D-SNP: 5 plans
For people with both Medicare and NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid).
Ocean County, New Jersey
Ocean County, NJ Medicare Plans for 2027
Ocean County has more residents aged 65 and over than any other county in this guide. Here is every Medicare Advantage plan CMS lists for it in 2027.
- 29 Medicare Advantage plans in Ocean County, 2027
- 23 With a $0 Part C premium (16 with $0 for Parts C and D combined)
- 7 Organizations offering plans
- 14 Special Needs Plans, counted separately
Ocean County Medicare at a glance for 2027
- 29 Medicare Advantage plans for Ocean County, Special Needs Plans not counted. Of those, 23 have a $0 Part C premium, and 16 have a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D (11 of those include drug coverage; 5 have no drug coverage, so no Part D premium).
- In-network out-of-pocket maximums from $6,900 to $9,850 a year
- 7 insurance companies offer them
- 11 standalone Part D plans across New Jersey
- You still pay the Part B premium, $202.90 a month in 2026 (the 2027 amount is announced by CMS around November)
- Annual Enrollment: October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027
Examples of plans with drug coverage and a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D, by 2026 star rating and out-of-pocket limit
- Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO)Aetna Medicare · Part C + D premium $0 a month · 4.0★ (2026) · out-of-pocket max $9,850 · drug deductible $700
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC NJ-1 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare · Part C + D premium $0 a month · 3.5★ (2026) · out-of-pocket max $7,150 · drug deductible $685
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC NJ-7 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare · Part C + D premium $0 a month · 3.5★ (2026) · out-of-pocket max $7,150 · drug deductible $685
CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, contract year 2027. A plan's fit depends on your doctors and prescriptions; Jackie checks both before you choose.
By the numbers
2027 Medicare Advantage in Ocean County
Every figure comes from the CMS Landscape file for contract year 2027. Special Needs Plans are counted separately.
- $1.92 Average monthly Part C premium
- $42.64 Average Part C + D premium
- 24 Plans that include drug coverage
- $6,900 Lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit
- $9,084 Average in-network out-of-pocket limit
- $9,850 Highest in-network out-of-pocket limit
- $632.50 Average Part D deductible (plans with drugs)
- 9 Plans with a 2026 rating of 4★ or more
- 3.78★ Average 2026 star rating (rated plans)
Two ways to count "$0 premium" plans: 23 have a $0 Part C premium, and 16 have a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D (11 of those include drug coverage; 5 have no drug coverage, so no Part D premium). The average premium figures likewise show the Part C premium and the combined Part C + D premium separately. Star ratings shown are 2026 ratings: the CMS plan file in this snapshot did not yet carry 2027 ratings, so each plan shows its 2026 rating, matched by plan ID. Check a plan’s 2027 rating on Medicare.gov Plan Finder.
PPO plans are the largest group here (16 of 29), and 5 plans have no drug coverage.
| Plan type | Plans | $0 Part C premium | Average Part C premium | Average out-of-pocket limit | Without drug coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPO | 16 | 12 | $1.19 | $9,459 | 3 |
| HMO-POS | 8 | 7 | $4.38 | $7,981 | 1 |
| HMO | 4 | 4 | $0 | $9,600 | 1 |
| Regional PPO | 1 | 0 | $1.60 | $9,850 | 0 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
Every plan
2027 Medicare Advantage plans in Ocean County
Grouped by plan type, because type decides how the network works: HMOs expect you to stay in network, PPOs let you go outside it at a higher cost.
PPO
16 plans, 12 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $1.19, average out-of-pocket limit $9,459, 3 without drug coverage.
| Plan | 2026 stars | Part C premium | Part C + D | Out-of-pocket limit | Part D deductible | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)Aetna Medicare, no drug coverage | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | No drug coverage | H5521_504 |
| Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $6 | $65 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_123 |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $0 | $80 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_512 |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced Advantage (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $0 | $109 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_510 |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced Extra (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $5 | $99 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_037 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0004 (PPO)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $69 | $8,900 | $685 | H8768_022 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0005 (PPO)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $7.10 | $79 | $8,400 | $685 | H8768_035 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-6 (PPO)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $1 | $29 | $9,400 | $685 | H8768_058 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx NJ-MA2 (PPO)UnitedHealthcare, no drug coverage | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | No drug coverage | H8768_059 |
| Clover Health Choice (PPO)Clover Health | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $350 | H5141_032 |
| Clover Health Choice Giveback (PPO)Clover Health | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $440 | H5141_054 |
| Clover Health Choice Value (PPO)Clover Health | 3.5★ | $0 | $36.30 | $9,850 | $450 | H5141_042 |
| Clover Health Valor (PPO)Clover Health, no drug coverage | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | No drug coverage | H5141_061 |
| DEVOTED CHOICE 001 NJ (PPO)Devoted Health | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $9,350 | $650 | H1390_001 |
| DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK 002 NJ (PPO)Devoted Health | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $650 | H1390_002 |
| DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 006 NJ (PPO)Devoted Health | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $9,650 | $700 | H1390_006 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
HMO-POS
8 plans, 7 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $4.38, average out-of-pocket limit $7,981, 1 without drug coverage.
| Plan | 2026 stars | Part C premium | Part C + D | Out-of-pocket limit | Part D deductible | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $0 | $79 | $9,850 | $700 | H3152_022 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC NJ-1 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | $685 | H0755_038 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC NJ-7 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | $685 | H0755_046 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0002 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $79 | $7,150 | $595 | H0755_044 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0003 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $115 | $6,900 | $595 | H0755_045 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx NJ-MA01 (HMO-POS)UnitedHealthcare, no drug coverage | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | No drug coverage | H0755_037 |
| Wellcare Assist (HMO-POS)Wellcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,250 | $700 | H0913_015 |
| Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)Wellcare | 3.5★ | $35 | $35 | $9,250 | $700 | H0913_002 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
HMO
4 plans, 4 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $0, average out-of-pocket limit $9,600, 1 without drug coverage.
| Plan | 2026 stars | Part C premium | Part C + D | Out-of-pocket limit | Part D deductible | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (HMO)Aetna Medicare, no drug coverage | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | No drug coverage | H3152_045 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $700 | H3152_082 |
| Humana Gold Plus H6622-100 (HMO)Humana | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,850 | $325 | H6622_100 |
| AmeriHealth Medicare Classic Rx (HMO)AmeriHealth | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $700 | H6407_002 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
Regional PPO
1 plan, 0 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $1.60, average out-of-pocket limit $9,850.
| Plan | 2026 stars | Part C premium | Part C + D | Out-of-pocket limit | Part D deductible | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (Regional PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $1.60 | $149 | $9,850 | $700 | R6694_006 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
The county
Who lives in Ocean County
The Census Bureau counts about 654,400 Ocean County residents, and about 148,000 of them, 22.6%, are 65 or older.
CMS lists 29 Medicare Advantage plans for Ocean County in 2027, and the lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit here is $6,900, higher than in the South Jersey counties in this guide. Four acute care hospitals carry an Ocean County record in the CMS file, in Toms River, Brick, Lakewood and Manahawkin.
How Jackie helps here. Ocean County clients work with Jackie by phone, on Zoom or in person.
22.6% of Ocean County residents are 65 or older, against 17.2% for New Jersey, and 4.1% have no health insurance.
| Measure | Ocean County | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 654,362 | 9,343,809 |
| Residents aged 65 and over | 148,007 | 1,605,758 |
| Share aged 65 and over | 22.6% | 17.2% |
| Median age | 41.2 | Not shown |
| Median household income | $89,863 | Not shown |
| Share with no health insurance (all ages) | 4.1% | 7.5% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates: Ocean County, New Jersey.
How was Ocean County formed?
Ocean County was created from lands divided from Monmouth County in 1850. Its county seat is Toms River Township, formerly Dover Township, and the county describes itself as the second largest in the state and one of four New Jersey counties on the Atlantic Ocean.
Who helps older adults in Ocean County?
The county says it has over 200,000 adults aged 60 and older. The Office of Senior Services at the Ocean County Resource Center, 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River (732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899), with a Southern Service Center at 179 South Main Street in Manahawkin, helps with transportation, home-delivered meals, in-home personal care, home repairs, adult day care, daily check-in calls and care management.
Ocean Ride’s Reserve-A-Ride program serves people 60 and over and people with disabilities 18 and over, mainly for routine medical trips, booked up to four weeks ahead (732-736-8989, option 1; southern Ocean County 1-877-929-2082).
Where do Ocean County residents apply for NJ FamilyCare?
The Ocean County Board of Social Services has offices at 1005 Hooper Avenue in Toms River (732-349-1500), 225 Fourth Street in Lakewood (732-370-8854) and 333 Haywood Road in Manahawkin (609-242-6100), open weekdays 8:30 to 4:30.
Local sources: Ocean County Planning: Overview (PDF) · Ocean County: Office of Senior Services · Ocean County: Senior Services directory · Ocean County: Reserve-A-Ride · Ocean County Board of Social Services: Contact
New Jersey totals are the sum of all 21 New Jersey counties in the same Census release; a statewide median is not computed here. Survey estimates for small towns carry wide margins of error.
Quality
How the 2026 stars fall
CMS rates each contract from 1 to 5 stars. This shows the 2026 rating for each of the 29 Ocean County plans. The CMS plan file in this snapshot did not yet carry 2027 ratings, so check a plan’s 2027 rating on Medicare.gov Plan Finder. New plans and some small contracts are not rated.
- 4.5★ 5 plans (17%)
- 4.0★ 4 plans (14%)
- 3.5★ 16 plans (55%)
- Not rated 4 plans (14%)
No plan on the Ocean County list has a 5-star 2026 rating.
Hospitals
Hospitals in Ocean County
Medicare-certified hospitals the CMS Hospital General Information file records in Ocean County, with the CMS overall star rating. A rating is not network status: check each hospital against a plan.
4 Medicare-certified hospitals are listed; whether each is in a plan’s network is a separate question.
| Hospital | Address | Emergency services | CMS overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Medical CenterAcute Care | 425 Jack Martin Boulevard, Brick, NJ 08724 | Yes | 4 of 5 |
| Monmouth Medical Center-Southern CampusAcute Care | 600 River Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701 | Yes | 3 of 5 |
| Southern Ocean Medical CenterAcute Care | 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 | Yes | 4 of 5 |
| Community Medical CenterAcute Care | 99 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755 | Yes | 1 of 5 |
Source: Medicare-certified hospitals in and near Ocean County (CMS Hospital General Information).
Names, addresses, counties and emergency flags are shown as the CMS file records them, except rows with a note, where the name or campus was checked against the health system’s own website (listed under Sources). County pages group hospitals by the county in the CMS record.
Special needs
14 Special Needs Plans in Ocean County
An SNP is a Medicare Advantage plan limited to people who meet a condition. They are left out of the counts above because not everyone can join.
C-SNP: 6 plans
For people with qualifying chronic conditions: Cardiovascular Disorders; Chronic Heart Failure; Chronic Kidney Disease; Diabetes Mellitus.
I-SNP: 3 plans
For people who live in, or need the level of care of, a long-term care facility.
D-SNP
5 plans, with a monthly Part C + D premium from $0 to $36.30. You must meet the plan’s condition to join.
| Plan | Type | 2026 stars | Part C + D premium | Out-of-pocket limit | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon NJ TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey | HMO D-SNP | 4.0★ | $36.30 | $9,850 | H8298_001 |
| Wellcare Fidelis Dual Align (HMO D-SNP)Wellcare | HMO D-SNP | 3.5★ | $28.40 | $9,850 | H0913_013 |
| UHC Dual Complete NJ-Y001 (HMO D-SNP)UnitedHealthcare | HMO D-SNP | 3.5★ | $4.10 | $9,850 | H3113_005 |
| Aetna Medicare FIDE (HMO D-SNP)Aetna Medicare | HMO D-SNP | 3.0★ | $0 | $9,850 | H6399_001 |
| Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)Wellpoint | HMO D-SNP | 3.0★ | $30.70 | $9,850 | H3240_013 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
C-SNP
6 plans, each with a monthly Part C + D premium of $0. You must meet the plan’s condition to join.
| Plan | Type | 2026 stars | Part C + D premium | Out-of-pocket limit | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Gold Plus - Diabetes and Heart (HMO C-SNP)Humana: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | HMO C-SNP | 3.5★ | $0 | $9,350 | H6622_098 |
| Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO-POS C-SNP)Wellpoint: Chronic Kidney Disease | HMO-POS C-SNP | 3.0★ | $0 | $9,850 | H3240_017 |
| UHC Complete Care NJ-8 (HMO-POS C-SNP)UnitedHealthcare: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | HMO-POS C-SNP | Not rated | $0 | $7,150 | H0755_047 |
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE PLUS 003 NJ (PPO C-SNP)Devoted Health: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | PPO C-SNP | Not rated | $0 | $9,850 | H1390_003 |
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE ENHANCED 004 NJ (PPO C-SNP)Devoted Health: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | PPO C-SNP | Not rated | $0 | $9,850 | H1390_004 |
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 005 NJ (PPO C-SNP)Devoted Health: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | PPO C-SNP | Not rated | $0 | $9,650 | H1390_005 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
I-SNP
3 plans, with a monthly Part C + D premium from $18.10 to $172. You must meet the plan’s condition to join.
| Plan | Type | 2026 stars | Part C + D premium | Out-of-pocket limit | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHC Nursing Home Plan EX-F003 (PPO I-SNP)UnitedHealthcare | PPO I-SNP | 4.5★ | $18.10 | $9,850 | H0710_026 |
| Longevity Health Plan (PPO I-SNP)Longevity Health Plan | PPO I-SNP | 4.0★ | $172 | $4,500 | H9942_002 |
| Longevity Health Plan (PPO I-SNP)Longevity Health Plan | PPO I-SNP | 4.0★ | $18.80 | $9,850 | H9942_001 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
Health profile
What is common in Ocean County
Plan choice follows the conditions you actually live with, because they decide which specialists and drugs you need covered.
Compared with the New Jersey county average, Ocean County reads higher on diagnosed diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, coronary heart disease, copd, arthritis, high cholesterol and stroke.
| Measure | Ocean County | New Jersey county average |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosed diabetes | 11.4% | 10.9% |
| High blood pressure | 35.0% | 32.9% |
| Obesity | 29.8% | 28.9% |
| Coronary heart disease | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% | 5.1% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance | 9.5% | 11.3% |
| Arthritis | 29.8% | 22.2% |
| High cholesterol | 42.8% | 39.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% | 3.1% |
Source: Chronic condition estimates for Ocean County, New Jersey (CDC PLACES).
CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, County Data, 2025 release (2023 survey estimates), retrieved 2026-10-20. Model-based small-area estimates of crude prevalence among adults 18 and over, not a count of local diagnoses. Crude rates follow the age mix of a place: an older community reads higher on most conditions. New Jersey figure: average of the 21 New Jersey counties, weighted by adult population.
Why this matters for plan choice
Of the conditions above where Ocean County reads higher than the New Jersey county average, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke and diagnosed diabetes are among those a chronic-condition Special Needs Plan can cover. The chronic-condition Special Needs Plans on the Ocean County list are built around: Cardiovascular Disorders; Chronic Heart Failure; Chronic Kidney Disease; Diabetes Mellitus. If you live with one of those, a C-SNP may be worth a look; you need a qualifying diagnosis to join.
What changes for 2027
Ocean County plans: 2026 to 2027
Your plan mailed an Annual Notice of Change by September 30, 2026. It lists what changes on January 1, 2027: premium, deductible, out-of-pocket limit, copays, drug list and network. Compare it line by line, or go through it with Jackie.
Counting plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, the Ocean County list goes from 40 plans in 2026 to 38 in 2027, and the average in-network out-of-pocket limit moves from $8,550 to $9,178.
| Measure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Plans with drug coverage (SNPs included) | 40 | 38 |
| With a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D | 16 | 18 |
| Average in-network out-of-pocket limit | $8,550 | $9,178 |
| Average Part D deductible | $460.13 | $634.74 |
| Maximum Part D deductible allowed by CMS | $615 | $700 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
These counts cover plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, so they differ from the headline count of 29, which leaves out Special Needs Plans and includes plans without drug coverage. Braven Health and HealthSpring have no Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage in Ocean County for 2027; Devoted Health is new to the Ocean County list.
Of the 10 plans below, 9 plans end with no similar plan in the county, 0 plans end but the same company offers a plan with the same or a similar name under a new plan ID, and 1 plan folds into another plan automatically.
| 2026 plan | Carrier | CMS crosswalk status | Members move to |
|---|---|---|---|
Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) H0885-001 | Braven Health | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Braven Medicare Freedom (PPO) H0885-002 | Braven Health | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Wellcare Giveback (HMO-POS) H0913-021 | Wellcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) H0913-022 | Wellcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage Secure (HMO-POS D-SNP) H3240-024 | Wellpoint | Consolidated Renewal Plan | Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)H3240-013 (moved automatically) |
HealthSpring Preferred (HMO) H3949-054 | HealthSpring | Renewal Plan with SAR | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
AmeriHealth Medicare Core (PPO) H5361-001 | AmeriHealth | Renewal Plan with SAR | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
AmeriHealth Medicare Enhanced (PPO) H5361-002 | AmeriHealth | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
AmeriHealth Medicare Ultimate (PPO) H5361-004 | AmeriHealth | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
HealthSpring True Choice (PPO) H7849-149 | HealthSpring | Renewal Plan with SAR | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Ocean County, 2026 to 2027.
New to the Ocean County list for 2027: UHC Complete Care NJ-8 (HMO-POS C-SNP), DEVOTED CHOICE 001 NJ (PPO), DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK 002 NJ (PPO), DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE PLUS 003 NJ (PPO C-SNP), DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE ENHANCED 004 NJ (PPO C-SNP), DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 005 NJ (PPO C-SNP), DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 006 NJ (PPO), AmeriHealth Medicare Classic Rx (HMO).
If your plan is not renewing: you receive a non-renewal letter in October. You can pick a new plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7, 2026), and a Special Enrollment Period runs through the end of February 2027. Confirm your dates on Medicare.gov. The official Medicare & You handbook explains each option.
The other path
Medigap in Ocean County
Every Advantage plan on this page replaces Original Medicare with a plan network. The other path keeps Original Medicare and adds a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy plus a separate Part D plan.
Medigap has no network: any provider that accepts Medicare accepts it, anywhere in the country. Premiums are higher than most Advantage plans, and in exchange your costs are more predictable.
New Jersey also protects people under 65 who have Medicare because of a disability. According to the Department of Banking and Insurance, if you became eligible on or after your 50th birthday but before 65, and on or after January 1, 2020, Medigap insurers in your area must issue Plan D when you apply within 12 months of enrolling in Part B, and may not charge more than they charge a 65-year-old for the same policy.
Under 50, the state contracting carrier, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, must issue Plan D to any applicant, at the same premium it charges people buying at 65, with no rating on health, age or claims.
Timing matters. Your 6-month Medigap open enrollment window starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Inside it, an insurer cannot turn you down or charge more for your health. See Medigap rules in New Jersey and Medicare Advantage vs Medigap.
Source: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Medicare Supplement coverage for people under 65.
When you can change
How and when to enroll
You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan, and live in the plan's service area, here Ocean County.
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Choose or change plans for 2027; coverage starts January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 to March 31. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing employer coverage, gaining or losing NJ FamilyCare, or a plan not renewing can open a window outside the normal calendar.
Ways to enroll: with a licensed agent such as Jackie ((856) 727-4221), directly with a plan, or on Medicare.gov. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). More detail: Medicare enrollment periods.
Next steps
Before you choose a plan in Ocean County
- Medigap in New Jersey, including the rules for people under 65 with Medicare: New Jersey Medigap rules.
- Standalone Part D plans are sold statewide: the full 2027 list is on the New Jersey page, and how they work in Part D explained.
- Help with drug and premium costs: PAAD and Senior Gold, Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare and NJ FamilyCare.
- When you can join or switch: Medicare enrollment periods. To compare the plans above for your own doctors and prescriptions, call or text Jackie at (856) 727-4221 or use Compare 2027 plans.
Plain English
Medicare plan terms on this page
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- A Medicare approved plan from a private company that provides your Part A and Part B benefits in place of Original Medicare. Most include drug coverage and some extras. You keep paying your Part B premium.
- $0 Part C premium
- The plan charges no monthly premium of its own for medical coverage. You still pay your Part B premium, any drug premium the plan lists, and copays or coinsurance when you use care.
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum (MOOP)
- The most you pay in a calendar year for covered Part A and Part B services from in-network providers. Once you reach it, the plan pays for covered in-network care for the rest of the year. Premiums and Part D drug costs do not count toward it.
- HMO
- Health Maintenance Organization. You generally use doctors and hospitals in the plan network, except for emergencies and urgent care, and many HMOs ask for a referral before you see a specialist.
- PPO
- Preferred Provider Organization. You can use doctors in or out of the network, but out-of-network care usually costs more. Referrals are usually not required.
- HMO-POS
- An HMO with a point of service option. You mostly use the network, but the plan lets you get some services out of network, usually at a higher cost.
- Special Needs Plan (SNP)
- A Medicare Advantage plan open only to people with particular needs: both Medicare and Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare in New Jersey), certain chronic conditions, or living in an institution such as a nursing home.
- Star rating
- A yearly CMS quality score from 1 to 5 stars, based on measures such as preventive care, member experience and customer service. It describes the plan overall; it does not tell you whether your doctors or drugs are covered.
FAQ
Ocean County Medicare questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Ocean County for 2027?
Ocean County has 29 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 (Special Needs Plans not included) from 7 organizations. Of those, 23 have a $0 Part C premium, and 16 have a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D (11 of those include drug coverage; 5 have no drug coverage, so no Part D premium). You still pay the Part B premium, which is $202.90 a month in 2026; the 2027 amount is announced around November 2026. Source: CMS 2027 Landscape file.
What is the lowest out-of-pocket maximum on an Ocean County plan for 2027?
$6,900 for in-network care, on the CMS 2027 list, and the highest is $9,850. The in-network limit counts covered Part A and Part B services; premiums and drug costs are separate.
Which Ocean County hospitals have the highest CMS ratings?
In the CMS Hospital General Information file: Ocean Medical Center (4 out of 5), Southern Ocean Medical Center (4 out of 5), Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus (3 out of 5), Community Medical Center (1 out of 5). A rating is not network status.
What changes for Medicare plans in Ocean County in 2027?
Counting Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, Ocean County goes from 40 plans in 2026 to 38 in 2027. (The headline count of 29 plans on this page leaves out Special Needs Plans and includes plans without drug coverage, which is why the numbers differ.) The CMS crosswalk shows 9 plans ending with no similar plan in the county, 0 plans ending while the same company offers a plan with the same or a similar name under a new plan ID (members must enroll in it themselves), 1 plan folding into another plan automatically, and 8 new plans. Braven Health and HealthSpring have no Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage in Ocean County for 2027; Devoted Health is new to the Ocean County list. Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change lists what changes for you on January 1.
How many people aged 65 and over live in Ocean County?
Census figures (ACS 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates) show 22.6% of Ocean County residents aged 65 or older (about 148,007 people), against 17.2% for New Jersey, and 4.1% of residents of all ages with no health insurance (7.5% statewide). For people with Medicare and a limited income, New Jersey's Medicare Savings Programs, PAAD, Senior Gold and NJ FamilyCare can help with costs; the guides linked on this page explain each one.
Provenance
Sources and methodology
- Plan data: CMS Medicare Advantage / Part D Landscape, contract year 2027 (https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/cy2027-landscape-202609.zip), filtered to Ocean County (FIPS 34029), retrieved 2026-10-20 through THE BRAIN (Ambrose healthcare database). Star ratings: CMS 2026 Star Ratings joined by plan ID, because the 2027 landscape rows in the snapshot carry no rating yet.
- 2027 changes: CMS Landscape 2026 (https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/cy2026-landscape-202609.zip) and 2027, with the CMS CY2026 to CY2027 plan crosswalk, retrieved 2026-10-20.
- Health data: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, County Data, 2025 release (2023 survey estimates), retrieved 2026-10-20. Model-based small-area estimates of crude prevalence among adults 18 and over, not a count of local diagnoses. Query: https://data.cdc.gov/resource/swc5-untb.json?locationid=34029&datavaluetypeid=CrdPrv.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates, Ocean County, New Jersey, retrieved 2026-10-20. Queries: detailed tables and subject table S2701. Residents 65 and over are the sum of the 12 age groups 65 and older in table B01001.
- Hospitals: CMS Hospital General Information (Provider Data Catalog) (https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/xubh-q36u), New Jersey records retrieved 2026-10-20 from the data.cms.gov Provider Data API (query). Notes checked against the health systems’ own websites: clinicians.cooperhealth.org/location/cooper-university-hospital-cape-regional/loc0000257009, clinicians.cooperhealth.org/location/cooper-university-hospital/loc0000256998, virtua.org/locations/voorhees-hospital, inspirahealthnetwork.org/locations/inspira-medical-center-elmer, inspirahealthnetwork.org/locations/inspira-medical-center-mullica-hill, jeffersonhealth.org/locations/stratford-hospital, jeffersonhealth.org/locations/cherry-hill-hospital, jeffersonhealth.org/locations/washington-township-hospital.
- New Jersey programs: Medigap rules from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Medicare Supplement coverage for people under 65.
- Federal figures: 2026 Part B premium and deductible and Part D base premium ($38.99) from CMS. 2027 values are announced around November 2026.
How the figures are derived
- Headline plan counts and averages exclude Special Needs Plans, which have their own eligibility rules and are reported separately.
- "$0 Part C premium" counts plans whose Part C premium is $0. "$0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D" counts plans whose consolidated Part C + D premium is $0 (for a plan without drug coverage, its Part C premium); our guides and blog use this second count. Out-of-pocket limits are in-network amounts. The average Part D deductible covers plans with drug coverage only.
- The 2026 to 2027 comparison counts Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, and its "$0" row uses the combined Part C + D premium, so it differs from the headline count.
- When the CMS crosswalk ends a plan with no successor but the same company files a plan with the same or a similar name under a new plan ID, we say so; members are not moved into the new ID automatically.
- We do not publish per-plan enrollment: the source does not carry it, and we never estimate plan figures.
Garden State Medicare Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
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Content reviewed by Jackie Layser, Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent at Garden State Medicare Solutions, New Jersey, helping Medicare clients since 2008. How we source and review our content. Last updated .