Key Takeaways:
- Tennessee offers 118 Medicare Advantage plans with an average monthly premium of $18.55, and 16 Part D plans with an average monthly premium of $62.06.
- All Tennessee residents have access to at least one Medicare Advantage and Medicare Plan D plan with $0 premiums for comprehensive healthcare coverage.
- Thrivent, MassMutual, and USAA Life are some of the top-rated Medigap Plan G and Plan N providers for supplemental coverage.
Navigating the various plans, rules, and eligibility criteria in Medicare can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Picking the right options is key to ensuring optimal healthcare coverage at a price you’re comfortable with.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the various Medicare options in Tennessee, compare their costs and benefits, and offer additional resources to help you make the right decisions.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a wide range of Medicare plans for its residents, each with its own benefits and financial implications.
Here’s what you need to know about each type of plan.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare is the cornerstone of Medicare coverage, providing essential hospital and medical insurance for eligible beneficiaries.
- Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare.
- Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
Average Costs in Tennessee
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years. If you do have to pay a premium, it can be up to $518 per month in 2025.
The Part A deductible is $1,676 per benefit period.
The annual deductible for Medicare Part B is $257 in 2025, up from $240 in 2024. The standard monthly premium for Part B is $185.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Federally approved private insurance companies provide Medicare Advantage or Part C plans. These plans include all the benefits of Original Medicare along with additional coverage for prescription drugs and dental, vision, and hearing services, among others.
These all-in-one plans are popular due to their convenience and comprehensive coverage. 75,7521 Tennessee residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2024. That’s just over half of all Medicare beneficiaries in the state.
Here’s how Tennessee’s Medicare Advantage landscape looks in 2025:
- There are 118 Medicare Advantage plans available, with every Medicare-enrolled resident able to access at least one.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee is $0, and all Medicare beneficiaries can opt-in for at least one such plan.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $18.70 in 2024 to $18.55 in 2025.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
UnitedHealthcare(AARP Medicare Advantage Plan) | 3.82 ★ | 49 states and Washington, D.C. | $45 | $0 | $4,900 |
Humana (HumanaChoice Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, | $151 | $300 + $300 (Only for Tier 4, 5 Drugs) | $2,500 |
Aetna(Medicare Value Plus Plan) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and Washington, D.C. | $9 | $0 | $6,750 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BlueAdvantage Garnet Plan) | 3.96 ★ | 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico. | $0 | $0 | $5,300 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Tennessee Zip Code 37013. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee include:
- Aetna
- Devoted Health
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Humana
Stop guessing. Start saving.
Your health is too important to leave to chance.
At CoverRight, we take the confusion out of Medicare. Our experts guide you step-by-step to find the plan that fits your needs and budget.
Use CoverRight to compare options and discover what difference personalized care makes.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D plans cover the costs of prescription drugs, which is invaluable for those with regular prescriptions or chronic conditions.
The cost of Part D plans can vary significantly based on the medications you take and the plan’s formulary or list of covered drugs. We recommend comparing each plan carefully to find the most cost-effective option for your medications.
The good news is that the Inflation Reduction Act has capped out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs at $2,000. Other new benefits include a $35 cost-sharing limit on a month’s supply of covered insulin products and recommended adult vaccines at no cost.
Here are some important details about Medicare Part D plans in Tennessee for 2025:
- There are 16 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in the state, and all Medicare beneficiaries can access at least one Medicare prescription drug plan.
- 72.64% of Tennessee residents with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can switch to a plan with a lower premium than they paid in 2024.
- Due to expanded eligibility in 2025, 26.57% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can now get Extra Help, a financial support program for prescription drugs.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan is $0.
Learn more: Your Guide to Understanding the Cost of Medicare Part D.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
WellCare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $120.90 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
BlueRx Enhanced Plus | $129.30 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $113.20 | $175 | 2.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
While Original Medicare provides a solid healthcare foundation, it doesn’t cover everything.
As in other states, many Tennessee residents opt for Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans to pay for coverage ‘gaps’ like out-of-pocket costs, copayments, and deductibles associated with original Medicare.
Some of the most popular Medigap plans in Tennessee include Plan G and Plan N.
- Plan G offers comprehensive coverage for most out-of-pocket costs, including Part B excess charges, except for the Part B deductible.
- Plan N offers comparable coverage at lower premiums than Plan G, with some cost-sharing for doctor visits and emergency room services. This plan does not cover Plan B excess charges.
Learn more: Medicare Part B Excess Charges: What Are They and Do You Need to Pay it?
While both plans are standardized, their costs vary depending on your age, gender, location, and health status.
It’s important to note that you can only purchase a Medigap plan during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You may face medical underwriting and higher premiums if you fail to enroll during this period.
The highest-rated Medigap providers in Tennessee for Plan G and Plan N include:
- AARP
- Thrivent
- MassMutual
- Globe Life
- Reserve National
- USAA Life
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Tennessee
Let’s break down the different Medicare plans in Tennessee.
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). | $1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. |
Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment. |
Medicare Advantage | $18.55 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $62.06 | $452 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plan G and Plan N | $120 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Tennessee
Choosing the right insurance provider can significantly impact your Medicare experience. Understanding each provider’s strengths and weaknesses ensures you select coverage that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
When evaluating Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee, remember to pay attention to the provider, not just the plan. While advertised premiums are important, the full benefits package has wider considerations.
Here’s what you must consider:
- Provider networks and your preferred doctors and hospitals.
- Coverage for specialized care, including specialists, facilities, and treatments.
- Coverage for your prescription medication and their costs in the formulary.
- Extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and even food allowance.
- The provider’s financial ratings and customer satisfaction scores.
Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?
Best Medigap Providers
Top-rated Medigap providers in Tennessee are known for providing impeccable customer satisfaction, financial stability, and plan affordability.
You must consider the following factors when choosing a Medigap provider:
- Financial strength: Look for providers with high ratings from agencies like AM Best, which indicates their ability to pay claims.
- Customer satisfaction: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the provider’s reputation for service and support.
- Plan options and pricing: Compare premiums and benefits from different providers to find the best value.
Here’s how the top providers for Plan G and Plan N coverage in Tennessee compare:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $96.75 | $25.00 | A++ |
MassMutual | $97.93 | None | A++ |
AARP | $108.47 | None | A |
Reserve National | $123.00 | None | A- |
Globe Life | $128.50 | None | A+ |
USAA Life | $130.22 | None | A++ |
Transamerica | $133.65 | None | A+ |
United American | $168.00 | None | A+ |
Farm Bureau | $90.05 | $25.00 | N/A |
Western United Life | $92.58 | $25.00 | B+ |
Plan N Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $81.72 | $25.00 | A++ |
MassMutual | $84.52 | None | A++ |
AARP | $91.22 | None | A |
USAA Life | $101.32 | None | A++ |
Globe Life | $108.00 | None | A+ |
Transamerica | $114.50 | None | A+ |
Reserve National | $115.80 | None | A- |
United American | $147.00 | None | A+ |
Farm Bureau | $78.75 | $25.00 | N/A |
Western United Life | $80.67 | $25.00 | B+ |
Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Tennessee
Here are some key steps to consider when comparing Medicare plans in Tennessee.
- Assess your healthcare needs: Consider your current health status, chronic conditions (if any), and your prescription drug requirements.
- Evaluate your budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Compare plan coverage: Review the benefits, limitations, and costs of different plan options, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap. While Medicare Advantage may prove more comprehensive for some, others might not need extra benefits and find a better deal in Original Medicare with supplemental insurance.
- Research provider networks: Ensure your plan’s network includes your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals.
- Consider your lifestyle: If you travel frequently, enjoy fitness and wellness programs, or have other specific needs, factor them in while making a plan choice.
Learn more: How to Choose the Best Medicare Plan: 7 Tips You Need to Know.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Tennessee
There are several important deadlines regarding Medicare enrollment in Tennessee.
Here’s all that you need to know:
Key Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months thereafter. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare, as well as Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D prescription drug plans.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th of each year. This includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make changes from January 1st to March 31st of each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll and return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan).
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events such as relocating or losing employer coverage may trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
Learn more: Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
Steps to Enroll:
Start by gathering essential documents, including your Medicare card (if you are already enrolled), Social Security card, personal ID documents, and a list of your current prescriptions and healthcare providers.
You can choose any one of the following enrollment methods:
- Online: You can enroll in Medicare plans online through the Medicare website.
- Phone: You can enroll by phone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- In-person: You can enroll in person at your local Social Security office.
- Insurance agent: A trusted, licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can help with both personalized guidance and enrollment.
Medicare Resources for Tennessee Residents
Understanding your Medicare options becomes easier with help from these state organizations that provide free, unbiased assistance to Tennessee residents.
- Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP): SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee. Their trained counselors maintain your confidentiality and answer questions about your Medicare options.
- Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAADs): Tennessee has 9 AAADs, each covering different regions in the state to support older adults in Tennessee with information and assistance regarding Medicare.
- Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: This department regulates insurance companies in Tennessee and provides consumer resources and assistance. You can find information about Medicare plans and insurance providers on its website.
Make Medicare simple in Tennessee.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Tenessee healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 13, 2024.