Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for RWJBarnabas Health (Newark Beth Israel + Cooperman Barnabas) Financial Assistance (Essex County)

RWJBarnabas Health is NJ's largest health system. In Essex County: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (Newark, the Essex urban safety-net flagship), Clara Maass Medical Center (Belleville), and (just over the border) Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, Essex). RWJBarnabas operates a statewide Financial Assistance Program with NJ Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (NJHCPAP, formerly Charity Care) on top.

Who it's for

Essex County has three RWJBarnabas hospitals: Newark Beth Israel (Newark, urban safety-net flagship), Clara Maass (Belleville), Cooperman Barnabas (Livingston). All participate in NJ Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (NJHCPAP, formerly Charity Care) — covers 100% of hospital bills for NJ residents below 200% FPL, sliding scale up to 300% FPL. Apply via the hospital's financial counseling office or rwjbh.org/billing-financial-assistance. NJHCPAP is NJ-mandated and applies at ALL acute-care hospitals statewide.

RWJBarnabas + NJHCPAP (state-mandated Charity Care). NJHCPAP covers ALL NJ acute-care hospitals — every county batch will reference this.

What you'll need

Proof of Essex County / NJ residency
Photo identification
Proof of age 60+ or 62+ (where applicable)
Proof of household income (where applicable)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 1-888-724-7123

Renewals

annual

Official source →Last verified · June 11, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

Find my benefits

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.