TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman Garnet R. Hall (D–Essex, Union) has introduced legislation that would make New Jersey one of the first states in the country to offer full, state-funded healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants.
The measure — Assembly Bill 1701 — authorizes the state Department of Human Services to extend comprehensive medical assistance, equivalent to Medicaid benefits, to undocumented residents who otherwise meet eligibility requirements except for their immigration status.
Under current law, undocumented immigrants in New Jersey are only eligible for emergency medical care. The bill would amend that restriction, allowing the same range of coverage available to low-income citizens and legal residents.
Key provisions of A1701
- Extends full “medical assistance” under the state’s Medicaid program to undocumented immigrants residing in New Jersey.
- Directs the Commissioner of Human Services to pursue federal approval and funding but allows the program to proceed using state funds only if federal participation is denied.
- Requires the commissioner to determine that systems are in place to implement the expansion before it becomes operative.
- Defines “undocumented immigrant alien” as a person living in New Jersey who cannot provide evidence of lawful U.S. status.
- Specifies that the bill must comply with Section 441(d) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which allows states to grant benefits to undocumented individuals through explicit legislation.
Statement from the sponsor
According to the bill’s statement, the proposal “would extend comprehensive health care coverage to undocumented immigrant aliens residing in the State who do not qualify for such coverage under existing law.”
It notes that while federal law restricts benefits for non-qualified immigrants, it also permits states to opt in through their own statutes — the mechanism this bill seeks to use.
If enacted, A1701 would effectively open New Jersey’s Medicaid system to all residents, regardless of legal status, once the commissioner finalizes the program’s framework.
So far, the bill has not advanced in the state legislature.