Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Medicare Advantage allows people enrolled in Medicare to combine the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B into a single plan managed by a private insurance company rather than the federal government. Known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage Plans must give the same benefits as enrolling in Parts A and B (except for hospice care). Insurance companies offer seniors additional benefits if they choose an Advantage Plan, such as dental, vision and hearing coverage, prescription drug plans and discounted wellness services. 

While seniors may enroll in Medicare Part D regardless of whether they have Original Medicare or an Advantage Plan, this is often unnecessary. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulate Advantage Plans to ensure they provide the same basic coverage as the traditional Medicare program, but private insurance companies do have the right to set their own rules regarding eligibility, out-of-pocket limits, what medications are covered, how to see a specialist and coinsurance. 

Of Tennessee’s 1.4 million Medicare-eligible adults, over 570,000 are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans in 2020, which represent almost 42% of all Medicare recipients in the state. The national average is also 42%.

This guide reviews what Medicare Advantage is, what Advantage Plans in Tennessee cover, how seniors can qualify for an Advantage Plan and when and where to enroll in a plan. 

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Tennessee has multiple insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans, giving Tennessee residents plenty of options when it comes to selecting coverage. The following table reviews the top 10 insurance providers based on current enrollment numbers. Insurance companies may offer multiple types of Medicare Advantage Plans, so the information includes price ranges instead of average monthly premiums. It also lists the total enrollment in all plans that an insurance company provides rather than individual plans. 

This information was last updated in April 2022. Seniors who want more current information about Advantage Plans in Tennessee can visit Medicare.gov for the latest updates.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Tennessee

Seniors should educate themselves on how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare before seeking an Advantage Plan. Insurance companies offer different types of Medicare Advantage plans, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. The rules for eligibility, out-of-pocket maximums, coinsurance, in-network vs. out-of-network coverage and specialist referrals all vary by plan. Below is a review of the four primary types of Advantage Plans.

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Tennessee

Medicare Advantage Plans must offer the same level of coverage provided through Original Medicare (Parts A and B). The only exception is hospice care, which remains covered by Medicare Part A. An Advantage Plan will cover annual physicals, preventative care, diagnostic tests, emergency care, inpatient care, outpatient procedures, medical transportation and medical devices and supplies. Providers can offer additional benefits, such as coverage for vision, dental or hearing care and discount programs that allow seniors to access meal programs, gyms and other wellness programs at a reduced price. 

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Tennessee

Medicare is available to all adult U.S. citizens or legal residents who are over 65 years old or have a disability that qualifies them for enrollment. To enroll in an Advantage Plan, someone must first enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B and then live in the service area covered by their chosen plan. Enrollees must also meet the eligibility requirements decided by the insurance company managing the plan. 

There are several types of enrollment periods that allow seniors to sign up for Medicare coverage. Missing an enrollment period could result in costly penalties, so it’s important for seniors to be aware of when their enrollment periods begin and end. Once seniors enroll in an Advantage Plan, they can change their coverage once a year during the annual election period. The following list offers more information about enrollment periods. 

• Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee

Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources

Local Medicare Advantage Resources