D-SNP: 5 plans
For people with both Medicare and NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid).
Union County covers Westfield, Elizabeth, Summit and Rahway. It has the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plans of any county in this guide.
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
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.
Every figure comes from the CMS Landscape file for contract year 2027. Special Needs Plans are counted separately.
Two ways to count "$0 premium" plans: 32 have a $0 Part C premium, and 23 have a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D (17 of those include drug coverage; 6 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 (21 of 37), and 6 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 | 21 | 18 | $0.62 | $9,124 | 4 |
| HMO-POS | 8 | 7 | $4.38 | $7,981 | 1 |
| HMO | 7 | 7 | $0 | $8,393 | 1 |
| Regional PPO | 1 | 0 | $1.60 | $9,850 | 0 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Union County, 2026 to 2027.
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.
21 plans, 18 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $0.62, average out-of-pocket limit $9,124, 4 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 Enhanced Extra (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $5 | $99 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_037 |
| Aetna Medicare Prime (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_392 |
| Aetna Medicare Prime Extra (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $0 | $84 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_275 |
| Aetna Medicare Prime Giveback (PPO)Aetna Medicare | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $700 | H5521_277 |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-045 (PPO)Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,000 | $700 | H7617_045 |
| 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_004 |
| 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 | $440 | H5141_007 |
| Clover Health Valor (PPO)Clover Health, no drug coverage | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | No drug coverage | H5141_061 |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)Humana, no drug coverage | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $6,750 | No drug coverage | H5216_174 |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-319 (PPO)Humana | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,000 | $700 | H5216_319 |
| 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 |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-127 (PPO)Humana | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $8,250 | $700 | H7617_127 |
| HumanaChoice H5216-461 (PPO)Humana | Not rated | $0 | $36.30 | $9,250 | $700 | H5216_461 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Union County, 2026 to 2027.
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 Prime (HMO-POS)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $700 | H3152_080 |
| 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 Union County, 2026 to 2027.
7 plans, 7 with a $0 Part C premium, average Part C premium $0, average out-of-pocket limit $8,393, 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 Elite (HMO)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $0 | $25 | $9,850 | $700 | H3152_098 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO)Aetna Medicare | 4.0★ | $0 | $109 | $9,850 | $700 | H3152_048 |
| Clover Health Classic (HMO)Clover Health | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $6,000 | $0 | H8010_002 |
| Clover Health Value (HMO)Clover Health | 4.0★ | $0 | $36.30 | $4,500 | $200 | H8010_003 |
| Humana Gold Plus H6622-100 (HMO)Humana | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,850 | $325 | H6622_100 |
| Wellpoint Extra Help (HMO)Wellpoint | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $0 | H3240_026 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Union County, 2026 to 2027.
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 Union 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.
CMS rates each contract from 1 to 5 stars. This shows the 2026 rating for each of the 37 Union 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.
No plan on the Union County list has a 5-star 2026 rating.
The Census Bureau counts about 579,300 Union County residents, 15.1% of them 65 or older, and 13.0% without health insurance, well above the 7.5% New Jersey figure.
For 2027 CMS lists 37 Medicare Advantage plans in Union County, and 13 of them carry a 2026 star rating of 4 or higher. The county also has 15 Special Needs Plans.
How Jackie helps here. Union County clients work with Jackie by phone and on Zoom, and in person by arrangement.
15.1% of Union County residents are 65 or older, against 17.2% for New Jersey, and 13.0% have no health insurance.
| Measure | Union County | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 579,290 | 9,343,809 |
| Residents aged 65 and over | 87,277 | 1,605,758 |
| Share aged 65 and over | 15.1% | 17.2% |
| Median age | 39.1 | Not shown |
| Median household income | $103,202 | Not shown |
| Share with no health insurance (all ages) | 13.0% | 7.5% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates: Union County, New Jersey.
Union County broke from Essex County in 1857 to become New Jersey’s youngest county. Its courthouse stands at Broad Street and Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth.
The Division on Aging is one of New Jersey’s 21 Area Agencies on Aging and the county’s lead agency for the ADRC (908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226; ADRC 1-877-222-3737). It is working from a temporary address, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, so call ahead for an in-person visit. Its services include home-delivered meals, the Senior Café, caregiving programs, utility assistance and transportation.
The Union County Paratransit System gives curb-to-curb rides to people 60 and over and people with disabilities 18 and over, for $3 each way, booked up to three weeks ahead (908-241-8300, option 1).
The Division of Social Services at 342 Westminster Avenue, Elizabeth, and 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield, administers Medical Assistance and PAAD, weekdays 8 to 4; its Aged, Blind and Disabled unit is at ABDUnit@ucnj.org. The county notes that federal rules on NJ FamilyCare eligibility change starting in fall 2026.
Local sources: Union County: County History · Union County: Division on Aging · Union County: Paratransit · Union County: Division of Social Services
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.
Medicare-certified hospitals the CMS Hospital General Information file records in Union County, with the CMS overall star rating. A rating is not network status: check each hospital against a plan.
3 Medicare-certified hospitals are listed, 1 with a 5 of 5 CMS overall rating; whether each is in a plan’s network is a separate question.
| Hospital | Address | Emergency services | CMS overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinitas Regional Medical CenterAcute Care | 225 Williamson Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207 | Yes | 3 of 5 |
| Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at RahwayAcute Care | 865 Stone Street, Rahway, NJ 07065 | Yes | 4 of 5 |
| Overlook Medical CenterAcute Care | 99 Beauvoir Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 | Yes | 5 of 5 |
Source: Medicare-certified hospitals in and near Union 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.
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 Union County list goes from 48 plans in 2026 to 46 in 2027, and the average in-network out-of-pocket limit moves from $7,956 to $8,966.
| Measure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Plans with drug coverage (SNPs included) | 48 | 46 |
| With a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D | 20 | 25 |
| Average in-network out-of-pocket limit | $7,956 | $8,966 |
| Average Part D deductible | $463.54 | $597.50 |
| Maximum Part D deductible allowed by CMS | $615 | $700 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
Source: Medicare plan changes in Union County, 2026 to 2027.
These counts cover plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, so they differ from the headline count of 37, 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 Union County for 2027; Devoted Health is new to the Union County list.
Of the 13 plans below, 12 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. |
Braven Medicare Choice Plus (PPO) H0885-007 | 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) |
Aetna Medicare Enhanced Extra (PPO) H5521-513 | Aetna Medicare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Erickson Advantage Signature (HMO-POS) H5652-001 | UnitedHealthcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Erickson Advantage Guardian (HMO-POS I-SNP) H5652-003 | UnitedHealthcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Erickson Advantage Champion (HMO-POS C-SNP) H5652-004 | UnitedHealthcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Erickson Advantage Freedom (HMO-POS) H5652-006 | UnitedHealthcare | Terminated/Non-renewed Contract | Ends with no similar plan in this county. Not moved automatically: choose a new plan. |
Erickson Advantage Liberty (HMO-POS) H5652-008 | UnitedHealthcare | 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 Union County, 2026 to 2027.
New to the Union 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), Wellpoint Extra Help (HMO), HumanaChoice H5216-461 (PPO), HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-127 (PPO), Horizon Specialty Care (HMO C-SNP).
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.
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, Union County reads higher on diagnosed diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, adults 18 to 64 without health insurance and stroke.
| Measure | Union County | New Jersey county average |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosed diabetes | 11.6% | 10.9% |
| High blood pressure | 33.7% | 32.9% |
| Obesity | 29.7% | 28.9% |
| Coronary heart disease | 5.5% | 5.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% | 5.1% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance | 15.0% | 11.3% |
| Arthritis | 19.5% | 22.2% |
| High cholesterol | 37.8% | 39.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% | 3.1% |
Source: Chronic condition estimates for Union 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.
Of the conditions above where Union County reads higher than the New Jersey county average, high blood pressure, diagnosed diabetes and stroke are among those a chronic-condition Special Needs Plan can cover. The chronic-condition Special Needs Plans on the Union 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.
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.
For people with both Medicare and NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid).
For people with qualifying chronic conditions: Cardiovascular Disorders; Chronic Heart Failure; Chronic Kidney Disease; Diabetes Mellitus.
For people who live in, or need the level of care of, a long-term care facility.
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 Union County, 2026 to 2027.
7 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 |
| Horizon Specialty Care (HMO C-SNP)Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey: Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus | HMO C-SNP | Not rated | $0 | $9,850 | H8298_002 |
| 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 Union County, 2026 to 2027.
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 Union County, 2026 to 2027.
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.
You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan, and live in the plan's service area, here Union County.
Seven months around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Choose or change plans for 2027; coverage starts January 1.
January 1 to March 31. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
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.
Union County has 37 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 (Special Needs Plans not included) from 7 organizations. Of those, 32 have a $0 Part C premium, and 23 have a $0 combined monthly premium for Parts C and D (17 of those include drug coverage; 6 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.
Yes. Westfield is in Union County, so every Westfield address uses the Union County Medicare Advantage list, as do Elizabeth, Summit, Rahway and the county’s other towns.
Overlook Medical Center in Summit carries a 5 out of 5 CMS overall rating in the Hospital General Information file.
Counting Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage, Special Needs Plans included, Union County goes from 48 plans in 2026 to 46 in 2027. (The headline count of 37 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 12 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 11 new plans. Braven Health and HealthSpring have no Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage in Union County for 2027; Devoted Health is new to the Union County list. Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change lists what changes for you on January 1.
Census figures (ACS 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates) show 15.1% of Union County residents aged 65 or older (about 87,277 people), against 17.2% for New Jersey, and 13.0% 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.
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.
Tell Jackie about your current situation. Telephone, Zoom or in person, at no cost to you. Call or text (856) 727-4221.
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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 .