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Making Sense of Medicare in New Jersey
From choosing coverage to finding savings programs, here's what New Jersey residents need to know.
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Medicare plays a vital role in helping older adults and people with certain disabilities with access to affordable health care. But understanding the different parts of Medicare, knowing when to enroll and choosing the right coverage can feel overwhelming. Whether you're turning 65 soon, already enrolled, or helping a loved one navigate the process, it's important to understand your options. With Medicare Open Enrollment running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, now is a great time to review your coverage. And if you live in New Jersey, free resources are available to help you make informed decisions.
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The Four Parts of Medicare, Explained Simply
Understanding Medicare starts with knowing the different types of coverage available. Medicare has four basic parts:
- Part A covers hospital stays, hospice care and skilled nursing facility care.
- Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles Parts A, B and usually D through a private insurer, often with added vision, dental and hearing benefits.
- Part D covers prescription drugs.
Part A is premium-free for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, with costs varying based on income. Not sure which coverage path is right for you? New Jersey offers free, unbiased counseling to help you understand your choices.
Help Paying for Medicare Costs in New Jersey
If Medicare premiums, deductibles, or copays are stretching your budget, New Jersey offers several programs that can help lower your health care costs.
NJ Save is the state’s online application that screens residents for multiple assistance programs, including Medicare Savings Programs, prescription drug assistance, utility help and more. Visit the NJ Save Programs website for a list of available benefits.
Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible residents pay Medicare costs. The three programs are based on income and assets:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Helps pay Medicare premiums and most cost-sharing expenses for eligible individuals and couples with the lowest incomes.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Helps pay the Medicare Part B premium for eligible individuals and couples with slightly higher incomes.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Also helps pay the Part B premium for eligible individuals and couples who meet certain income requirements.
All three programs automatically qualify participants for Part D Extra Help, which can reduce prescription drug costs. Even if you’re unsure if you qualify, it’s worth applying. New Jersey makes the final eligibility decision, and not all income is counted the same way.
Apply online through NJSave, view the application in Español, or call 1-800-792-9745.
Free Medicare Help, Right Here in New Jersey
You don't have to navigate Medicare alone. New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, one-on-one Medicare counseling through the Division of Aging Services. SHIP counselors can help you compare plans, understand coverage and costs, and determine whether you qualify for Medicare savings programs.
To set up your appointment, contact the lead counseling agency in your area, or reach out to your County Office on Aging. For more information, call NJ SHIP at 1-800-792-8820.
Need broader support? The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) serves as a “no wrong door” entry point for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers seeking information about programs, benefits and community services. For assistance, call 877-222-3737.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Here are the best moves for New Jersey residents navigating Medicare right now:
- Learn the basics at aarp.org/medicare.
- Check your eligibility for cost savings at NJSave or call 1-800-792-9745.
- Talk to a free SHIP counselor at 1-800-792-8820.
- Compare plans at medicare.gov before Dec. 7.
Medicare doesn't have to be complicated. New Jersey has resources. AARP has your back.
Sources:
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov/basics
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov/medicare/plan/medicare-parts
- NJ Division of Aging Services / SHIP: nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/q-z/ship
- NJSave Application: nj.gov/humanservices/doas/forms/NJSaveApp.pdf
- AARP Medicare Resources: aarp.org/medicare
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