A Guide to Medicare in Tennessee

Are you looking for Medicare benefits in Tennessee?

Medicare Plan Finder can be your number one source for any of the following three scenarios you may be looking for.

  1. Speak to an licensed agent in Tennessee now: Call us directly at 800-691-0473 and we’ll happily answer your questions.
  2. Learn about Medicare in Tennessee: Continue reading our full guide below.

Tennessee alone has well over 1,200,000 Medicare beneficiaries. While Medicare is a federal program, there are several different specific Medicare options in Tennessee. Some Tennessee beneficiaries will have as many as 37 different Medicare Advantage plans to choose from!

This Guide to Medicare in Tennessee Includes:

  • What Does Medicare Cover in Tennessee?
  • Can I Have Medicare and Medicaid in Tennessee?
  • Who is Eligible for Medicare in Tennessee?
  • What is the Cost of Medicare in Tennessee?
  • What Medicare Plans are Available in Tennessee?
  • Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee
  • Medicare Supplements in Tennessee
  • What is the Medicare savings program?
  • Tennessee Medicare Doctors, Hospitals, and More
  • Tennessee Medicare Resources
  • When can I Enroll in Medicare in Tennessee?
  • How Do I Apply for Medicare in Tennessee?

What is Medicare in Tennessee?

Medicare is a federally funded healthcare program for seniors, medicare eligibles and some disabled Americans that is available in all 50 states. The program is administered by CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Medicare Plan Finder provides Medicare help in Tennessee and 37 other states.

What Does Medicare Cover in Tennessee?

No matter which state you reside in, you will begin your Medicare journey with Original Medicare. Original Medicare is comprised of Part A, hospital coverage, and Part B, medical coverage. Once you have Original Medicare, you’ll need to add a prescription drug plan.

Once you have your basic coverage, you can choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, otherwise known as Part C, or a Medicare Supplement plan, otherwise known as Medigap. Most insurance carriers offer Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee that include Original Medicare, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, and even fitness benefits. Most major carriers also offer Medicare Supplements in Tennessee, which usually do not offer extra benefits but can help you pay for your coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles.

In Tennessee, Medicare Supplement plans are organized by letter. Options are A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan letter will offer a different amount of coverage for a different price. The first thing your insurance agent can help you decide is which letter plan you should look for.

VIDEO: Tennessee “Medicare ABCs, with Ryan Ramsey, Melody Conkin, and Regina Udomratanavasi”

If you have time, this 50-minute video goes into great detail about Medicare. It was part of a series of lectures at Northeast State Community College in 2014 presented by First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability.

Tennessee Medicare Dental Coverage

Dental is one benefit that is missing from Original Medicare. The only way Original Medicare will cover any dental services or treatments is if it directly relates to another hospital stay. For example, if you are in the hospital due to an oral cancer treatment and your doctor performs an oral exam, that “dental” care can fall under Medicare Part A.

Cleanings, exams, root canals, dentures, and more will not be covered by Original Medicare. Instead, you can either enroll in an individual dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a dental benefit.

Additionally, there are low-cost dental clinics throughout the state of Tennessee available exclusively for low-income individuals and families. If you don’t fall below the poverty line, this may not apply to you. If you believe you may qualify, check out this post about the Interfaith Dental Clinic located in both Nashville and Murfreesboro.

Can I have Medicare and Medicaid in Tennessee?

Even though CMS manages both Medicare and Medicaid, remember that Medicare and Medicaid are not the same thing. While Medicare is mainly for seniors and those with certain disabilities, Medicaid (TennCare) is for low-income individuals. It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, but they are NOT the same program.  

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in Tennessee, you’ll qualify for extra benefits. You’ll likely have a special enrollment period, meaning you don’t have to wait until the fall to change plans. You may also qualify for Extra Help, the Medicare prescription drug savings program, or another Medicare Savings Program.

Who is Eligible for Medicare in Tennessee?

Let’s talk about Medicare in Tennessee eligibility. Anyone who is age 65 or older is eligible for Medicare in Tennessee. Unlike some private health insurance plans, pre-existing conditions will not change your eligibility. You can and should enroll starting three months before your 65th birthday. If you wait too long to enroll, you will need to pay a late enrollment penalty fee, so it is best to enroll as soon as you are eligible.

Some people who are not yet 65 can still qualify for Medicare programs in Tennessee. If you have been receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) for over 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare benefits in Tennessee during your 25th month. You can also qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 but have ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) or ALS (otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Finally, those who receive railroad retirement benefits may qualify for Medicare before turning 65.

What is the Cost of Medicare in Tennessee?

If you were employed and paid Medicare taxes for at least 39 quarters, you’ll get “premium-free Part A,” which means you will not have a premium for your hospital coverage. If you only paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, you’ll pay $259 per month in 2021. If you did not pay Medicare taxes for at least 30 quarters, you’ll pay $471 per month in 2021.

The standard premium for Part B (which covers your doctor visits) is $148.50 per month in 2021, but this can change based on your income. While Part A and Part B are standardized, other coverage will vary based on the plan you choose.

What Medicare Plans are Available in Tennessee?

You’ll need to start by enrolling in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), but then you’ll have some other Medicare options in Tennessee. You’ll want to consider your prescription drug coverage options first as you’ll be charged a late enrollment penalty fee if you wait too long. You can get prescription drug coverage and avoid the fee by enrolling in either Part D, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplements.

Part D plans are standalone prescription drug plans, meaning prescription drugs are the only thing they cover. You’ll be charged a premium similarly to your medical coverage and you’ll have a pharmacy network and drug formulary. Your Medicare prescription drug formulary is a sheet that tells you what prescription drugs are covered and at what level. There are usually three or four tiers to your formulary, and evey tier provides a different amount of coverage. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than brand-name.

If you’d prefer, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage instead. These are typically referred to as MAPD plans, or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. They always cover Part A, Part B, and Part D, and then usually include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. You’ll have several different options in your area for a Medicare Advantage plan as they are offered by private insurance companies instead of CMS.

The third option is harder to find, but some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans include prescription drug coverage. However, Medigap plans are really designed to provide financial benefits instead of health benefits. They can help cover your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance (for a separate premium).

What is the Best Medicare Plan in Tennessee?

The best Medicare plan is going to depend on your individual needs. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but it’s true! That’s why there are so many options – every Medicare beneficiary is different. You’ll want to look at your healthcare needs, what doctors and pharmacies you like, what prescription drugs you’re taking, and where your finances stand to determine which Medicare plans in Tennessee are best for you.

Some of the top Tennessee Medicare plan carriers that we work with are:

  • Aetna
  • Amerigroup/Anthem
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • UHC/AARP
  • WellCare
Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare Advantage Plans Tennessee

Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and can include benefits that Original Medicare does not, such as:

Some areas of Tennessee have several different Medicare Advantage plans available, but others may have limited options.

Medicare Advantage HMO vs Medicare Advantage PPO

There are a few different types of Medicare Advantage plans, but the ones we tend to see a lot of and the two that people get most confused are HMOs and PPOs. 

HMO plans, or Health Maintence Organization plans, have very strict networks. You’ll have to select one primary physician (doctor) who you will turn to for all your healthcare needs. If you need to see a sepcialist, like a cardiologist, your primary physician will need to give you a referral. 

PPO plans, or Preferred Provider Organization plans, have much more flexible networks. You’ll still be able to select one primary physician for most of your healthcare needs, but you will likely have the freedom to get second opinions from other doctors or go to specialists even without a referral. The downside to a PPO option is that they can be more expensive than HMOs.

30-Second Watch: Medicare Fitness Program Coverage:

Medicare Fitness Programs in Tennessee

The most popular Medicare fitness programs in Tennessee are called SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit. Both programs are similar in that they allow you to visit local fitness centers, attend group fitness classes, and find a workout routine that works best for you – all covered in your Medicare plan.

We’ve taken the time to list out some of the participating fitness centers in major Tennessee cities. If your city isn’t listed, click here to find SilverSneakers gyms in your area. Click here to find Silver & Fit gyms in your area.

What is the Best Medicare Supplement in Tennessee?

Most Medicare Supplements in Tennessee are going to have the same basic coverage. You will pay a premium, and in turn you’ll have coverage for your copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Plans A through N include several different benefits, such as coverage for your:

  • Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
  • Part B coinsurance and copayments
  • Blood work (up to three pints)
  • Hospice coinsurance and copayments
  • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • Part A deductible
  • Part B deductible
  • Part B excess charges
  • Foreign travel emergency

Plans F and C will be going away in 2020.

Tennessee Medigap plans G and N are great alternatives to plans F and C. The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible (which is only $203 in 2021 anyway). The only difference between Plan G and Plan N is that Plan N does not include coverage for Part B excess charges.

Other benefits can vary and will depend on what you’re looking for out of your Medicare plan. A Medicare Plan Finder agent can answer your Medicare questions and help you choose the best Medicare Supplement for you.

Click here to start searching for plans in your area.

Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare in Tennessee Changes Every Year

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) in 2022 is October 15 – December 7. This is the only time of year many Medicare eligibles can enroll in new plans or change current ones.

The AEP is when carriers roll out new insurance plans and benefits.

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan and you want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan to get new benefits, AEP may be your chance. Likewise, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan but want to learn about Medigap plans, your opportunity to change plans may be AEP.

Talk to your agent about when you can make changes and what plan is right for you.

What is the Medicare Savings Program in Tennessee?

If you’re looking for a way to save money on your premiums, copayments, and coinsurance, get in touch with us at Medicare Plan Finder. We can help you find out if you are eligible for cost savings.

There are four Medicare Savings Programs in Tennessee. If you qualify for any of the below, you will also qualify for Medicare Extra Help, a separate program that helps you pay for your prescription drug coverage.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)

The QMB program helps pay for the Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If you are single, you may qualify if you earn no more than $1,032/month and have less than $7,560 in resources and assets. If you are married, you may qualify if you earn no more than $1,392/month and have less than $11,340 in resources and assets.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)

The SLMB program covers Part B premiums. If you are single, you may qualify if you earn no more than $1,234/month and have less than $7,560 in resources and assets. If you are married, you may qualify if you earn less than $1,666/month and have less than $11,340 in resources and assets.

Qualifying Individual Program (QI)

The QI program helps pay for Part B premiums, and if you qualify, you must apply again every year. If you are single, you may qualify if you earn no more than $1,386/month and have less than $7,560 in resources and assets. If you are married, you may qualify if you earn less than $1,872 and have less than $11,340 in resources and assets.

Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program (QDWI)

The QDWI program program helps pay the Part A premium. To qualify, you must either be a working disabled person under 65, have lost your premium-free Part A because you went back to work, are not receiving state medical assistance, and/or meet the income and resource limits for your state. Federally, the limits are: $4,132/month and $4,000 in resources for a single person, and $5,572/month and $6,000 in resources for a married couple.

Tennessee Medicare Resources

The Tennessee Commision on Aging and Disability offers several different programs for the elderly and disabled:

Caregiver Support

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides assistance to counselors, adult day care, in-home adult care and more. They can even help with medical equipment, personal response systems, meal delivery, and minor home modifications.

You don’t have to be a formal caregiver to receive support from the NFCSP. If you are over 18 and are providing care to an individual who is above age 60 or has Alzheimer’s or a related disease, or if you are providing care to a person who is under age 60 and you are not their parent, you may be eligible for caregiver support. You can find contact information for your local NFCSP here.

Information and Assistance (I&A)

The I&A program connects people like you with health care services. When you call in, a specialist will help you figure out what you need, who you need to reach out to, and what programs you are eligible for. To find a local I&A specialist, call the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116 or click here.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Ombudsman helps long-term care facility residents and their families answer questions and resolve problems related to the facility and its quality of care, financial issues, resident rights, and admissions.

Nutrition Services

The Nutrition Services department of the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability serves close to a million meals at senior centers, community centers, and other locations with people in need each year. They also deliver over a million meals to homebound and sick seniors & medicare eligibles in Tennessee. The meal delivery person performs a quick safety check. These meals are all free, but donations are encouraged.

OPTIONS

The options program is a way for you to receive home services like personal care, home meals, and homemaker services. To be eligible for OPTIONS, you must meet the ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) requirements. This means that to qualify, you must be unable to complete household functions like cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, handling medications, and transportation on your own.

Public Guardianship

If you do not have a family member, friend, bank, or company that you feel comfortable trusting with your financial and medical decisions, you may be eligible for a Public Guardian, or Conservator. Conservators are free for those who are low-income and in need.

SHIP (State Health Insurance Program)

SHIP has different names around the country, but is available in every state. In Tennessee, it’s called TN SHIP.  SHIP supplies free counseling and information related to health insurance in each state. 

Tennessee Medicare Doctors, Hospitals, 

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your doctor network may be a bit different. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict networks, and your care will only be covered if you see a doctor within those networks.

To search for all medical providers in Tennessee that accept Medicare, click here and select the type of provider you are looking for. Choose from hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, dialysis facilities, long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, doctors and specialists,

Here are some of the major hospitals that accept Medicare in each large Tennessee city (there may be more that are not on this list):

HOSPITALS:

Click on your city or visit Medicare.gov to find hospitals in your city:

Nashville/Middle Tennessee: 

Memphis/Shelby County:

Knoxville/Knox County:

Chattanooga: 

Tri-Cities: 

Jackson: 

URGENT CARE:

Click on your city or visit Medicare.gov to find urgent care facilities in your city:

NURSING HOMES:

Click on your city or visit Medicare.gov to find nursing facilities in your city:

When can I Enroll in Medicare in Tennessee?

When you can enroll depends on you and your unique circumstances. There are a few main enrollment periods you should be aware of:

How Do I Apply for Medicare in Tennessee?

The best way to enroll in Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplements is to meet with a licensed agent who can offer you a wide variety of plans to choose from.

We have agents throughout the state of Tennessee that can come to your home to help you sort through your options and enroll in the best plan for your needs. They can help you select whether you want Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplements in Tennessee, and then which plan works best for you.

To get started enrolling in Medicare insurance in Tennessee, give us a call at 844-431-1832.

Where Do I Apply for Medicare in Tennessee?

You might be able to apply for Medicare in Tennessee from the comfort of your own home. You can enroll for Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplements) by:

  • Visiting www.SocialSecurity.gov
  • Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
  • Visiting your local Social Security Office (see below)

Tennessee Medicare Office Locations in 2022

If you need help applying or if you don’t have access to a phone or computer, you can visit your local social security office and apply for Medicare (and other benefits) in-person. If you aren’t sure which office is closest to you, type your zip code into the Social Security website’s office loctor tool.

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First Name Last Name Phone Number Email Address Zip Code*

By providing the information above, I grant permission for Medicare Health Benefits Independent Broker, MedicarePlanFinder.com, and its affiliated agencies to contact me to discuss Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans, or Medicare Supplement products. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Athens

921 Congress Pkwy N

Athens, TN 37303

Chattanooga

1290 Premier Dr

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Clarksville

119 Center Pointe Dr.

Clarksville, TN 37040

Cleveland

529 Inman St. W

Cleveland, TN 37311

Columbia

1885 Shady Brook St.

Columbia, TN 38401

Cookeville

1145 Perimeter Park Dr.

Cookeville, TN 38501

Dyersburg

1070 Vendall Rd.

Dyersburg, TN 38024

Gallatin

637 Commons Dr.

Gallatin, TN 37066

Greeneville

1618 Old Tusculum Rd.

Greenville, TN 37745

Jacksboro

140 Sharp Perkins Rd.

Jacksboro, TN 37757

Jackson

415 Cheyenne Dr.

Jackson, TN 38305

Johnson City

818 Sunset Dr.

Johnson City, TN 37604

Kingsport

2401 South Wilcox Dr.

Kingsport, TN 37660

Knoxville

8530 Kingston Pike

Knoxville, TN 37919

Lawrenceburg

109 E Taylor St.

Lawrenceburg, TN 38464

Madison

140 Cude Lane

Madison, TN 37115

McMinnville

900 Sparta St.

McMinville, TN 37110

Memphis

3602 Austin Peay Hwy

Memphis, TN 38104

1330 Monroe Ave.

Memphis, TN 38104

3461 South Third St.

Memphis, TN 38109

Morristown

3112 Millers Point Dr.

Morristown, TN 37813

Murfreesboro

2836 Saint Patrick Ct.

Murfreesboro, TN 37128

Nashville

120 Athens Way

Nashville, TN 37228

Oak Ridge

565 Oak Ridge Tpke

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Paris

186 Commerce St.

Paris, TN 38242

Selmer

661 Mulberry Ave

Selmer, TN 38375

Tullahoma

717 Kings Lane

Tullahoma, TN 37388

Union City

1800 Old Troy Rd.

Union City, TN 38261

Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare Plan Finder Locations

While we do have licensed agents in 38 states, our headquarters is in Nashville, TN. We have hundreds of agents all over the great state of Tennessee eager to help you select a plan.

There is never any obligation to buy, and all of the information is free. Our agents can meet you at your house, at a library, at your favorite coffee shop – wherever you feel most comfortable.

To get started, click here or call 844-431-1832.

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