Question 1

Is Medigap or Medicare Advantage better in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your priorities. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) is better if you want the freedom to see any doctor in the US who accepts Medicare, predictable costs, and no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage is better if you want a lower monthly premium, don't mind a network, and want extra benefits like dental and vision bundled in. New Jersey uses community rating for Medigap, which means your premium is not based on your age — a benefit compared to attained-age states.

Question 2

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

You can switch back to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). However, if you want to add a Medigap plan after switching back, you may be subject to medical underwriting if your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period has passed. This is why the initial decision between Medigap and Medicare Advantage at 65 is so important.

Question 3

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover all NJ hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover all New Jersey hospitals. Network coverage varies significantly by plan and county. Major NJ health systems like RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, Atlantic Health, and Capital Health may or may not be in-network depending on which plan you choose. Always verify your specific doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Question 4

Are Medicare Advantage plans really $0 premium in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Many Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey do have $0 monthly premiums, but you still pay your Part B premium ($185/month in 2026). The $0 refers to the plan's additional premium on top of Part B. These plans generate revenue through Medicare's capitated payments and your cost-sharing (copays, deductibles) when you use services.

Question 5

Which is more expensive long-term — Medigap or Medicare Advantage in NJ?

Accepted Answer

This depends entirely on your healthcare usage. Medigap Plan G costs more per month upfront ($130–$220/month) but provides near-zero additional costs when you use healthcare. Medicare Advantage may cost less per month but has copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums (up to $8,850 in-network in 2026) that can add up quickly if you have a serious illness or hospitalization.

Feature	Medigap (Plan G)	Medicare Advantage
Monthly premium (beyond Part B)	$130–$220	$0–$80 (many $0 plans)
Doctor networks	Any Medicare doctor in US	In-network only
Referrals to see specialists	Never needed	Required for HMO plans
Out-of-pocket maximum	Near zero (only Part B deductible)	Up to $8,850 in-network
Dental coverage	Not included	Usually included
Vision coverage	Not included	Usually included
Drug coverage (Part D)	Separate plan required	Often bundled in
Predictability of costs	Very high	Varies by usage
Out-of-state coverage	Any Medicare provider	Emergency only (HMO)
Switching flexibility	Can apply anytime (underwriting may apply)	AEP Oct 15–Dec 7 or OEP Jan 1–Mar 31

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage in New Jersey (2026)

Head-to-Head Comparison

Who Should Choose Medigap in New Jersey

Who Should Consider Medicare Advantage in New Jersey

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage NJ — FAQ