Key Takeaways:
- New Jersey offers a range of Medicare options, including 96 Part C, 16 Part D, and 10 standardized Medigap plans.
- Finding the best value in Medicare plans means looking beyond premiums and considering factors like provider networks and additional coverage.
- Medigap Plan G and Plan N are popular options that help partially cover out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Choosing the right Medicare plan in New Jersey can be difficult when you consider the number of options available.
The only way to safeguard your health and finances is to understand the costs and benefits of different Medicare plans in the state.
This comprehensive guide simplifies the Medicare landscape in New Jersey, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions.
We explore the types of Medicare plans available, their costs and benefits, and the key factors to consider when finding the best coverage for your needs and budget.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a robust selection of Medicare coverage options, each designed to meet different healthcare needs.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare is the foundation of healthcare coverage for eligible individuals aged 65 years and above and those with specific covered disabilities and diseases.
It has two components:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient care, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and some home healthcare services.
Most New Jersey residents qualify for premium-free Part A through their work history. If you are not eligible, you might have to pay up to $518 monthly in 2025.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. In 2025, New Jersey residents typically pay a standard Part B monthly premium of $185, though this amount may be higher based on your income.
Despite this comprehensive coverage, Original Medicare doesn’t pay for everything. You may be liable for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Many New Jersey residents supplement Original Medicare with Medigap plans to help manage these costs.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans that merge Original Medicare coverage with additional benefits.
These plans are increasingly popular in the state’s densely populated regions, where extensive provider networks and competition help drive plan benefits.
New Jersey residents prefer Medicare Advantage plans due to their added benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and dental, hearing, and vision care.
As of 2024, 45% of Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey had opted in for a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The number of Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey increased from 92 in 2024 to 96 in 2025.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium rose from $19.58 in 2024 to $25.09 in 2025.
- All New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries can access at least one Medicare Advantage plan with $0 monthly premiums.
Learn more: How to Pick the Medicare Part C Plan That Is Best for You.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in New Jersey:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
UnitedHealthcare
(AARP Medicare Advantage Plan) |
3.93 ★ | 49 states and DC. | $0 | $0 | $7,900 |
Humana (HumanaChoice Gold Plus Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. | $0 | $305 + $225 (For Tier 3-5 Drugs) | $8,850 |
Cigna (True Choice Medicare Plan) | 3.93 ★ | 29 states and DC. | $0 | $500 | $7,550 |
Aetna (Medicare Platinum Plan) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and DC. | $157 | $0 | $3,600 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from New Jersey Zip Code 07030. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
New Jersey’s best-rated Medicare Advantage providers include:
- Aetna
- Clover Health
- UnitedHealthcare
Take charge of your health and your wallet.
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can make life-changing differences in your healthcare experience.
At CoverRight, our Medicare experts help you navigate all options and find the plan that aligns most closely with your healthcare needs and budget.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Managing prescription drug costs is a significant concern for many Medicare beneficiaries, especially those with chronic conditions or who require multiple medications.
Medicare Part D plans in New Jersey offer a crucial way to keep medication expenses under control. When evaluating Part D coverage, you’ll find two primary options.
You can enroll in a standalone Part D plan to complement Original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.
In either case, every Part D plan has its own formulary — a list of covered medications arranged in cost-sharing tiers.
When comparing plans, consider not just the cost of premiums but also how each plan structures coverage for the specific medications you require. Pay particular attention to preferred pharmacy networks, which can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs.
New Jersey offers 16 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all residents having access to at least one.
- In 2025, 67.31% of New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries with a stand-alone Part D plan can switch to a plan with lower premiums than in 2024.
- 21.83% of those enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan in New Jersey receive Extra Help, a financial assistance program for low-income beneficiaries who need help paying for prescription drugs.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in New Jersey is $2.30.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
Horizon Medicare Blue Rx Enhanced | $86.40 | $0 | 3 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $118.30 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
Wellcare Value Script | $2.30 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans cover out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Like many other states, New Jersey offers 10 standardized Medigap plans, among which Plan G and Plan N are popular among beneficiaries.
Plan G offers comprehensive coverage by paying for nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible. This level of coverage is attractive for those who prefer predictable healthcare expenses, access healthcare services frequently, or travel outside New Jersey frequently.
Plan N is a budget-conscious alternative to Plan G that offers similar benefits but does not cover Part B excess charges. It also has some cost-sharing features that require you to pay small copayments for some doctor visits and emergency room care. In exchange, it offers lower monthly premiums compared to Plan G.
Although Medicare plan benefits are standardized, premiums may vary based on age, location, gender, and tobacco usage.
Here are some of the leading Medigap providers for Plan G and Plan N in New Jersey:
- Thrivent
- Omaha Insurance Company
- MassMutual
- AARP
- Reserve National
Learn more: Do I Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in New Jersey
Here’s a chart that provides a clear picture of what you can expect to pay for different Medicare plans in New Jersey.
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0
($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). |
$1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. |
Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment. |
Medicare Advantage | $25.09 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $58.66 | $452 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plans | $120 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in New Jersey
Here’s a look at how to select the best Medicare Advantage and Medigap providers in New Jersey.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: How to Choose?
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Medicare Advantage plans are a comprehensive approach to healthcare that offers an all-in-one solution with extra benefits.
Several factors merit attention when evaluating Medicare Advantage providers in New Jersey. Top among them are network strength and access to major medical centers in New Jersey and neighboring states.
The best providers maintain robust networks that include leading healthcare systems while offering coverage that extends across state lines.
Here are some other key factors to consider when comparing Medicare Advantage providers:
- Additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing services.
- Customer service ratings and member satisfaction scores.
- Claims processing efficiency and appeals procedure.
Best Medigap Providers
Choosing a Medigap provider in New Jersey requires evaluating both its financial stability and service quality.
The best providers combine competitive rates with efficient claims processing and strong customer support, which is particularly important when coordinating benefits across different healthcare systems.
Factors that set the best Medigap providers apart include:
- Proven track record in the New Jersey market.
- Transparent pricing and clear communication about rate changes.
- Strong financial ratings from independent agencies.
- Customer service reputation, especially during peak usage periods.
Here are some of the highest-rated providers for Medigap Plan G in New Jersey:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $133.44 | $25.00 | A++ |
Omaha Insurance Company | $136.26 | None | A+ |
MassMutual | $139.10 | None | A++ |
AARP | $140.88 | None | A |
Reserve National | $147.20 | None | A- |
Liberty Bankers Life | $130.03 | $25.00 | B++ |
Loyal American | $133.16 | $20.00 | A- |
ManhattanLife | $135.42 | $25.00 | B+ |
Bankers Fidelity | $135.73 | $25.00 | A- |
Americo Life | $137.14 | None | A |
Note: Data for Plan G is from MedicareWire.
The state’s Top Medigap Plan N providers are:
- AARP
- UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- Cigna
- Lumerico
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in New Jersey
Your choice of Medicare plan can significantly impact your health and financial well-being. Make sure to research plans thoroughly, understand your options, and know what to prioritize.
- Start with a self-assessment.
- Before diving into the details of different plans, take some time to reflect on your needs and priorities. Consider your current health status and what you anticipate in terms of future healthcare needs.
- Consider your healthcare budget.
- Medicare plans come with various costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Take a realistic look at your budget and determine how much you can comfortably allocate to healthcare expenses monthly and annually. Don’t forget to factor in out-of-pocket and unexpected costs.
- Explore the different plan types.
- Consider whether you want to supplement Original Medicare with a Medigap plan to help manage out-of-pocket costs and ensure predictability. The other option is a Medicare Advantage or Part C plan with the right combination of benefits, be it prescription drug coverage or dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
- Evaluate provider networks.
- If you have preferred doctors or hospitals, make sure they are included in the plan’s network. A strong network gives you more flexibility and choice.
- Seek expert guidance.
- Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from available resources, such as the New Jersey SHIP or a licensed insurance agent like CoverRight.
Learn more: How Much Medicare Costs in 2024
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in New Jersey
Here’s all that you need to know about Medicare enrollment periods and procedures in New Jersey.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
This is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It’s a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birth month, and extends three months thereafter.
During this period, you can sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Part D prescription drug plan.
Missing this window can lead to penalties and coverage delays, so mark your calendar and make sure you don’t miss this important deadline.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year. This is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage based on your evolving healthcare needs and preferences.
During this period, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D plan, or switch Part D plans.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OE)
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a separate enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 of each year. This is when you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare.
Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain covered life events such as relocation, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
It allows you to change your Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment periods.
Steps to Enroll in a Medigap Plans in New Jersey
- Gather your information: You’ll need your Medicare card (if you already have one), Social Security card, and other personal identification documents.
- Review plans: Compare costs, coverage, and networks of available plans using the Medicare Plan Finder tool.
- Choose your enrollment method: You can enroll online, by phone, or with the help of a licensed insurance agent.
- Online: Enroll through the Social Security or the Medicare website.
- By phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll.
- With an agent: A licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can help you understand your options and guide you through the enrollment process.
Medicare Resources for New Jersey Residents
New Jersey offers a variety of resources to help you understand your Medicare options, make informed decisions, and get the support you need.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP is a free and confidential counseling service that helps you understand your Medicare options, compare plans, and resolve issues with your coverage. Its trained counselors answer questions, provide unbiased information, and empower you to make the best choices for your healthcare needs.
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): ADRC is a valuable resource for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New Jersey. It provides information and assistance with a wide range of services, including Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and caregiver support.
- New Jersey County Offices on Aging: Each county in New Jersey has an Office on Aging that provides services and support to older adults. These offices can offer information and assistance with Medicare and other programs and services to help maintain your independence and well-being.
Make Medicare simple in New Jersey.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the New Jersey healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 8, 2025.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 6, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 6, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 8, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 8, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 6, 2025.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 30, 2024.