TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation introduced in the New Jersey Senate would authorize full NJ FamilyCare health coverage for undocumented pregnant women and their infants up to one year of age, expanding access to care beyond the emergency treatment currently allowed under federal law.
Sponsored by Senator Gordon M. Johnson (District 37 – Bergen) and Senator Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (District 5 – Camden and Gloucester), Senate Bill No. 779 amends state Medicaid law to allow undocumented immigrants residing in New Jersey to receive the same level of benefits provided under NJ FamilyCare as eligible residents, provided certain federal or state funding conditions are met.
The bill grants coverage through the end of the 60-day period following the end of a pregnancy and extends eligibility to the dependent child of the undocumented immigrant for up to one year after birth.
The measure would only take effect if the Commissioner of Human Services receives federal approval for matching funds or if the New Jersey Legislature designates state funding for the program. The commissioner is required to seek any necessary federal waivers or state plan amendments to enable participation.
Under current law, undocumented immigrants are limited to receiving Medicaid benefits only for emergency medical conditions, which include emergency labor and delivery. The proposed change would allow access to broader prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care.
The bill defines “undocumented immigrant” as a resident who is unable to verify legal presence or provide documentation qualifying them as an eligible alien under New Jersey Medicaid law.