Does New Jersey Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Yes, for the care part. In New Jersey, NJ FamilyCare Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
New Jersey · checked September 2026
Senior care help in New Jersey
How New Jersey helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in New Jersey?
Yes, for the care. NJ FamilyCare Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Paying for senior care in New Jersey
New Jersey's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
$2,982
2026
Higher income limit for people found clinically eligible for long-term services and supports (300% of SSI). If income is above this, ask the state Medicaid office what options exist.
Asset limit (single person)
Ask the state Medicaid office
Single person. The home and one vehicle do not count (per the MLTSS application guide).
If income is over the limit
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Apply for NJ FamilyCare (Aged, Blind, Disabled programs; long-term care through MLTSS)
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
NJ FamilyCare Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
Can pay in assisted livingNew Jersey Medicaid's long-term care program for people 65+ (or disabled) who need hands-on help with at least 3 daily activities like bathing or dressing. It pays for care in assisted living, at home, or in a nursing home through a managed care health plan. Medicaid pays for the care; plan on rent and meals being paid by the resident. If your parent is not on Medicaid yet, call the county aging office to schedule an MLTSS screening.
Waitlist: The state's MLTSS pages do not mention a waitlist. Not every assisted living residence accepts Medicaid, so ask each facility.
Personal Preference Program (PPP)
Not for assisted livingFor NJ FamilyCare members approved for personal care assistant hours at home. Instead of an agency, the person (or a representative) can hire and direct their own helper, including a relative, friend or neighbor.
PACE (all-inclusive care for 55+)
PACE provides all medical and long-term care for people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but can live in the community. Programs in New Jersey:
- Capital Health LIFE, Bordentown site: Mercer County and select Burlington County zip codes 609-599-5433
- Trinity Health LIFE New Jersey, Pennsauken site: most of Camden County and select Burlington County zip codes 856-675-3675
- Lutheran Senior LIFE, Jersey City and Plainfield sites: most of Hudson County, all of Union County 877-543-3188
- Inspira LIFE, Vineland and Williamstown sites: Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties 855-295-5433
- BoldAge PACE, Oceanport site: all of Monmouth County 732-592-3400
- BoldAge PACE, Lakehurst site: all of Ocean County and select Burlington County zip codes 732-716-4600
- BoldAge PACE, East Brunswick site: all of Middlesex County 732-498-0400
- AtlantiCare LIFE Connection, Atlantic City site: Atlantic and Cape May Counties 609-572-8588
Who to call in New Jersey
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Business hours through county APS offices; after hours call local police or 911 in an emergency
New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
How to check a New Jersey assisted living or nursing home
In New Jersey, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Residence; Comprehensive Personal Care Home; Assisted Living Program (services delivered in subsidized housing). Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
New Jersey Department of Health
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
New Jersey veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park
Edison
skilled nursing, memory care
Free legal help and paperwork in New Jersey
LSNJLAW Hotline (Legal Services of New Jersey)
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
New Jersey help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care? Yes, in some programs.
Yes. Through NJ FamilyCare's Personal Preference Program, a Medicaid member approved for personal care hours can hire a relative, friend or neighbor as their paid aide. Ask the Medicaid health plan for a personal care assessment.
Statewide Respite Care Program
Gives unpaid family caregivers a short break by paying for respite care. In 2026 the person needing care must have income up to $2,982 a month and $40,000 or less in liquid assets (single); cost share is 0 to 25% on a sliding scale.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
State-funded in-home help for people 60+ who need nursing-home-level care but are not on Medicaid. 2026 income up to $4,855 a month (single) and assets up to $40,000; services up to $1,090 a month plus care management, with a sliding copay.
Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program
Pays 20 to 100% of adult day care for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia who live at home with an unpaid caregiver, up to five days a week at 21 centers. 2025 limits: income up to $50,256 a year and $40,000 in liquid assets (single).
More help in New Jersey
I Choose Home NJ (Money Follows the Person)
Helps people who live in a nursing home move back to a home or community setting with support. Run through the state ombudsman's office.
JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving)
State-funded in-home services for people 60+ who need nursing-home-level care but have too much income or assets for Medicaid (2026: up to $4,855/month income and $40,000 assets, single).
PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled)
Prescriptions for $5 generic or $7 brand name for New Jersey residents 65+ (or disabled) with 2026 income under $54,943 (single) or $62,390 (married). Apply through NJSave.
Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
For people just over the PAAD income limits (2026: $54,943 to $64,943 single). You pay $15 plus half the remaining cost per prescription, dropping to $15 flat after $2,000 a year out of pocket.
New Jersey senior care questions
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-582-6995. It's free and independent.
National help that works in New Jersey too
Senior living in New Jersey cities
Senior care guides for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
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- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
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- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Researched from 39 sources, official pages first. Last checked .