contain your next renewal notice. Second, line up proof of income and work hours well before January 2027. Finally, if you think you might qualify for an exemption, contact your county Board of Social Services to start gathering the medical or caregiving documents you’ll need.
The calendar matters more than ever. Track the milestones above, respond quickly to state notices, and seek free enrollment help if paperwork gets confusing.