If you live in Bergen County, New Jersey, one of the biggest Medicare decisions you may face is whether to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or stay with Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy.
These two options can both provide Medicare coverage, but they work very differently.
And the right choice isn’t simply about finding the plan with the lowest monthly premium.
Your doctors, specialists, hospitals, prescription medications, budget, travel habits, and how much flexibility you want when receiving medical care can all affect which option may work better for you.
If you’re still learning how Medicare Advantage works locally, my Medicare Advantage Plans in Bergen County, NJ guide explains the basics of comparing plans, provider networks, prescription coverage, costs, and benefits available to Bergen County residents.
Whether you live in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Bergenfield, Englewood, Fair Lawn, or another Bergen County community, the goal should be the same:
Choose Medicare coverage based on how you actually use health care—not simply on an advertisement or one attractive benefit.
In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap, the advantages and tradeoffs of each, and the questions I encourage Bergen County Medicare beneficiaries to consider before choosing their coverage.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: What Is the Main Difference?
The most important difference is this:
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, while Medigap supplements Original Medicare.
With Original Medicare + Medigap, Original Medicare remains your primary coverage. A Medigap policy can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind, depending on the Medigap policy you choose.
With Medicare Advantage (Part C), you receive your Medicare-covered health care through a Medicare-approved private plan rather than receiving those benefits directly through Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage, and many offer additional benefits.
Quick Answer
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Medicare Advantage:
An alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Most plans include prescription drug coverage, and many offer additional benefits such as dental, vision and hearing.
Original Medicare + Medigap:
You keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage and purchase a separate Medicare Supplement policy to help pay certain costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. If you want prescription drug coverage, you can generally enroll separately in a Medicare Part D plan.
You cannot use Medigap to pay the deductibles, copayments or premiums of a Medicare Advantage plan. These are two different approaches to Medicare coverage.
Understanding that difference before comparing individual plans or premiums can make the rest of your Medicare decision much easier.
How Medicare Advantage Works in Bergen County
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
They must cover the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, but plans can have different provider networks, out-of-pocket costs and rules for receiving certain services. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, and many offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
That’s why choosing Medicare Advantage in Bergen County involves more than asking:
“Which company has the best plan?”
A better question is:
“Which available plan fits my doctors, medications, health needs and budget?”
Depending on the plans available where you live, you may encounter different types of Medicare Advantage plans, including HMOs and PPOs.
Understanding the difference between a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO can help you avoid surprises later.
Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
With an HMO, you generally receive non-emergency care through providers and facilities within the plan’s network.
Depending on the plan, you may also need to select a primary care doctor and get referrals for certain specialists.
This makes the provider network especially important.
Before enrolling, check your:
- Primary care physician
- Specialists
- Preferred hospitals
- Medical facilities
- Pharmacies
Don’t assume that because a doctor “takes Medicare,” the doctor participates in every Medicare Advantage plan.
Those are two different things.
Medicare Advantage PPO Plans
PPO Medicare Advantage plans generally provide more flexibility.
You have a network of doctors, hospitals and other providers where you’ll typically pay less. You can generally receive covered services outside the network as well, but your costs may be higher.
PPO plans generally don’t require referrals to see specialists.
For Bergen County residents who regularly see multiple specialists or want more flexibility in where they receive care, this distinction can be an important part of the decision.
From My Office
When I help someone evaluate Medicare Advantage coverage, one of the first things I encourage them to do is make a list of the doctors and medical providers they do not want to lose access to.
Don’t start with dental.
Don’t start with a $0 premium.
Don’t start with an extra benefit that caught your attention in an advertisement.
Start with your health care.
Ask:
- Is my primary care doctor in the network?
- Are my specialists in the network?
- Are the hospitals and facilities I prefer in the network?
- Are my prescriptions covered?
- What are my copayments and coinsurance?
- What is my maximum out-of-pocket exposure?
- Do I need referrals or prior authorization for services I regularly use?
This is also why a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan shouldn’t automatically be considered “free.”
The monthly plan premium is only one part of what you could pay for your health care.
How Original Medicare With Medigap Works
Medigap works very differently.
A Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, commonly called Medigap, is private insurance designed to help pay some of the costs left behind by Original Medicare, such as certain copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
Generally, you need Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy.
One of the biggest differences compared with many Medicare Advantage plans is provider access.
With Original Medicare, you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
That can be important for someone who:
- Travels frequently within the United States
- Spends part of the year in another state
- Sees specialists in different locations
- Doesn’t want to depend on a Medicare Advantage provider network
However, Medigap isn’t a complete Medicare package by itself.
Medigap policies sold today don’t include outpatient prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription drug coverage while using Original Medicare and Medigap, you can generally enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
There is another issue I don’t want Bergen County residents to overlook:
When you buy Medigap can matter.
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins the first month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this period, you have important federal protections when purchasing a Medigap policy. After this period, your ability to purchase a policy may be different unless you have certain protections or guaranteed-issue rights.
That makes the Medicare decision someone makes around age 65 particularly important.
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility and still working, understanding whether you need to enroll in Medicare at 65 is another decision that should be addressed before choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap.
Aja’s Bergen County Medicare Tip
When comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap, don’t ask only:
“Which one costs less per month?”
Instead, ask:
“How do I want my Medicare coverage to work when I actually need health care?”
Someone who values broad access to doctors who accept Medicare may prefer the structure of Original Medicare with Medigap.
Another person may prefer Medicare Advantage because of its plan structure, potentially lower premiums, integrated prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
Neither option is automatically better for everyone.
The right question isn’t:
“Which one is better?”
It’s:
“Which one is better for me?”
And that answer should come from looking at your doctors, prescriptions, expected health care use, budget and personal priorities—not simply the premium or the benefits printed on the front of a brochure.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap Costs in Bergen County
Cost is often one of the first things people compare when choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap.
But looking only at the monthly premium can be misleading.
The better question is:
“What could my total health care costs look like throughout the year?”
Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with Medigap handle costs very differently.
With Medicare Advantage, you may have a low or even $0 monthly plan premium, but you generally pay copayments or coinsurance as you use medical services.
With Medigap, you typically pay a separate monthly premium for the Medigap policy in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Depending on the Medigap plan you choose, however, the policy can help pay certain costs that Original Medicare would otherwise leave you responsible for.
Don’t Compare Premiums—Compare the Whole Picture
When comparing your options, consider more than the monthly premium.
Look at:
- Monthly premiums
- Doctor and specialist copayments
- Hospital costs
- Outpatient services
- Diagnostic testing and imaging
- Prescription drug costs
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
- The cost of a separate Part D plan if you choose Original Medicare with Medigap
With Medicare Advantage, plans have a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered Part A and Part B services. Once you reach your plan’s applicable limit, you generally don’t pay anything for covered Part A and Part B services for the rest of the year.
Original Medicare by itself does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. This is one reason some beneficiaries purchase Medigap coverage to help manage the costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
From My Office
I don’t like judging Medicare coverage by the premium alone.
A plan with a very low monthly premium isn’t necessarily the least expensive option for a particular person.
At the same time, paying a higher monthly premium for Medigap isn’t automatically the better choice either.
I encourage people to consider both sides:
What will I pay every month, and what could I pay when I actually need care?
That’s a much more useful comparison.
Doctor and Hospital Access: One of the Biggest Differences
For many Bergen County residents, this may be more important than the premium.
With Original Medicare, you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare, so the Medigap policy itself generally isn’t creating the type of local provider network you commonly see with Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage works differently.
Depending on whether you have an HMO, PPO, or another type of Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to use the plan’s network or pay more for certain out-of-network services.
That’s why I recommend checking providers before enrolling, not after you need an appointment.
Think Beyond Your Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care physician is only the beginning.
If you are comparing Medicare Advantage plans in Bergen County, think about the entire health care system you use.
That may include:
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Oncologists
- Dermatologists
- Ophthalmologists
- Physical therapists
- Outpatient facilities
- Laboratories
- Imaging centers
- Hospitals
A plan may include one doctor you use but not another specialist who is equally important to your care.
Aja’s Bergen County Medicare Tip
Create a simple “must keep” provider list before you compare plans.
Write down the doctors, specialists and facilities that matter most to you.
Then verify each one against the plan you’re considering.
And don’t rely solely on something you heard from a friend or even an old provider directory.
Provider participation can change, so verify current participation with the plan and, when appropriate, with the provider’s office before enrolling.
Prescription Drug Coverage: Don’t Forget Your Medications
Prescription coverage can change the outcome of a Medicare comparison.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
With Original Medicare and Medigap, you can generally purchase a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
But simply having drug coverage isn’t enough.
You need to know how your particular medications are covered.
Before choosing coverage, review:
- Whether each medication is on the plan’s formulary
- What tier each drug is on
- Your copay or coinsurance
- Whether prior authorization applies
- Whether step therapy applies
- Whether quantity limits apply
- Which pharmacies are preferred by the plan
Two people living on the same street in Bergen County could reasonably choose different Medicare coverage simply because they take different medications.
Your Pharmacy Can Matter Too
People sometimes check their medications but forget about the pharmacy.
Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage may have pharmacy networks and preferred pharmacies.
Your cost for the same prescription can vary depending on where you fill it.
That’s why I like to look at medications and pharmacies together, rather than treating prescription coverage as an afterthought.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap for Travel
Travel is another important consideration, especially for people who spend significant time outside New Jersey.
With Original Medicare, you can generally receive covered care from any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
That can provide flexibility for someone who regularly travels domestically or spends part of the year in another state.
Medicare Advantage plans generally have a defined service area and provider network. Emergency and urgently needed services are covered when you’re outside the plan’s service area, but coverage for routine non-emergency care away from home depends on the type of plan and its rules.
Some PPO plans may provide out-of-network coverage, usually at a higher cost.
Ask Yourself This Before Choosing
“Where do I expect to receive most of my medical care?”
If almost all of your care is in Bergen County and the surrounding area, a Medicare Advantage network that includes your providers may work well for you.
If you travel extensively, live in another state for part of the year, or routinely see doctors in different parts of the country, provider flexibility may carry more weight in your decision.
Extra Benefits: Where Medicare Advantage Can Look Very Attractive
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Depending on the plan, these may include benefits related to:
- Dental care
- Routine vision
- Hearing
- Fitness programs
- Over-the-counter items
- Transportation or other supplemental services
These benefits can certainly be valuable.
But they shouldn’t be the first thing you use to choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
Benefits Should Be the Tie-Breaker, Not the Starting Point
Suppose one plan offers an attractive dental benefit, but your cardiologist isn’t in its network.
Another plan may have a less eye-catching dental benefit but includes the doctors and hospitals that are most important to you.
Which difference will matter more when you actually need medical care?
That’s why I encourage people to evaluate Medicare Advantage in this order:
Doctors → Prescriptions → Hospitals → Costs → Plan Rules → Extra Benefits
Extra benefits matter.
They just shouldn’t distract you from the core health coverage.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap at a Glance
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare + Medigap |
|---|---|---|
| How you receive Medicare benefits | Through a private Medicare-approved plan | Through Original Medicare |
| Provider access | Often based on a plan network | Generally any U.S. provider that accepts Medicare |
| Monthly costs | Vary; some plans may have a $0 plan premium | Medigap has a separate monthly premium |
| Medical cost-sharing | Copays/coinsurance vary by plan | Medigap helps pay certain Original Medicare cost-sharing depending on the policy |
| Annual medical out-of-pocket maximum | Yes, for covered Part A and Part B services | Original Medicare has no annual maximum; Medigap helps cover certain costs |
| Prescription drugs | Included in most Medicare Advantage plans | Separate Part D plan generally needed |
| Dental, vision and hearing | Many plans offer additional benefits | Generally not covered by Medigap |
| Referrals | May be required depending on plan type | Original Medicare generally doesn’t require referrals |
| Domestic travel flexibility | Depends on plan/network rules | Generally broader access to Medicare-accepting providers nationwide |
| Plan/provider networks | Common | Medigap works with Original Medicare rather than a Medicare Advantage network |
Important
This chart is a starting point, not a recommendation for one type of coverage over another.
Medicare Advantage plans vary by plan and service area, and Medigap premiums and available policies can also vary.
Your individual situation matters.
Which Costs Are More Predictable?
This is an important distinction that doesn’t always get enough attention.
Some people prefer paying a higher monthly premium in exchange for potentially more predictable medical expenses.
Others would rather have a potentially lower monthly plan premium and pay copayments or coinsurance when they receive care.
Neither preference is wrong.
It comes down partly to how you prefer to manage your budget and risk.
Consider these two questions:
Would I rather pay more in predictable monthly premiums?
Or:
Would I rather potentially pay less in premiums but have more cost-sharing when I use medical services?
For someone who rarely uses health care, that answer may look different than it does for someone who sees several specialists throughout the year.
Key Takeaway
Don’t choose between Medicare Advantage and Medigap based on one number.
Look at the whole picture:
Your monthly costs.
Your doctors.
Your prescriptions.
Your hospitals.
Your expected health care use.
Your travel.
And the amount of financial uncertainty you’re comfortable accepting.
The goal isn’t to find the Medicare option that looks best in an advertisement.
It’s to find the coverage structure that makes the most sense for your life.
Which Is Better in Bergen County: Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
There isn’t one answer that’s right for every Bergen County resident.
The better choice depends on how you use health care and what matters most to you.
Rather than asking which option is “better,” I encourage people to think about which coverage structure better fits their individual situation.
Medicare Advantage May Appeal to You If…
Medicare Advantage may be worth considering if you:
- Prefer potentially lower monthly plan premiums
- Are comfortable using a provider network
- Have doctors and hospitals that participate in a plan you’re considering
- Like having medical and prescription drug coverage combined in one plan
- Value additional benefits that may be offered, such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness benefits
- Are comfortable paying copayments or coinsurance as you use certain medical services
But those advantages should always be weighed against the particular plan’s network, costs, drug coverage and rules.
Original Medicare With Medigap May Appeal to You If…
Original Medicare with Medigap may be worth considering if you:
- Want broad access to doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare
- Travel frequently within the United States
- Spend part of the year in another state
- Prefer not to rely on a Medicare Advantage provider network
- Are comfortable paying a separate Medigap premium
- Value having a supplemental policy help cover certain costs left by Original Medicare
Remember that Medigap policies sold today don’t include outpatient prescription drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you can generally enroll separately in Medicare Part D.
From My Office
This is why I don’t believe Medicare should be approached as:
“Tell me which plan is best.”
I would rather start with:
“Tell me about you.”
Which doctors are important to you?
What prescriptions do you take?
Which hospitals do you prefer?
How often do you travel?
What are you comfortable paying each month?
How important is predictable health care spending to you?
Are you comfortable working within a provider network?
Those answers tell us much more than an advertisement ever could.
Can You Switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap Later?
This is one of the most important sections of this article.
And it’s something I want people to understand before they make their initial Medicare decision.
You can change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods or when you qualify for certain Special Enrollment Periods.
However, being allowed to leave Medicare Advantage does not automatically mean you are guaranteed the right to purchase any Medigap policy you want.
Under federal rules, your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally starts the first month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During that period, you have important protections that allow you to purchase Medigap coverage without being denied because of pre-existing health problems.
After that period ends, your options may be more limited unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or another applicable protection. Medicare advises that outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, there may be no federal guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a policy.
What About the Medicare Advantage Trial Right?
There are important exceptions.
For example, if you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you were first eligible for Medicare at 65 and decide within the first year that you want to switch to Original Medicare, you may have special rights to purchase certain Medigap policies.
There are also protections in certain situations for someone who dropped a Medigap policy to join Medicare Advantage for the first time and decides within the applicable 12-month trial period to return to Original Medicare.
The exact rules depend on your situation.
Aja’s Medicare Tip
Don’t assume you can try Medicare Advantage for several years and automatically purchase any Medigap policy you want later.
Before dropping Medigap or changing the way you receive Medicare coverage, understand what rights you would have if you later wanted to switch back.
That is a conversation worth having before you make the change.
When Can You Change Medicare Coverage?
Medicare has specific enrollment periods for making coverage changes.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7, people with Medicare can make certain changes, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes generally take effect January 1.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 is available to people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, you can generally switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. You can also join a separate Medicare drug plan if you return to Original Medicare.
Certain life events may also create a Special Enrollment Period.
For example, moving, losing certain coverage, or other qualifying circumstances can create an opportunity to change coverage outside the regular enrollment periods.
The important thing to remember is that the enrollment period that lets you leave Medicare Advantage and the rules governing your ability to purchase Medigap are not necessarily the same thing.
Common Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Choosing Based Only on the Monthly Premium
A $0 Medicare Advantage plan premium can certainly be attractive.
But $0 premium doesn’t mean $0 health care costs.
Consider copayments, coinsurance, prescription costs, provider access and your maximum out-of-pocket exposure—not just the premium.
Mistake #2: Choosing Medicare Advantage Without Checking Your Doctors
Don’t assume your doctors participate simply because they accept Medicare.
Check the network of the specific Medicare Advantage plan you’re considering.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Prescription Drugs
Your medications can significantly affect which coverage combination works for you.
Review your prescriptions, formulary, pharmacies and estimated drug costs before enrolling.
Mistake #4: Choosing Medigap Without Considering the Total Monthly Cost
Medigap can help make certain Original Medicare costs more predictable, but you need to consider the Medigap premium along with your Part B premium and, if applicable, the premium for a separate Part D plan.
Mistake #5: Assuming You Can Easily Switch Back Later
This may be one of the most costly misunderstandings.
Medicare gives beneficiaries opportunities to change how they receive their Medicare coverage, but Medigap has its own enrollment and guaranteed-issue rules.
Don’t drop existing coverage until you understand what your options will be afterward.
Mistake #6: Choosing Based on Someone Else’s Plan
Your spouse, neighbor or friend may love their Medicare coverage.
That doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
They may have different doctors, prescriptions, health needs, finances and priorities.
Medicare is personal. Your comparison should be personal too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in Bergen County, NJ
What is the biggest difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan.
Medigap works with Original Medicare and helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind.
You cannot use Medigap to supplement a Medicare Advantage plan.
Is Medicare Advantage cheaper than Medigap in Bergen County?
Not necessarily.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may have low or $0 monthly plan premiums, while Medigap generally requires a separate monthly premium.
But premium alone doesn’t tell you which option will cost you less overall.
Consider your premiums, expected medical use, copayments, coinsurance, prescription costs and potential out-of-pocket exposure.
Can I see any doctor with Medigap?
Medigap works with Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
This is different from many Medicare Advantage plans, which use provider networks.
Can I have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?
No. Medigap is designed to supplement Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
In fact, it’s illegal for an insurance company to knowingly sell you a Medigap policy if you have Medicare Advantage unless you’re switching back to Original Medicare.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Possibly, but this is where timing and eligibility become extremely important.
You may be able to leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare during an applicable enrollment period. However, that doesn’t always guarantee that you can purchase the Medigap policy you want.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, guaranteed-issue rights, trial rights, health history and other circumstances may affect your options.
Which is better for someone who travels frequently?
Someone who travels extensively within the United States may value Original Medicare’s broad provider access because Original Medicare generally allows you to receive covered care from providers nationwide who accept Medicare.
With Medicare Advantage, non-emergency coverage outside your plan’s network or service area depends on the type of plan and its rules.
What is the best Medicare option for someone living in Bergen County?
There isn’t one Medicare option that’s best for every Bergen County resident.
A good comparison should consider your doctors, hospitals, medications, expected health care needs, travel, budget and preferences.
That’s why I recommend comparing Medicare based on your situation rather than someone else’s plan.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
Before deciding between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with Medigap, ask yourself:
- Are my doctors and specialists important to me?
- Which hospitals and medical facilities do I prefer?
- What prescription medications do I take?
- How much can I comfortably spend on monthly premiums?
- How much financial risk am I comfortable accepting when I use medical care?
- Do I travel or live outside New Jersey for extended periods?
- Am I comfortable using a provider network?
- How important are additional dental, vision or hearing benefits?
- Am I currently in my Medigap Open Enrollment Period?
- If I change coverage now, what options would I have if I wanted to change again later?
If you can’t answer all of those questions yet, that’s okay.
Those are exactly the questions worth working through before you enroll.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap in Bergen County, NJ isn’t about finding a universally “better” option.
It’s about understanding the tradeoffs.
Medicare Advantage may offer lower plan premiums, integrated prescription drug coverage and additional benefits, but provider networks, cost-sharing and plan rules need to be carefully reviewed.
Original Medicare with Medigap may provide broader provider flexibility and help make certain medical expenses more predictable, but you’ll generally have additional monthly premiums and need separate Part D coverage if you want prescription drug insurance.
Most importantly, don’t make the decision based on one television commercial, one benefit, one premium or what worked for your neighbor.
Look at your whole Medicare picture.
Your doctors.
Your prescriptions.
Your hospitals.
Your budget.
Your travel.
Your health care needs.
And your priorities.
That’s how you make a Medicare decision that is actually about you.
About the Author
Aja Link is a licensed Medicare insurance agent serving Medicare beneficiaries in New York and New Jersey.
Aja focuses on helping people understand Medicare in plain English so they can make informed decisions about their coverage.
Rather than starting with an insurance company or a particular benefit, her approach starts with the individual: their doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, budget, health care needs and priorities.
She believes Medicare guidance should be educational, personal and pressure-free.
Whether someone is approaching 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap, or trying to better understand existing coverage, Aja’s goal is to make Medicare easier to understand and help each person evaluate the options available for their individual situation.
Need help understanding your Medicare options in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Aja Link
Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent
New York & New Jersey
Phone: 516-313-8918
Email: ajaglink@gmail.com
There is no obligation to enroll when requesting information.
References
Medicare.gov — Official U.S. government information about Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Medigap and Medicare enrollment periods.
New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — Medicare counseling and information for New Jersey beneficiaries.
Bergen County Division of Senior Services — SHIP Medicare counseling and Medicare resources for Bergen County residents.
Medicare Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, medical or tax advice.
Medicare Advantage plan availability, benefits, premiums, provider networks, formularies, copayments, coinsurance and other plan details vary by plan and service area and may change from year to year. Medigap availability, premiums and eligibility rules can also vary based on individual circumstances and applicable federal and state protections.
Always review official plan documents and current Medicare information before enrolling in or changing your coverage.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.