New Jersey Medicare plans for 2026.
New Jersey has approximately 1.7M Medicare beneficiaries — about 55% on Medicare Advantage, the rest on Original Medicare. We compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options from Horizon BCBS NJ, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Cigna, AmeriHealth, Wellcare.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in New Jersey
For most New Jerseyans, the choice between Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Original Medicare plus a Medigap (Supplement) plan is the biggest decision you'll make.
Medicare Advantage in New Jersey
Bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into a private plan. Most New Jersey metros offer competitive $0-premium plans with dental, vision, hearing, OTC, and transportation benefits.
Most New Jersey MA plans are HMOs with local networks including Hackensack Meridian, RWJBarnabas, Atlantic Health, Cooper Health, Saint Peter's. We verify your doctors before enrolling.
Medigap in New Jersey
Pairs with Original Medicare and covers the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays Medicare doesn't pay. Any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare accepts Medigap — no networks.
New Jersey Medigap premiums vary by ZIP and age, and carriers may medically underwrite outside your one-time 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window.
Top Medicare carriers in New Jersey
Plan availability and network depth vary by county.
Horizon BCBS New Jersey
New Jersey's largest insurer. Deep statewide network including all major NJ health systems — Hackensack Meridian, RWJBarnabas, Atlantic Health, Cooper Health.
Aetna & AmeriHealth
Both have strong Medicare Advantage and Medigap presence in NJ. AmeriHealth (HCSC affiliate) is competitive on standalone Part D.
Humana & UnitedHealthcare
National carriers offering competitive plans across NJ. UnitedHealthcare's AARP-branded Medigap plans are widely held.
Wellcare & Cigna
Wellcare strong in D-SNP and standalone Part D segments. Cigna has growing MA presence in NJ metros.
Part D prescription coverage in New Jersey
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, 2026 Part D caps out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,100 per year and eliminates the old "donut hole."
Every New Jersey Medicare beneficiary needs prescription drug coverage (or creditable alternative coverage) to avoid the Part D late enrollment penalty. New Jersey has dozens of standalone Part D plans plus drug coverage bundled into most MA-PD plans.
- Formulary check: The same medication can land in very different tiers across plans. We run your drug list against every Part D plan in your ZIP.
- Preferred pharmacy: Many New Jersey Part D plans offer lower copays at preferred pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, ShopRite, Walmart, Costco). Which pharmacy you prefer can change which plan is cheapest.
- Extra Help / LIS: New Jersey beneficiaries with limited income may qualify for the Low Income Subsidy that significantly reduces drug costs.
Medicare enrollment dates for New Jersey
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7. Change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans; changes effective January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP): January 1 – March 31. One plan change allowed for members already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7 months around your 65th birthday — 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after.
- Medigap Open Enrollment: 6 months from your Part B effective date — the one-time window when New Jersey Medigap carriers cannot deny you or charge more for health reasons.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Moving into New Jersey, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or moving into or out of a nursing facility may each trigger a SEP.
New Jersey Medicare FAQ
Are there New Jersey-specific Medicare rules?
Can I switch from Advantage to Medigap later?
What if my doctor is at a different network?
What does SilverEdge cost?
New Jersey counties we cover
All 21 New Jersey counties. A few of the counties where we have the most active members:
"Horizon Plan G was running me $230/month. SilverEdge ran every Plan G in my ZIP and put me in one for $192/month — same exact coverage. Saved me almost $500/yr."
Ready to compare New Jersey Medicare plans?
Free, no pressure. Licensed in New Jersey and all 50 states. We'll review your doctors, drugs, and budget — and walk you through the right Medicare combination for you.