I am a New Jersey resident and I am over 65. How do I enroll in Medicare?
What does Original Medicare pay for?
The Medicare Rights Center has created a chart that outlines all of your out of pocket costs under Original Medicare. These are your costs if you only have Original Medicare and if you have not purchased a Medicare plus Choice plan or a Medigap.
The Medicare Coverage Database tool will tell you if Medicare will cover particular health services. Simply choose your state, then choose the health service you are researching.
I can't afford to pay all of those out of pocket costs. What are my options for getting additional coverage?
Medicare Personal Plan Finder tool will provide you with a list of Medicare health plan choices in the geographic area you specify, along with benefit descriptions and other information to help you choose the plan that’s best for you. Just complete the required information and click the "Find a Plan" button that will appear when you are done.
If you join an HMO or a PPO, you must see the doctors who are in their networks and go to the hospitals and other facilities in their networks.
I want to have the freedom to see my own doctors. Is there another kind of supplemental coverage?
Yes, Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor who has NOT opted out of the Original Medicare program.
There are 10 federally standardized Medigap insurance plans, plans A-J. This chart shows the standardized benefits you get with each "letter" plan.
To find the Medigap policy information: Scroll down the page about 1/2 way.
This is a complete list of Medigap policies currently available in New Jersey.
I don't want to be confined to the networks of the Medicare + Choice plans and I can't afford the monthly premium for the Medigap. Are there other options for assistance with my prescription drug costs?
New Jersey PAAD: Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled
PAAD helps eligible New Jersey residents pay for prescription drugs, insulin, insulin needles, certain diabetic testing materials, syringes and needles for injectable medicines used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Senior Gold is a prescription discount program for elderly or disabled New Jersey residents who do not qualify for PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled).
Senior Medications.com provides NJ seniors with over 1700 Canadian medications available on line, including brand name drugs and a large assortment of generic drugs. The "Getting Started: How To Order" link in the middle of the page provides complete instructions.
Garden State Pharmacy Owners Providers Prescription Savings Card Programs
This organization is the discount card provider to many of the municipalities in the state. The typical plan is $20 a year, or $40 for 3 years, and discounts will vary with each prescription. Eligibility requirements also vary by plan, ranging from only Seniors to all residents of that town or county.
Scroll down on the page to see a list of all participating locations, the links are PDF files that have all necessary information on how to apply and requirements.
Isn't the Medicare Reform Bill going to help me pay for my prescription drugs?
Click here for news regarding prescription drug benefits for seniors.
Starting in 2004, Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be available for immediate savings on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new, voluntary drug discount cards. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. These voluntary cards are being offered until December 31, 2005, when this program ends and the new comprehensive prescription drug benefit begins. Please access this site to find out if you qualify for the card or for the $600 credit.
The Medicare Rights Center answers all of your questions about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Cards.
The Medicare Rights Center compares all of your prescription drug options for you. Check out this chart to find out which one is the best deal for you.
This chart created by the Medicare Rights Center offers information provided by the companies in December 2001. Before joining, call for updated information and carefully review all enrollment materials.
What will my prescription drug costs be after 2006?
The New Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? Families USA estimates what you'll pay for prescription drugs under the new benefit.
Assistance for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Savings Program
Scroll down the site for information on Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) or the Medicare Savings Program.
Are there other resources for access to health care resources for Seniors?
NJ EASE (New Jersey Easy Access, Single Entry) provides a new and easy way for senior citizens and their families to learn about and obtain needed services. Through NJ EASE access points, consumers can learn about community programs providing information and assistance, outreach, care management, transportation, senior centers, volunteer opportunities, health promotion, nutrition programs, education, health insurance counseling, adult protective services, and senior employment.
The New Jersey State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides health insurance information and counseling to New Jersey seniors and their beneficiaries. A volunteer network of health benefits counselors advise callers about Medigap Insurance, Medicare, HMOs, public benefits, retiree health plans, individual insurance, prescription drug charge coverage, health insurance counseling, long term care insurance and other health insurance options.
New Jersey Division of Aging & Community Services
This site contains links to wellness programs, counseling services, long term care options, and more state sponsored programs for seniors.
New Jersey Area Agencies on Aging - County Offices
An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is designated in each of New Jersey 's 21 counties to serve as the primary entity responsible for developing comprehensive, coordinated systems of community-based services for older adults.
Department of Health and Senior Services
The Department of Health and Senior Services is the agency that administers most state health care programs. Most of the programs are directly linked on the AHIRC site, however to directly search the NJDHSS site, use the drop down menus at the left, most of the information you will be searching for will be found under "Programs & Services" or "Local & Community Health".
New Jersey Community Care Program for the Elderly & Disabled
The purpose of the program is to help individuals remain in the community or return to the community, rather than be cared for in a nursing facility or a hospital setting. You must be Medicare eligible to qualify for the program (all requirements are listed on the site). The services provided are case management, home health, homemaker, medical day care, non-emergency medical transportation, respite care, social day care and prescribed drugs.