NJ FamilyCare has announced an important change to the process of adding newborns to ensure NJ FamilyCare coverage for new babies from birth. This update only affects households where:

1. Children are already enrolled in NJ FamilyCare Plan C/D (CHIP), AND
2. The mother is pregnant and not enrolled in NJ FamilyCare coverage for her pregnancy.

Applying for Unborn Children: Families with children already enrolled in NJ FamilyCare Plan C/D (CHIP) where the mother is not on NJ FamilyCare for pregnancy must now submit a new application for their unborn child during the third trimester of pregnancy. This step is crucial to ensure coverage from birth. If an application is not submitted during the third trimester, coverage for the newborn will not be retroactive to birth.

Application Process: A paper application is required. Mail a paper application to the state. Here are some notes about the application:

• Include all household members and income on the application.
• Answer "Yes" to the "want NJ FamilyCare" question for all household members currently covered to avoid confusion.
• Include a cover letter explaining that you are applying for an unborn child and that everyone else's coverage should remain as it currently is.
• Call the state to report the birth within 10 days of the birth. Provide them with the baby’s name and date of birth.
• If you followed the above instructions and are told that your newborn cannot be covered retroactively to birth, reach out to the LRRC for assistance.

Coverage Options: For families who do not submit a paper application for the unborn child, these are other ways to secure coverage for newborns:

• Applying for Presumptive Eligibility (PE) in the hospital at the time of birth.
• Applying for NJ FamilyCare after the baby is born (Note: coverage will not be retroactive to the date of birth in this case).

Download the application, and our brochures with general program information below.

General NJ FamilyCare Reminders:

• Make sure to report a pregnancy as soon as possible, even if you are already active on NJ FamilyCare. This ensures coverage for the duration of the pregnancy and for mother and baby one year postpartum.
• If you are on NJ FamilyCare and would like to switch your HMO for pregnancy, make sure to request the switch at the beginning of your pregnancy. If you wait until the middle or end of pregnancy, your request to switch HMOs may be denied. Requests should be made by speaking with a representative at the state (1-800-701-0710), and not through the automated system.

If you have any questions, schedule an appointment through the LRRC automated scheduling system by calling 732-523-1789, e-mail questions@lrrcenter.org, or visit us during our walk-in hours.