Although New Jersey is one the smaller states, it is very populous for its size. There are approximately 8.7 million people living in the state of New Jersey. Of the 8.7 million, 85% have health insurance. The other 15% are without coverage. According to the 2008 Census Bureau, approximately 7% of children living below the poverty level in New Jersey are not covered.
Considerations
Because the state is high-income, many families in New Jersey already have health-care coverage. Poverty rates in the state are also low. This makes it easier for the state to manage health-care programs for low-income families.
NJ Family Care
One way that New Jersey provides residents health-care coverage is through a program called NJ Family Care. The program is not considered a welfare program, but rather the state's way of providing health-care coverage for children and eligible low-income parents. It covers children who are 18 years old and younger. Eligibility for the program is based on factors like monthly income and family size.
Medicaid
Residents of New Jersey can also consider Medicaid. Medicaid provides insurance to children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled. The Medicaid program pays for hospital services, prescriptions, doctor visits and nursing-home care.
Low Cost Alternatives
Families that make too much money to be eligible to participate in state-run health-care programs can still take advantage of programs like the NJ Family Care Advantage program. This program offers low-cost solutions that may be a cheaper alternative to group health-care plans.
Small Employers and Individuals
In 1992, the state created two programs that guarantee access to coverage for small employers and individuals. This coverage exists regardless of a person's risk factors, age or health status. The programs are called the Individual Health Coverage Program and the Small Employer Health Benefits program.
Tags: Family Care, health-care coverage, health-care programs
