New Jersey Medicare Plans in 2026

Medicare options in New Jersey

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

• Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
• Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
• Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

Medicare enrollment in New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65, you may also qualify through disability, or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You have the option to:

• Initial Enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday
• Open Enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7
• Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Switch Advantage plans from January 1 to March 31
• Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

Medicare resources in New Jersey

Before selecting a plan, carefully consider:

• what services are covered
• CMS star ratings that measure plans’ health and drug services, and beneficiary satisfaction
• whether hospitals and doctors you prefer are in the plan’s network

Several resources are available to answer your questions or help with New Jersey Medicare plans.

• Division of Aging Services/SHIP (800-792-8820): free, unbiased Medicare counseling for New Jersey seniors.
• Aging & Disability Resource Connection (877-222-3737): helps New Jersey residents who are older, people who have physical disabilities, and caregivers find healthcare resources.
• NJ Save: online application for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who cannot afford Medicare premiums and prescription costs.
• Medicare (800-633-4227): contact Medicare directly with questions.

Takeaway

More than 1.75 million New Jersey residents are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have increased for 2025 Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey. There are also several Medigap plan options if you live in New Jersey and are looking for additional coverage.