What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover most out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare does not pay, such as coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often includes extra benefits like dental and vision but restricts you to a provider network. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Medicare Supplement plans are community-rated, meaning your premium cannot increase based on your age. United Integrity Group, Inc. is an industry-leading independent Medicare brokerage serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over 20 years, with more than 30,000 clients served by our team of licensed Medicare experts. United Integrity Group, Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the federal government, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or the Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

How do I choose between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Plan G covers virtually all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025). Plan N has a lower monthly premium but requires small copays of up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits. Because both Pennsylvania and New Jersey prohibit excess charges, Plan N is often a strong value for healthy enrollees in either state. Our licensed Medicare experts at United Integrity Group, Inc. have helped more than 30,000 clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey compare Plan G and Plan N side by side across all major carriers to find the lowest premium for the coverage they need.

When should I sign up for Medicare if I am turning 65?

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after, giving you a seven-month window. To avoid a late enrollment penalty on Part B, you should enroll during this period unless you have creditable coverage through an employer. United Integrity Group, Inc. recommends speaking with a licensed Medicare expert in Pennsylvania or New Jersey at least 90 days before your 65th birthday to review your options and avoid gaps in coverage. With over 20 years of experience guiding clients through Medicare enrollment, our team knows every deadline, exception, and enrollment strategy available to you.

Can I change my Medicare plan after I enroll?

Yes, in most cases. You can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Supplement plan may require medical underwriting outside of your initial enrollment window, depending on your state. Pennsylvania and New Jersey both have protections that can make switching easier than in other states. United Integrity Group, Inc. reviews every client's coverage annually before the Annual Enrollment Period at no additional cost to make sure you are always on the best available plan.

What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment deadline?

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium of 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. There are Special Enrollment Periods available if you have qualifying life events such as losing employer coverage. If you have missed a deadline or are unsure of your enrollment status, United Integrity Group, Inc. can review your situation and help you understand your options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our licensed Medicare experts have over 20 years of experience navigating enrollment exceptions and late enrollment situations.

What does Medicare not cover?

Original Medicare does not cover most dental care, vision exams and eyeglasses, hearing aids, long-term custodial care, or most care received outside the United States. It also leaves enrollees responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that can add up to thousands of dollars per year. A Medicare Supplement plan covers most of those out-of-pocket gaps. United Integrity Group, Inc. helps clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey understand exactly what their coverage leaves exposed and find the right Medigap plan to fill those gaps. As one of the most experienced independent Medicare brokerages in the region, we have helped more than 30,000 clients protect themselves from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Medicare Supplement plan premiums in Pennsylvania and New Jersey vary by plan letter, insurance carrier, and your zip code. Because both states use community rating, all enrollees in the same area pay the same rate regardless of age or health history. Plan N premiums in Pennsylvania average around $135 per month, while Plan G premiums average around $160 to $200 per month depending on the carrier and location. United Integrity Group, Inc. compares rates across all major carriers serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey to find the lowest premium for the coverage you need. Our licensed Medicare experts have the market knowledge that comes from over 20 years of experience and more than 30,000 clients served.

What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and when is it?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During this window, Medicare beneficiaries can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change their Part D prescription drug plan, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year. United Integrity Group, Inc. contacts every client before AEP each year to review their current coverage and compare available options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey at no additional cost.

Do I need a Medicare Supplement plan if I have a retiree health plan from my former employer?

It depends on what your retiree plan covers and what it costs. Some employer retiree plans provide strong coverage that works well alongside Medicare, while others have high premiums, limited networks, or benefits that shrink over time. It is worth comparing your retiree plan side by side against Medicare Supplement options before assuming your employer coverage is the better choice. United Integrity Group, Inc. can review your retiree plan details and show you a full comparison. Our licensed Medicare experts have guided thousands of clients through this exact decision across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Supplement?

Medigap and Medicare Supplement are two names for exactly the same type of insurance policy. Both terms refer to private health insurance plans that fill in the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The term Medigap is commonly used by the federal government and Medicare.gov, while Medicare Supplement is the term most insurance carriers and brokers use. United Integrity Group, Inc. uses both terms interchangeably when helping clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey find the right coverage. As industry-leading Medicare experts with over 20 years of experience, we are here to cut through the confusion and find the right plan for your specific situation.

Does it cost anything to use a Medicare supplement broker in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

No. Independent Medicare brokers like United Integrity Group, Inc. are paid commissions directly by the insurance carriers. There is no fee to you for consultations, plan comparisons, enrollment assistance, or the annual plan reviews we provide every year before the Annual Enrollment Period. With over 20 years of experience as one of the most trusted and recognized independent Medicare brokerages in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and more than 30,000 clients served, our team of licensed Medicare experts is here to find you the best coverage at the lowest available price.

Can I keep my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Supplement plan in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

Yes. Medicare Supplement plans do not have provider networks. Any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare will accept your Medicare Supplement plan, regardless of which insurance carrier issued it. This is one of the key advantages of Medigap coverage for residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey compared to Medicare Advantage plans, which typically restrict you to a local network. Our licensed Medicare experts at United Integrity Group, Inc. can walk you through exactly how this works for your specific doctors and hospitals.

What Medicare plans does United Integrity Group offer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

United Integrity Group, Inc. is an industry-leading independent Medicare brokerage serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over 20 years. We compare plans from virtually every major Medicare carrier and offer Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans including Plan G and Plan N, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Because we are independent, we work for you, not the insurance companies, and our licensed Medicare experts can recommend the plan with the best value for your specific health needs and budget.

What other insurance and financial planning products does United Integrity Group offer?

Beyond Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, United Integrity Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of insurance and planning products for seniors and pre-retirees in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These include standalone cancer insurance, heart attack insurance, stroke insurance, life insurance, home health care insurance, long-term care insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and hearing insurance. We also offer estate planning guidance, helping clients evaluate their overall financial and legacy situation and coordinating with licensed attorneys to make their plan legally binding. With over 20 years of experience as one of the most trusted independent Medicare and senior insurance brokerages in the region, and more than 30,000 clients served across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our goal is to be your single trusted resource for all of your insurance and planning needs as you approach and move through retirement.

Does United Integrity Group offer cancer, heart attack, and stroke insurance in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Yes. United Integrity Group, Inc. offers standalone cancer insurance, heart attack insurance, and stroke insurance policies for clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These are separate policies from your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan and are designed to provide a lump sum or supplemental benefit payment if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness. Medicare alone often leaves significant out-of-pocket exposure for cancer treatment, cardiac events, and stroke recovery, and these policies help protect your savings when you need it most. Our licensed Medicare and insurance experts, with over 20 years of experience serving more than 30,000 clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, can review your current coverage and show you exactly how these products fill the gaps Medicare does not cover. United Integrity Group, Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the federal government, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or the Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Learn About Medicare

Learn About Medicare: Your 2026 Guide for PA and NJ Seniors

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. It helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, and other medical services. While Medicare provides health care coverage, it doesn’t pay for everything — and that’s where Medicare Supplement Plans can help.

Signing up for Medicare or finding the right plan can be overwhelming, especially as you approach 65. At United Integrity Group, our goal is to help make the process simple and guide you every step of the way. Remember, you don’t need to go through the process alone — United Integrity Group provides guidance at no cost to you.

Understanding the Parts of Medicare

Medicare is divided into four parts, each covering different aspects of your health care:

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medically necessary services. Part B requires a monthly premium.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A and Part B coverage and often include Part D. Choosing Medicare Advantage means you are no longer on Original Medicare.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Part D plans are offered through private insurers and vary in cost and coverage. You can add Part D to Original Medicare or it may be included in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for people new to Medicare.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help cover costs that Medicare does not pay, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You keep your Original Medicare coverage and the Medigap plan fills in the gaps.

Medicare Advantage plans are a replacement for Original Medicare, not an addition to it. You receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company rather than directly through Medicare.

At United Integrity Group, our brokers will walk you through both options so you can choose the approach that fits your health needs and budget.

Initial Enrollment: Turning 65?

Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts 7 months — it includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. During this time, you can sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Once you’re enrolled, you can also explore Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans to help cover costs that Medicare does not pay. United Integrity brokers work for you, not the insurance companies, so you get the right coverage at the right price.

Learn your options before turning 65 so you don’t miss your Initial Enrollment Period.
Decide whether a Medicare Supplement Plan is the right fit for your situation and budget.
Work with a trusted broker such as United Integrity Group to compare plans and providers.

Late Enrollment Penalties: Why Timing Matters

Missing your enrollment windows can result in permanent financial penalties that stay with you for as long as you have Medicare.

If you do not sign up for Part B when you are first eligible and do not have qualifying coverage through an employer, you may face a late enrollment penalty of 10% added to your Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll.

For Part D, a similar penalty applies if you go 63 or more days without creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible.

These penalties are avoidable. Knowing your enrollment windows and acting on time is one of the most important things you can do when approaching Medicare eligibility. Our brokers can help make sure you never miss a deadline.

Don’t Set It and Forget It: The Annual Enrollment Period

Each year from October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review and adjust their coverage.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, this is the window to switch plans, drop coverage, or make other changes that take effect January 1.

If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, your coverage does not change during AEP the same way Advantage plans do. However, it is still a good habit to review your plan annually to make sure it continues to meet your needs. Our United Integrity Group brokers are available year-round to help you evaluate your options.