Turning 65 in New Jersey: Your Complete Medicare Checklist (2026)
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Sources: SSA.gov, CMS.gov, NJ DOBI
Important for NJ residents turning 65
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best opportunity to enroll in a Medigap plan with guaranteed acceptance and no medical underwriting. This window starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B — don't miss it.
Your Medicare Enrollment Timeline
The Three Decisions Every New NJ Medicare Enrollee Must Make
1. Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A + B) with a Medigap supplement gives you maximum flexibility and predictable costs. Medicare Advantage bundles everything with lower premiums but network restrictions. This is one of the most important decisions you will make at 65, because switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan later may require medical underwriting.
2. Which Medigap Plan? (If choosing Original Medicare)
Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees in 2026. It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257/year). Plan N offers lower premiums with small copays. Both are standardized — coverage is identical between all carriers, only price differs.
3. Which Part D Drug Plan?
Even if you take no prescriptions now, enroll in a Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid the permanent late enrollment penalty. A low-premium plan (<$15/month) is sufficient if you have no current drug needs. Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to compare options by your specific medications.
Turning 65 soon? We make Medicare enrollment simple.
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