Medicare Advantage
Before you renew in Newark: a step-by-step way to size up 2027 Medicare Advantage
Essex County has 48 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. Compared with 2026, 10 plans are not coming back, 10 are new, and 12 continuing plans changed in some way you should check before December 7, 2 of them under a new name. This guide covers what those numbers mean for Newark, not which plan to pick.
Compare Medicare Advantage options near you
Answer 3 quick questions to see Medicare Advantage listings from licensed insurance partners.
What’s your ZIP code?
Plan availability is set by your county, so we start here.
How old are you?
This helps match you with options you’re eligible for.
Do you have Medicare Parts A & B?
This affects which Medicare Advantage options you can choose.
These listings are provided by licensed insurance partners.
Medicare Advantage plans in your area are changing or leaving for 2027.
One call tells you whether your plan is on the list — before enrollment opens.
Available now — current wait: 0 min
A real person answers. No phone menu, ever.
Medicare Advantage plans in your area are changing or leaving for 2027.
Is your plan on the list? One call tells you — before enrollment opens.
Available now — current wait: 0 min
A real person answers. About 5 minutes, no obligation.
Agents available Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm CT
Want to see more plan options?
Answer a few more questions to continue to additional options from licensed partners.
Continue →Advertising disclosure: MyMedicarePlans.org may be compensated when you contact a partner or licensed agent. Listings are not ranked or endorsed by us, and we do not recommend specific plans. You can also contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Speak to a Licensed Insurance Agent
Click to call 855-729-3240Found a plan you like online?
One free call confirms it's actually right for you — online directories are wrong more often than you'd think.
- Your doctors — confirmed in-network for 2027
- Your prescriptions — checked against the plan's 2027 drug tiers
855-729-3240 · free · about 5 minutes
Key takeaways
- The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7, 2026; any change you make takes effect January 1, 2027.
- Essex County, where Newark sits, has 48 Medicare Advantage plans from 9 carriers for 2027, with 10 new plans and 10 not returning.
- Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) first — it spells out what's different about your current plan next year.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to check doctors, hospitals, your prescriptions and preferred pharmacy before you enroll.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plans offered in Essex County (2026) | 48 | CMS |
| Medicare Advantage plans offered in Essex County (2027) | 48 | CMS |
| Plans not returning for 2027 / new for 2027 | 10 / 10 | CMS |
| Organizations offering Medicare Advantage in Essex County (2026) | 10 | CMS |
| Share of eligible beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage, Essex County | 50% | CMS |
| Residents age 65 and older, Essex County | 122,640 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Part B standard monthly premium (2026) | $202.90 | Medicare.gov |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap (2026) | $2,100 | CMS |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap (2027) | $2,400 | CMS |
| Annual Enrollment Period (for 2027 coverage) | October 15 – December 7, 2026 | Medicare.gov |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | January 1 – March 31 | Medicare.gov |
Area counts are for the county as a whole and are not a recommendation of any plan. Program figures are set nationally.
NEWARK, N.J. — Fall 2026 is Medicare's shopping season, and if you live in or near Newark, the plan you have today will quietly renew on January 1, 2027 unless you make a change by December 7, 2026. That makes the next several weeks a good time to open the mail from your current plan, pull up Medicare's own tools, and walk through a short checklist before you decide to stay or switch.
Newark is in Essex County, and the Medicare Advantage lineup there is shifting again for 2027. Below is a plain-English way to compare what's on offer — without anyone trying to sell you something.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are offered in Newark for 2027?
Newark is in Essex County, where 48 Medicare Advantage plans from 9 carriers are available for plan year 2027, according to the CMS Landscape Source File. By plan type, the county has 14 HMOs, 9 HMO-POS plans and 25 PPOs. Forty-two of the 48 include Part D drug coverage.
The carriers offering plans in Essex County for 2027 are, in alphabetical order: Aetna (CVS Health), Centene (WellCare), Clover Health, Devoted Health, Elevance Health (Anthem), Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Humana, Longevity Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare. The table on this page lists every plan by carrier.
What is new in Essex County Medicare Advantage for 2027?
For 2027, 10 Medicare Advantage plans are new in the county and 10 are not returning. The overall carrier count moves from 10 in 2026 to 9 in 2027. Devoted Health appears in the 2027 lineup for the county with 6 PPO plans.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) — which serve people with specific situations like both Medicare and Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or living in a nursing home — are also part of the mix. In Essex County for 2027, there are 5 D-SNPs (dual-eligible), 7 C-SNPs (chronic condition) and 3 I-SNPs (institutional). If a plan you have is not returning, your carrier will send a non-renewal notice, and you can pick a new plan during the Annual Enrollment Period.
What should I read before I compare plans in Newark?
Start with the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that your current plan mailed in September. The ANOC is a side-by-side of your 2026 plan and the 2027 version of the same plan — premium, deductible, drug tiers, copays, extra benefits, and network changes. Two plans in the county are also being renamed for 2027; the ANOC is where you'd see that.
If nothing in the ANOC bothers you, doing nothing is a valid choice: your plan renews January 1, 2027. If something changed that matters — your medication moved tiers, your doctor is leaving the network, the pharmacy you use is no longer preferred — that's your signal to compare.
How do I compare Medicare Advantage plans step by step?
The simplest tool is the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. Create or sign in to your account, enter your Newark ZIP code, and work through these checks for each plan you're considering:
1. Doctors and hospitals. Confirm your primary care doctor, any specialists you see, and the hospital you'd want to use are in-network for 2027. Call the plan or the provider's office — directories can lag. 2. Prescriptions. Enter every drug you take, with dose and frequency. The Plan Finder will show which plans cover each drug, what tier it's on, and the estimated yearly cost. 3. Pharmacy. Add your preferred pharmacy. "Preferred" pharmacies usually have lower cost-sharing than "standard" ones in the same plan. 4. Plan type. HMOs usually require you to stay in-network and get referrals; HMO-POS plans allow some out-of-network use; PPOs give you more out-of-network flexibility, usually at a higher cost. Essex County's 2027 mix skews toward PPOs (25 of 48). 5. Extra benefits. Dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter and transportation benefits vary a lot. Check the plan's Summary of Benefits for the specifics. 6. Total yearly cost. Look at premium plus expected out-of-pocket, not just the premium.
If you'd rather talk to a person, 1-800-MEDICARE is open 24/7.
What 2027 Medicare numbers are already set?
A few program-level figures for 2027 are confirmed by CMS and apply no matter which plan you pick:
- Part D out-of-pocket cap: $2,400 in 2027 (up from $2,100 in 2026).
- Part D maximum deductible: $700 in 2027 (up from $615 in 2026).
- Part D national base beneficiary premium: $41.33 for 2027 (a formula input, not what any specific plan charges).
The 2027 Part B standard premium and deductible, and the 2027 IRMAA income brackets, are typically announced by CMS later in the fall. We'll update our coverage once those are published.
The coverage gap (the old "donut hole") has been gone since 2025 — Part D now has three phases. If drug costs hit hard early in the year, ask your plan about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which spreads your out-of-pocket drug costs across monthly payments at no extra charge.
What if I miss December 7?
If you miss December 7, 2026, your current plan simply renews for 2027 with the changes listed in its ANOC. You'd then have a second window — the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 – March 31, 2027 — to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or move back to Original Medicare. Certain life events (moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help) can also open a Special Enrollment Period.
By the numbers
Medicare Part B premium, 2006–2026
The standard monthly Part B premium has climbed from $88.50 in 2006 to $202.90 in 2026. Hover any point for that year’s premium.
Source: CMS. Standard premium shown; in some hold-harmless years many existing enrollees paid less. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
By the numbers
How people get Medicare in Essex County
(MA penetration in Essex County)
MA penetration from CMS enrollment data; Medigap share is an estimate. U.S. average is about 54% Medicare Advantage. These are area-level figures, not plan-specific.
2027 plan lineup
Medicare Advantage plans in Essex County for 2027
CMS lists 48 Medicare Advantage plans in Essex County for 2027 from 9 carriers, alphabetically by carrier.
| Plan | Type | Drug coverage | For 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna (CVS Health) 7 plans | |||
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (HMO) | HMO | No | Returning |
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO) | PPO | No | Returning |
| Aetna Medicare Elite (HMO) | HMO | Yes | Returning |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (Regional PPO) | PPO | Yes | Renamed |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced Extra (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Renamed |
| Aetna Medicare FIDE (HMO D-SNP) | HMO D-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO) | HMO | Yes | Returning |
| Centene (WellCare) 3 plans | |||
| Wellcare Assist (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| Wellcare Fidelis Dual Align (HMO D-SNP) | HMO D-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| Clover Health 6 plans | |||
| Clover Health Choice (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| Clover Health Choice Giveback (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| Clover Health Choice Value (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| Clover Health Classic (HMO) | HMO | Yes | Returning |
| Clover Health Valor (PPO) | PPO | No | Returning |
| Clover Health Value (HMO) | HMO | Yes | Returning |
| Devoted Health 6 plans | |||
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE ENHANCED 004 NJ (PPO C-SNP) | PPO C-SNP | Yes | New |
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 005 NJ (PPO C-SNP) | PPO C-SNP | Yes | New |
| DEVOTED C-SNP CHOICE PLUS 003 NJ (PPO C-SNP) | PPO C-SNP | Yes | New |
| DEVOTED CHOICE 001 NJ (PPO) | PPO | Yes | New |
| DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK 002 NJ (PPO) | PPO | Yes | New |
| DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK EXTRAS 006 NJ (PPO) | PPO | Yes | New |
| Elevance Health (Anthem) 3 plans | |||
| Wellpoint Extra Help (HMO) | HMO | Yes | New |
| Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP) | HMO D-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO-POS C-SNP) | HMO-POS C-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey 2 plans | |||
| Horizon NJ TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) | HMO D-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Horizon Specialty Care (HMO C-SNP) | HMO C-SNP | Yes | New |
| Humana 7 plans | |||
| Humana Gold Plus - Diabetes and Heart (HMO C-SNP) | HMO C-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Humana Gold Plus H6622-100 (HMO) | HMO | Yes | Returning |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) | PPO | No | Returning |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-319 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-045 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-127 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | New |
| HumanaChoice H5216-461 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| Longevity Health Plan 2 plans | |||
| Longevity Health Plan (PPO I-SNP) | PPO I-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| Longevity Health Plan (PPO I-SNP) | PPO I-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| UnitedHealthcare 12 plans | |||
| AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC NJ-1 (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC NJ-7 (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0002 (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0003 (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0004 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-0005 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NJ-6 (PPO) | PPO | Yes | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx NJ-MA01 (HMO-POS) | HMO-POS | No | Returning |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx NJ-MA2 (PPO) | PPO | No | Returning |
| UHC Complete Care NJ-8 (HMO-POS C-SNP) | HMO-POS C-SNP | Yes | New |
| UHC Dual Complete NJ-Y001 (HMO D-SNP) | HMO D-SNP | Yes | Returning |
| UHC Nursing Home Plan EX-F003 (PPO I-SNP) | PPO I-SNP | Yes | Returning |
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage Landscape Source Files, plan years 2026 and 2027. Plan availability is set at the county level. No plan is ranked or recommended; premiums, benefits, networks and star ratings are not shown. Plan details come from the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or the plan itself.
The 2027 choices, by type
HMO, PPO and Special Needs Plans in Essex County for 2027
- Aetna (CVS Health) 7 plans: HMO, PPO
- Centene (WellCare) 3 plans: HMO, HMO-POS
- Clover Health 6 plans: HMO, PPO
- Devoted Health 6 plans: PPO
- Elevance Health (Anthem) 3 plans: HMO, HMO-POS
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey 2 plans: HMO
- Humana 7 plans: HMO, PPO
- Longevity Health Plan 2 plans: PPO
- UnitedHealthcare 12 plans: HMO, HMO-POS, PPO
HMO plans use a network and usually a primary-care doctor and referrals; HMO-POS plans add some out-of-network coverage; PPO plans also cover out-of-network care, at a higher share; PFFS plans pay any provider that accepts the plan’s terms. Special Needs Plans serve people with Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNP), certain chronic conditions (C-SNP) or living in an institution (I-SNP).
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage Landscape Source Files, plan years 2026 and 2027. Plan availability is set at the county level. No plan is ranked or recommended; premiums, benefits, networks and star ratings are not shown. Plan details come from the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or the plan itself.
Key dates
Medicare enrollment periods at a glance
- Around your 65thInitial Enrollment PeriodA 7-month window around the month you turn 65 — your first chance to sign up.
- October 15 – December 7Annual Enrollment PeriodAnyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
- January 1 – March 31Medicare Advantage Open EnrollmentIf you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change.
- January 1 – March 31General Enrollment PeriodFor people who missed their first chance to sign up for Part B.
- VariesSpecial Enrollment PeriodTriggered by life events like moving or losing other coverage.
Dates are set by Medicare and apply nationwide. Confirm your personal windows at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Explore
When can you enroll? An interactive year
Enrollment windows are federal and the same nationwide. Confirm your personal dates at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Explore
The parts of Medicare
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline to change my Medicare Advantage plan for 2027?
How many Medicare Advantage plans will Newark residents have in 2027?
What is a Special Needs Plan, and are they offered in Essex County?
Where can I compare plans myself without a sales call?
- CMS — MA Landscape Source File (plan-level availability by county)
- CMS — MA Landscape Source Files, current and coming plan year (year-over-year comparison)
- CMS — Medicare enrollment periods (medicare.gov)
For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Also for Newark
Sources and methodology
- CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape Source Files
- CMS, Medicare Advantage state/county penetration and enrollment files
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (table B01001, age 65 and older)
- Medicare.gov, Medicare costs (Part B premium)
- CMS, Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) program rules
- CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D plan-year announcements
- Medicare.gov, enrollment periods and plan rules
Figures cited in this article
- CMS Medicare Advantage Landscape Source File (plan year 2027): Essex County plan and carrier counts, plan types, SNP counts, drug-coverage counts, and the number of plans new and not returning for 2027.
- CMS Medicare Advantage Landscape Source File (plan year 2026): the prior-year comparison used to count what's new and what's not returning.
- CMS 2027 Part D parameters: the 2027 out-of-pocket cap, maximum deductible and national base beneficiary premium.
- Medicare.gov: the Annual Enrollment Period dates, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment dates, Plan Finder, and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
How we put this together: area counts come from the CMS files listed above for the county that contains this city, program figures come from CMS, Medicare.gov and the Social Security Administration, and no plan is ranked or recommended.
By The Medicare Desk · Published . For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Content Integrity Standards
- No invented figures. Program-level numbers come from CMS / Medicare.gov; we never use placeholder data.
- No plan recommendations. This is educational content. We don't score or recommend specific plans; any Star Ratings shown are Medicare's own CMS ratings, stated as published.
- AI-assisted, human-reviewed. Articles are produced with AI-assisted tools and reviewed by the responsible desk before publishing.
- Inline sourcing. Facts and figures are cited to primary sources — CMS, SSA, and Medicare.gov.
- Correction transparency. We fix errors openly and note when a page was last updated.
- Not a government site. MyMedicarePlans.org is privately owned and not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
This page was last updated: October 2026.