by
jamodio |
Updated on
August 25, 2025 
Written by Pai Gee
Health Insurance Writer
Reviewed by jamodio
Fact Checker
We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for out‑of‑pocket costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.
- New Jersey insurance companies must accept your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan application if you’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have guaranteed issue rights.
- The three most popular Medigap policies are typically Plans F, G, and N.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in New Jersey?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and younger people with qualifying disabilities or health conditions (e.g., ESRD).
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many healthcare services but leaves gaps—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for these remaining out-of-pocket costs.
Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A–N), meaning Plan A from one company matches Plan A from another in benefits, although premiums vary. Learn how these plans work and how they benefit New Jersey residents.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policy?
You can apply anytime, but outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—or without guaranteed issue rights—insurers may review your health and deny or charge more for coverage.
Your Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, beginning when you’re both age 65 (or older) and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time insurers must offer any plan at standard rates regardless of health. This is the best time to enroll because it ensures the widest choice of plans at the most favorable rates.
Guaranteed issue rights apply in specific scenarios—like losing other coverage or changes in your Medicare plan—when insurers must sell you a policy and cannot charge more based on health.
What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nationwide, the top three most common Medigap plans are:
- Plan F – Offers the most complete coverage, but only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan G – Offers virtually everything Plan F does, except for the Part B deductible.
- Plan N – Covers most major costs but has copayments for some office and ER visits and does not cover Part B excess charges.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?
- Select a plan letter (e.g., G or N) based on your medical and budget needs.
- Compare the same plan across different insurers—benefits are identical, but premiums vary.
- Understand insurer pricing methods:
- Attained‑age rating (premiums rise with age)
- Issue‑age rating (premium fixed based on age at purchase)
- Community rating (everyone pays the same regardless of age)
How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?
Medigap premiums in New Jersey vary depending on:
- Your age and gender
- Tobacco use
- The specific plan you choose
- The insurer’s pricing method
What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?
You can apply to change Medigap plans anytime. However, outside of your Open Enrollment Period, insurers may underwrite your application and could deny coverage or charge more based on health—unless you have guaranteed issue rights.
What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans, or Part C, are bundled alternatives offered by Medicare‑approved private insurance companies. These plans include Medicare Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and often Part D (drugs), plus extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits.
Instead of buying Medigap and Part D separately, you may prefer an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.
Learn more about New Jersey Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.
- Who needs it: Original Medicare recipients wanting drug coverage
- What it covers: Prescription medications
- How it’s offered: Through private insurers approved by Medicare
- Not needed if: You’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD)
Shop for a Medicare plan with additional benefits!
Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not include drug coverage. For prescriptions, you’ll need a separate Part D plan.
Medicare Resources in New Jersey
New Jersey residents can get free, expert help through:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Personalized counseling on Medicare and Medigap
- New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance – Regulates Medigap insurers and handles complaints
- New Jersey Medicaid Program – Provides coverage for low-income individuals and coordinates with Medicare
Next Steps
If a New Jersey Medigap plan fits your needs, the next step is to compare options in your area. Browse online or enlist a licensed insurance agent for tailored assistance and plan guidance.
Thank you for your feedback!
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “What’s Medicare?” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
The State of Medicare Supplement Coverage. ahip.org. Accessed on October 15, 2021.
The State of Medicare Supplement Coverage.
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. “Medicare Supplement Coverage for Individuals Eligible for Medicare due to Disability.” nj.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
U.S. Government website for Medicare. “When Can I Buy Medigap?” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
New Jersey Division of Aging Services. “NJ Medicare Supplement Coverage for People Between Ages 50 and 65 on Medicare Due to Disability, May 2020.” state.nj.us (accessed February 26, 2021).
New Jersey Division of Aging Services. “Medicare Supplement Coverage Sold in New Jersey for those Under Age 50.” nj.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
Cristina Boccuti, Gretchen Jacobson, Kendal Orgera, and Tricia Neuman. “Medigap Enrollment and Consumer Protections Vary Across States.” kff.org, July 11, 2018 (accessed February 26, 2021).
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Special circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods).” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “How to compare Medigap policies.” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
The State of Medicare Supplement Coverage.
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Find a Medigap policy that works for you.” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
U.S. Government Site for Medicare. “Switching Medigap policies.” medicare.gov (accessed February 26, 2021).
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Medicare Plan Finder.” medicare.gov (accessed October 15, 2021).
