Pregnancy Medicaid

Medicaid for pregnant women is administered by each individual state, and New Jersey’s pregnancy Medicaid is operated as follows:

NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid provides essential health insurance to pregnant women residing in New Jersey. This program ensures that expectant mothers have access to the medical care necessary for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Benefits cover all medical costs for the mother’s health from early pregnancy through the first year after childbirth.

Eligibility

  • Residency: current residents of New Jersey.
  • Immigration Status: U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. (DACA not eligible)
  • Income Limit: Total household income at or below 205% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Income Limit (2026)

*For pregnant women, the fetus is included in the household size (e.g., a single pregnant woman is considered a 2-person household)

Household Size
(Including Fetus)
Monthly Income LimitAnnual Income Limit
2 Persons
(1 pregnant individual)
$3,697$44,362
3 Persons$4,668$56,006
4 Persons$5,639$67,650
Each Add'l+ $971+ $11,644

Benefits and Extension of Care

NJ FamilyCare provides comprehensive medical services throughout all stages of pregnancy to ensure healthy childbirth and postpartum recovery.

Major Medical Coverage

Service CategoryDetailed Coverage Content
Prenatal CareRegular checkups, ultrasounds, genetic testing, prenatal vitamins, prenatal education
Delivery and BirthVaginal delivery, C-section, epidurals, all hospital inpatient fees, newborn care
Postpartum CarePost-birth checkups, breastfeeding counseling, mental health (postpartum depression) support
Other Essential BenefitsPrescription drugs, dental care, vision care, specialist visits, mental health and substance abuse treatment

Postpartum Extension

Pregnancy Medicaid recipients maintain their insurance eligibility for 12 months (365 days) after childbirth, regardless of changes in income.
  • Extension Period: Coverage is provided for 12 months from the date of childbirth or the end of the pregnancy. (including miscarriage and stillbirth)
  • Maintenance of Benefits: All comprehensive benefits received during pregnancy remain identical during the postpartum period.
  • Automatic Renewal: Once approved under the pregnancy category, coverage continues for one year postpartum without a separate income redetermination.

Special Support for Older and High-Risk Pregnancies

Starting in 2026, additional monitoring and care management services for older pregnant women and high-risk pregnancy groups have been strengthened. Care management services for high-risk pregnant women are provided through MCOs (Managed Care Organizations).

OB/GYN Assignment and First Appointment

The first thing to do after Medicaid approval is to find an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) within the network of insurance company
  • Check Insurance Network: check the list of OB/GYNs that accept Medicaid through MCO website or customer center.
  • Use Care Management Services: once the insurance company is informed of pregnancy, they will assign a Care Manager. Care Manager determines high-risk status and help with appointment scheduling and transportation support (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation).
  • What to Bring to First Visit: bring NJ FamilyCare card and ID; during the special approval period for pregnancy, there are no separate copays.

Dental Care for Pregnant People

Service ItemCoverage Content
Regular Exams and CleaningCoverage for two basic cleanings and comprehensive exams per year
Periodontal TreatmentSupport for deep cleaning (scaling) for gum disease that may worsen during pregnancy
Cavity TreatmentFillings and crown treatments if necessary
Emergency CareExtractions or root canals due to sudden toothaches

Additional Medicaid-Related Benefits

Each Managed Care Organization (MCO) provides incentives in addition to basic Medicaid benefits to encourage healthy childbirth (Benefits and incentive types may vary by MCO).
  • Rewards Cards: Gift cards ($25–$50) for retailers like Walmart or CVS for attending prenatal or postpartum checkups.
  • Free Baby Supplies: Providing items such as breast pumps, car seats, or diaper bags for free or via discount coupons.
  • Transportation Support: Free taxi service or bus cards for hospital visits.

Alternative Programs

Even if you do not qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid, several assistance programs are available for pregnant residents in New Jersey to ensure healthy childbirth.

Major Alternative Options

Program NameTarget Audience and PurposeKey Support Content
GetCoveredNJIndividuals exceeding Medicaid income limitsAffordable private insurance through state subsidies
MEPP (Emergency)Undocumented individuals and non-citizensFull coverage of emergency hospital costs for labor and delivery
NJSPCP (Prenatal)Individuals meeting NJ FamilyCare income criteria but not immigration statusPrenatal exams, ultrasounds, vitamins, and 60-day postpartum contraception
FQHC (Health Center)Everyone regardless of income/statusLow-cost medical services based on a sliding scale
Charity CareLow-income uninsured patientsFull or partial reduction of hospital and delivery costs

How to Apply

  • Online: NJ FamilyCare/quickstart
    • Contact: 1-800-701-0710 / TTY: 711
  • In-Person: visit local County Board of Social Services
    • Bergen County, NJ Board of Social Services
      • 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 
      • 201-368-4200
      • Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am thru 4:30 pm

        *Enrollment is open year-round for NJ FamilyCare

Contact

  • AWCA can provide counseling free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org).

Resources