Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

What is a Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plan?

Traditional Medicare covers about 80% of all major medical costs. It does not cover minor medical for things like vision, hearing, dental, and prescriptions. The Medicare Advantage plans available in Tennessee can include minor medical benefits, but are not required to. Most do include coverage for prescriptions.

While it is nice to have coverage for minor medical costs, it is critical that you understand exactly what you get when you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee. In particular, you need to know that these plans have complete control over your access to doctors and other healthcare providers. If you've ever had a managed care plan (HMO, PPO, etc.) through an employer, then you already know what to expect.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

One way to better understand how different Original Medicare is from Medicare Advantage is to have a look at the pros and cons of each type of health insurance. So, let's do that.

The Pros and Cons of Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans vs Original Medicare

1. With Medicare Advantage you must use Tennessee healthcare providers within the plan's network. With Original Medicare, you can use the Medicare-approved provider of your choice.
2. If you travel and have a medical emergency, Medicare Advantage covers you. However, if you are a snowbird and winter or summer in another state, non-emergency doctor outside of your plan's network won't be covered.
3. All Medicare Advantage plans sold in Tennessee protect you with an annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. Once you reach this spending limit the plan pays all additional copays and coinsurance that you'd normally pay out-of-pocket. Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum.
4. Most Medicare Advantage plans come bundled with a Tennessee Medicare Part D plan for prescription coverage. With Original Medicare, you must enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. But, the stand-alone plans offer more choices to get lower-cost prescriptions.
5. With Original Medicare your costs (copays, coinsurance, etc) are predictable, and you can get a Medicare supplement to help pay these costs. In the Medicare Advantage program, each plan can charge what they want for copays and coinsurance, making it very difficult to compare actual costs.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

Most Tennessee seniors just getting their Medicare benefits want to know which type of plan is better. We commonly see these three questions:

• Why are Medicare Advantage plans bad?
• What are the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans?
• Is it better to have Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

Let's take a minute or two to compare and contrast, shall we?

Why Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

This is a myth. There's nothing wrong with Medicare Advantage plans. In fact, over 20 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee choose Medicare Advantage.

What you really need to know is that these plans are not for everyone. Some people are better served with traditional Medicare and a Medicare supplement. The question is, which option is best for you?

In particular, if you have one or more chronic conditions, Original Medicare could be a better option because you have the ability to choose your doctors. MedicareWire believes that Medicare Advantage is the best option for healthy people and for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Conversely, Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement work best for people with chronic health conditions (based on overall cost), as well as those who can afford a higher monthly premium, even when they are well.

You can learn more about what Medicare supplements are available to you on our Tennessee Medigap plans page or check out our Medicare Supplement Reviews.

Are There Disadvantages to Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee?

As you have already read, both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare have their benefits. But the two types of coverage are like apples and oranges. However, if you remove the issue of doctor choice from the equation, the primary difference is when and how you pay.

With Medicare Advantage you pay a little each month (with some plans you pay nothing). This is the monthly premium. But you also pay a copay when you use most medical services, and they add up fast. However, with traditional Medicare and a Medigap plan for supplemental coverage, you pay for most of your costs in advance with a higher premium. This makes your health care costs predictable, and for most people on a fixed budget, that's very comforting.

When Should I Consider Medigap Instead of Medicare Advantage?

• If you can afford Medigap Plan F or G, then keep your Original Medicare and add one of these supplements.
• If you are a healthy senior and have good health in your family heritage, Medigap Plan N will let you save money by sharing some costs when you see your doctor.
• If you are a healthy senior but you cannot afford a Medigap Plan F, G, or N, Medicare Advantage is a good choice.
• If you are turning age 65, have one or more chronic health conditions that require frequent doctor visits, and you do not qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), the most Medigap coverage you can afford is the best option.
• If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, regardless of your health condition, Medicare Advantage is your best option.
• If you have special needs (i.e., a full-time nursing home resident, diabetes, etc.) and an appropriate Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) is available, this is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee by County

The Medicare Advantage information on this page is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on October 15, 2020.