Question 1

How much does Medicare cost per month in New Jersey in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The base cost of Medicare in New Jersey is the Part B premium of $185/month (2026), which everyone pays regardless of which plan they choose. If you add a Medigap Plan G, expect to pay an additional $130–$220/month depending on carrier and county — totaling roughly $315–$405/month for comprehensive coverage with no networks and near-zero out-of-pocket costs.

Question 2

Is Medicare free in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B (medical insurance) costs $185/month in 2026. Part D (drug coverage) averages $30–$50/month. Medigap coverage is optional but eliminates most cost-sharing. There is no such thing as completely free comprehensive Medicare coverage.

Question 3

Why are Medigap premiums different across New Jersey counties?

Accepted Answer

Medigap premiums vary by county in New Jersey because insurers price by rating area. Northern NJ counties (Bergen, Morris, Essex) tend to have higher premiums than southern NJ counties (Cape May, Cumberland, Salem). The coverage is identical — only the price changes. Comparing carriers in your specific zip code is essential.

Question 4

Does New Jersey have income-based help paying for Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New Jersey has several assistance programs: the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can pay your Part B premium if you qualify based on income. Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) assists with Part D drug costs. The PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) program helps NJ residents with prescription drug costs. Contact NJ SHIP at 1-800-792-8820 to check eligibility.

Question 5

What is the Medicare Part B deductible in New Jersey in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Medicare Part B deductible is $257 in 2026 — this is a federal amount that applies nationwide, not NJ-specific. Plan G covers everything except this deductible. Plan F covers it entirely but is only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.

Cost Item	2026 Amount	Notes
Part A premium	$0 for most	Free if 40+ quarters of Medicare taxes
Part A deductible (per benefit period)	$1,676	Covered by Plan G and Plan N
Part B premium	$185/month	Federal standard; higher if IRMAA applies
Part B deductible	$257/year	Covered by Plan G, not Plan N
Medigap Plan G (NJ avg)	$130–$220/month	Varies by carrier and county
Medigap Plan N (NJ avg)	$110–$185/month	Plus up to $20 copay per visit
Part D drug plan (avg)	$30–$60/month	Varies by plan and drugs needed

How Much Does Medicare Cost in New Jersey in 2026?

2026 Medicare Cost Summary — New Jersey

Total Monthly Cost Scenarios

Original Medicare Only

Plan G + Part D (Recommended)

Medicare Costs in New Jersey — FAQ