Trump’s cuts hit New Jersey’s most vulnerable families

Cuts to Medicaid and food assistance are putting essential benefits at risk for thousands of residents, including legal immigrants who are not U.S. citizens.

Families across New Jersey are beginning to feel the impact of federal cuts to Medicaid, known locally as NJ FamilyCare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as new eligibility rules threaten access to health coverage and food assistance.

According to New Jersey officials Stephen Cha and Raynard E. Washington, the changes will also bring additional paperwork, eligibility reviews and a greater risk of delays or denials for people who still qualify for benefits.

The impact is particularly severe for legal residents who have not obtained U.S. citizenship, including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, and others who previously qualified for assistance.

Some legal immigrants who have relied on Medicaid for decades are no longer eligible under the new rules. Starting in January, federal changes will also eliminate Affordable Care Act subsidies for this group, making health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey more expensive or unaffordable for some residents.

New Jersey estimates that more than 300,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage as a result of the federal cuts. The changes also restrict SNAP eligibility for certain legal immigrants. Federal estimates indicate that approximately 1,800 New Jersey residents in this category could lose eligibility each month, while another 47,000 residents could lose eligibility monthly over the next decade.

The Sherrill administration says it is working to help eligible residents maintain their health coverage and connect those who have lost it with alternatives, including Get Covered New Jersey and federally qualified health centers that provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or immigration status.

Officials are urging Medicaid recipients to respond promptly to letters from the state Department of Human Services, warning that failing to provide requested information could jeopardize their coverage.

Residents who receive a denial based on immigration status but believe they remain eligible are encouraged to contact the department for assistance. The state has also launched an online tool to help residents locate low-cost and free health clinics.

New Jersey officials emphasized that the changes were imposed by the federal government and said the state is working to limit their effects on vulnerable families.