Medicaid for Children

Medicaid Under 18

Medicaid provides health insurance to children with disabilities that meet certain criteria. NJ FamilyCare is the name of NJ’s Medicaid.

How can my child qualify for Medicaid:

• If your child qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they will automatically qualify for Medicaid. No additional paperwork is required.
• Your child may qualify without SSI, if the parents’ income and assets are below a certain level. The Aged, Blind, Disabled Program (ABD) covers individuals with disabilities but has income and resource limits. See link for more information: state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/abd/ABD_Overview.pdf 
• Obtain a Medicaid waiver - A Medicaid waiver would waive the family income and asset requirements for children that meet the medical requirements.
• Split Application Medicaid: If your child has a sibling without a disability, your child may qualify for Split Application Medicaid. See the Split Application Medicaid page for more info.

What is the Medicaid waiver for children: Managed Long Term Service and Supports (MLTSS). It provides private duty nursing and other health care and support. To qualify, the child must have medical needs that meet the nursing home level of care.

For more information, see:

- https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/home/mltss.html

- Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

How to apply for MLTSS:

Contact the Division of Disabilities Services (DDS) at 1-888-285-3036 and look to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist.

What happens if your child qualifies for Medicaid: You will need to pick a Managed Care Organization (MCO). NJ FamilyCare has five participating MCOs. If you do not select an MCO, it will be assigned to you. Your child should also be assigned a Care Manager that will assist with your child’s needs.