New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
New Jersey's Medicare beneficiaries have access to exceptional healthcare options, from major health systems like RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Atlantic Health System to world-renowned hospitals just across the river in New York City and nearby in Philadelphia. With so many choices, unbiased, fee-only guidance can help you navigate the options.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in New Jersey are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
New Jersey's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In New Jersey, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in New Jersey
New Jersey Consumer Protections
New Jersey law requires a 30-day "free look" period for all Medigap policies. If you're not satisfied with your new policy, you can cancel it within 30 days for a full refund of any premiums paid. This gives you time to review your coverage and make sure it's the right fit.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in New Jersey
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in New Jersey, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | NJ Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $150 - $300 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $110 - $220 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $180 - $350 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within New Jersey, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in New Jersey
For most New Jersey residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
New Jersey Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
New Jersey also has many Medicare Advantage options, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $110 - $350+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
New Jersey-Specific Medicare Considerations
Access to Major Medical Centers
New Jersey residents enjoy unique access to some of the nation's best medical facilities. In addition to excellent in-state hospitals, you're within reach of world-renowned centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYU Langone, and NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City, plus Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. Medigap coverage works at any facility that accepts Medicare, making it ideal for those who want access to the best specialists regardless of location.
Cross-State Care
Many New Jersey residents routinely cross into New York or Pennsylvania for specialized medical care. With a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare—no network restrictions, no referral requirements. This flexibility is especially valuable in the tri-state area.
Major New Jersey Health Systems
New Jersey is home to several major health systems that accept Medicare:
- RWJBarnabas Health - The largest health system in New Jersey
- Hackensack Meridian Health - Comprehensive care network
- Atlantic Health System - Top-ranked hospitals including Morristown Medical Center
- Cooper University Health Care - Academic medical center in Camden
- Virtua Health - Major South Jersey network
Jersey Shore Communities
Many retirees settle along the Jersey Shore, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Healthcare access varies by community, with some areas having fewer specialists nearby. Medigap's flexibility lets you travel to major medical centers when needed without worrying about network restrictions.
Snowbirds and Travel
Many New Jersey residents winter in Florida or travel frequently. Medigap provides nationwide coverage, so your insurance works the same whether you're in Newark, Naples, or anywhere else in the country. Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling.
New Jersey SHIP Program
New Jersey offers a free counseling program through SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information and help you understand your options. However, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Higher Cost of Living
New Jersey has higher healthcare costs than many states, which can affect both Medigap premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Working with an unbiased advisor helps ensure you're getting competitive rates and choosing the right coverage for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Jersey Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage.
Medigap premiums in New Jersey typically range from $110-$350+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (northern NJ near NYC is often more expensive), gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.