In 2014, New Jersey transitioned its waivers to a single, comprehensive Medicaid waiver that is an 1115 demonstration program. Children who meet a nursing home level of care can qualify for the Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program, which is based only on the child’s income. General Information on New Jersey’s FamilyCare Comprehensive Waiver can be found on the Office of Home and Community Services page.

Some limited home and community based services for children with behavioral or developmental disabilities are provided as part of the Comprehensive Waiver through PerformCare or New Jersey Children’s System of Care, including in-home care, ABA, and respite. Through the Children’s Support Services Program, children receive services through three tiers. Low income children receiving Medicaid receive additional targeted HCBS services. Middle income children (up to 300%) receive both Medicaid state plan services and targeted HCBS services. Families over the income level only receive targeted HCBS services.

Advocacy Organizations in New Jersey:

Last updated 3/27/25

Programs in New Jersey

  • Target Population: Children and adults with any form of disability, including physical disability, developmental disability, AIDS, brain injury, and mental health challenges.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility, Nursing Facility, Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Income limits are in place for most individuals; however, children who meet a nursing home level of care can qualify for the Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program, which is based only on the child’s income (parent income is not counted). Children with intellectual, developmental, or disabilities may receive some targeted services regardless of income level. A Split Application Medicaid method is also available that allows children with disabilities to access Medicaid regardless of income when they have a non-disabled sibling.
  • Waiver Type: 1115
  • Spots: unlimited
  • Expiration Date: 6/30/2028
  • Description from medicaid.gov: New Jersey’s new section 1115 demonstration entitled New Jersey Comprehensive Waiver (NJCW) is a statewide health reform effort that will expand existing managed care programs to include long term services and supports and expand home and community based services to some populations. This Demonstration builds upon existing managed acute and primary care programs and established provider networks. The 1115 Demonstration also combines under a single demonstration authority several existing Medicaid and CHIP waiver and demonstration programs, including two 1915(b) managed care waiver programs; a title XIX Medicaid and a title XXI CHIP section 1115 demonstrations and four 1915(c) programs.
  • Online State Information: Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver or Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program or PerformCare or New Jersey Children’s System of Care
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: For children who need nursing care, call Division of Disabilities Services (DDS) at 1-888-285-3036 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist. For children with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities, see PerformCare or New Jersey Children’s System of Care.
  • Waiting List: New Jersey has a separate waiting list of 2688 individuals. We do not know what types of disabilities these individuals have or their ages.

Additional Information

  • New Jersey recently approved a new Family Home Health Aide program. View the legislation here. Parents/guardians will be able to provide personal care services as well as skilled care, including tube feedings, trach care, and medications. More information will be added as it becomes available.
  • Those who are eligible for nursing or personal care services through Medicaid may be paid to provide personal care services to their children through the Personal Preference Program. At this time, some parents of children who are minors report being paid by this program.