Nursing home care in New Jersey is expensive, averaging about $12,700 per month in 2024. Since Medicare and health insurance typically don’t cover long-term care, Medicaid has become the primary funding source for many seniors.
To qualify for Medicaid’s long-term care coverage, you must meet both medical necessity and financial requirements. Medically, you need to show you require nursing supervision and assistance with at least three daily activities like bathing or dressing. A screening will determine if you need nursing home-level care.
Financial eligibility depends on your income and assets. For long-term care services, your monthly income cannot exceed $2,901 (individual) or $5,802 (couple) in 2025. If your income is higher, you might still qualify through New Jersey’s Medically Needy Program by showing your medical expenses would reduce your remaining income to $367 monthly.
Asset limits are $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple applying together. However, your home (valued up to $1,097,000) is exempt if it’s your principal residence, though this exemption may end after six months in a nursing home unless your spouse still lives there. One car used for transportation is also exempt.
New Jersey offers alternatives through its Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program, which provides services like assisted living and in-home care. This program aims to help seniors remain in their communities when possible, often at lower cost than nursing homes.
For those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers comprehensive services to help seniors stay in their homes.
To apply, contact your county Social Services Agency (800-356-1561) or your local Area Agency on Aging, which serves as your Aging & Disability Resource Connection.
