On November 3, New Jersey voters will choose a U.S. senator and all 12 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. These federal offices can shape the programs and costs many older adults rely on, including Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drugs, and health insurance. Here are examples of published proposals from candidates in the Senate race and New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, and what those ideas could mean for seniors.
This is a nonpartisan overview, not an endorsement. A campaign promise is not a benefit currently available: proposals generally need congressional approval, funding, and implementation before they can change anyone's coverage or costs.
Democratic incumbent Cory Booker, in responses to NJ Spotlight News' 2026 candidate questionnaire, called for reversing Medicaid cuts, restoring Affordable Care Act marketplace premium tax credits, requiring Medicare to cover vision, dental, and hearing care, and expanding Medicare's prescription-drug price negotiation program. If enacted, these proposals could affect seniors who use Medicare, people who rely on Medicaid for long-term services, and older adults who buy insurance through the marketplace before becoming eligible for Medicare.
Republican challenger Justin Murphy's campaign describes a different approach: it proposes expanding Health Savings Accounts, allowing people to buy insurance across state lines, and creating a Medicare and Medicaid fraud unit. Those are campaign policy positions, not enacted changes. The campaign materials reviewed do not set out a specific Social Security benefit change or detailed proposal for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, or hearing services.
The difference matters to seniors because coverage expansions, premium support, consumer protections, and market-based changes can affect household costs and access in different ways. Voters can ask both candidates for details on eligibility, funding, and how their plans would protect people with ongoing care needs.
Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. introduced the Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026. The bill would remove certain Medicare Part B and Part D income-related monthly adjustment surcharges for individuals with income between $109,000 and $171,000 and married couples with income between $218,000 and $342,000. Kean's office estimates the change could save an individual up to $241 per month or a couple up to $482. The bill has been introduced; those savings are not a current benefit and would depend on the bill becoming law.
Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett has said she supports reversing Medicaid cuts, extending ACA premium subsidies, and creating a public option, alongside greater mental-health coverage. These proposals could affect older adults who have Medicaid-funded care or buy coverage before Medicare eligibility, as well as families helping relatives navigate insurance. As with all campaign proposals, voters should check the latest candidate materials for details and updates.
Property-tax programs such as Senior Freeze and Stay NJ are administered by New Jersey, not Congress. A U.S. senator or representative cannot directly change a homeowner's state eligibility or issue a state rebate. Seniors should continue to check state program rules and deadlines separately from the federal campaign promises discussed here.
All 12 congressional races are on the ballot, and candidates' positions can vary by district. For candidate questionnaire responses, consult NJ Spotlight News' NJ Decides 2026 guide. For the list of general-election candidates and voting details, see News 12's New Jersey voting guide. Read the candidates' own materials on Cory Booker's health-care proposals, Justin Murphy's platform, Tom Kean Jr.'s Medicare premium bill, and Rebecca Bennett's campaign.
For New Jersey's current state property-tax relief information, visit the New Jersey Senior Freeze program page and confirm eligibility and deadlines with the state.
