What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available In New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you have a plethora of options for your Medicare plan. You can choose to remain with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), add a Medicare Supplement plan or get a Medicare Advantage plan. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the same coverage as under Original Medicare and have the ability to choose a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan instead of purchasing a separate Part D prescription drug plan.

You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan with service in your area from one of the following carriers in New Jersey:

• Aetna Medicare
• Amerigroup
• Braven Health
• Cigna
• Clover Health
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• Humana
• United Healthcare
• Wellcare

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medicare Advantage Plans cover the same services as Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) and often have additional packages that you can purchase for added coverage, such as vision, dental or hearing care. Some plans come with prescription drug coverage; these are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans.

Medicare Advantage Plans in New Jersey operate using networks of healthcare professionals. That means instead of going to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, you would see a doctor or specialist within the plan’s network. 

There are a few different types of Medicare Advantage plans. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are a popular offering, as are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). 

HMOs use a network of providers to help lower the costs of your healthcare. WIth an HMO, you must have a primary care physician and will need a referral from your doctor to see a specialist. You will also pay more or all of the expenses if you see providers outside of your plan’s network. 

With a PPO, you also have a network of healthcare providers but you have much more flexibility to see who you choose. You do not need to have a primary care physician and do not need a referral to see a specialist. You have the freedom to see providers outside of your plan’s network if you choose to, but will likely pay more for these services.

You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7 each year. These plans use one year contracts, meaning you need to renew or switch plans each year.

Why Purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket maximum limits, meaning that after you spend a certain amount in out-of-pocket costs toward copays and such, your insurance company will cover the remainder of your healthcare expenses for the rest of the year.

With a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, you have the same provider for all of your health insurance needs (unless you add a separate supplemental insurance plan for dental, vision, hearing, etc.). You only have to pay an additional premium for these benefits.

For help finding the right New Jersey Medicare Advantage plan, contact Jersey Medicare Advisors today.