Tennessee's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
Tennessee residents on Original Medicare can supplement their Part A and Part B coverage with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans). There are ten different plan options available in Tennessee. Each plan pays different out-of-pocket costs.
This article breaks down the best Medigap plans and insurance companies in Tennessee for 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer supplemental Medicare insurance in Tennessee, not the government.
- Supplemental Medicare insurance is available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N, each providing a different level of Medicare coverage.
- Tennessee residents become eligible for supplemental Medicare insurance at age 65.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans also cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- It's important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- The average costs for a 65-year-old can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, tobacco use, your location in Tennessee, and the level of coverage you select.
- A Medicare Supplement Plan is not classified as health insurance; it falls under indemnity insurance and operates under its own set of rules.
The Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee
There are ten distinct Medigap plans, A through N, all of which adhere to federal Medicare program standards.
For the 2024 plan year in Tennessee, the top-rated plans are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans are considered the best because they provide the most comprehensive coverage.
However, the key question is, which one of these plans is the most suitable choice for you?
RELATED: What is the Difference Between Medicare Plan G and Plan N?
An effective way to gain insights into each of these ten plans is to refer to a Medicare Supplement Plan chart. This chart shows how each plan covers expenses such as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
NOTE: Medicare Part A and Medigap Plan A can be confusing, as are Medicare Part D and Medigap Plan D. Medicare benefits come in “parts,” whereas insurance companies sell “plans.”
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan in Tennessee
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Tennessee zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider.
That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options. Carefully consider your need for outpatient care and inpatient care.
When Best = Maximum Coverage Throughout Tennessee
Most insurance experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Tennessee if you are signing up for Medicare with one or more chronic health issues. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
NOTE: Plan F offers more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, but it costs significantly more, and it is only available if you qualify for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Tennessee
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Tennessee
When Best = Robust Coverage & Monthly Budget Benefits
If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health or need good coverage but can't handle the cost of a Plan G policy in Tennessee, Medicare Supplement Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays while also covering most medical care out-of-pocket costs.
Plan N is a good option for healthy individuals because there’s cost-sharing. In exchange for lower monthly premiums, enrollees in this plan pay a small copay for doctor office visits (up to $20) or use the emergency room (up to $50).
When Best = Most Affordable Coverage in Tennessee
Not everyone in Tennessee needs or can afford comprehensive coverage. When your monthly premium amount is a concern, ask your insurance agent to advise you on Medicare Supplement Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
These are the two lowest-cost plans available. Many savvy Tennessee seniors prefer these plan options over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L, and M Offered in Tennessee?
Medicare Supplement Plan A represents the most fundamental coverage available. Surprisingly, in many areas of Tennessee, its cost exceeds that of Plan N. Why pay more for less?
Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D provide coverage similar to Plan G but come at a higher cost. Additionally, similar to Plan F, Plan C is exclusively accessible to Tennessee beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020.
It's worth noting that only a select few insurance companies in Tennessee offer Plan L or Plan M.
What Makes One Insurance Company Better than Another?
Every Medigap insurance carrier operating in Tennessee must adhere to federal and state insurance regulations. They can't deviate from the standardized plans designated by letters A through N.
To give an example, a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare provides identical coverage and benefits (same out-of-pocket costs covered) as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This standardization simplifies the process of comparing Medigap plans.
The most important difference is the strength and quality of insurance company standing behind the plan and how they rate their plan for premium increases. It's crucial to research a company's Medicare Supplement rate increase history before making a final decision.
Tennessee state laws may impose enrollment and rating limitations on carrier. For detailed information, refer to the Tennessee Department of Insurance website at http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Tennessee
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Tennessee’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Tennessee based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Tennessee
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee. Insurance carriers are required to cover certain benefits. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan because it covers all gaps in Original Medicare.
Although Original Medicare does not cover foreign travel medical emergencies, Plan F does (up to 89%). In addition to this extra benefit, companies may offer limited additional features. One example is Physician Mutual’s Preventive Care and Hearing Loss Testing benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in Tennessee
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is rapidly gaining popularity with Tennessee seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Tennessee based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Tennessee
All Medigap plans in Tennessee, including Medigap Plan G, are standardized. Insurance companies must provide the standard coverage. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible. And it only covers 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies that fall within your policy’s limits.
Companies may offer additional features like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program, Renew Active, or the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Companies in Tennessee
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D) but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arizona seniors. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan N policies in Tennessee based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Tennessee
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee are standardized, including Medigap Plan N. Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. But it does cover 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies up to the policy’s limits.
Medicare limits the types of extra benefits companies can offer. One excellent additional benefit is UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine, which lets you talk to an experienced nurse, day or night.
Medcare Eligibility for Medigap Plans
You can apply for Medigap coverage during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This six-month window starts when you enroll in Medicare Part B. Tennessee may have additional rules after your OEP ends.
Medicare eligibility rules grant you Medigap protections during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This means that, regardless of your health history or any chronic conditions, you can secure a Medicare Supplement Plan during this period from any insurance company that offers Medigap in Tennessee.
Enrolling in a Medigap plan in Tennessee typically involves consulting with a licensed insurance agent. If you don't already have one, we recommend reaching out to HealthCompare, an Allstate company, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They have licensed agents nationwide, and there's no obligation.
Is a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Right for You?
Consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan If:
- You anticipate the need for frequent healthcare services, both presently and in the future, and wish to limit deductibles and co-pays.
- You have the financial means to afford the monthly premiums associated with Medicare Supplement Insurance, and you do not qualify for Medicaid.
- You value the flexibility to select your healthcare providers and doctors under Medicare without any network restrictions.
- You require nationwide coverage or have plans to travel abroad.
- You are in your Initial Enrollment Period and possess guaranteed issue rights, enabling you to join a Medigap plan regardless of your current health condition.
- You prefer not to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to avoid the complexities of referrals and pre-authorization for healthcare services.
Consider Alternatives to a Medicare Supplement If:
- You do not anticipate needing frequent healthcare services at present or in the future.
- You missed your Medigap open enrollment period and cannot pass medical underwriting to obtain your preferred Medigap policy.
- You prefer a Medicare Advantage plan with low or zero monthly premiums.
- You have Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that cover most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- You favor an HMO or PPO plan, coupled with a Part D prescription drug plan, Silver Sneakers, and routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
- You can comply with the rules and limitations of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Alternatives to Tennessee Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have determined that a Tennessee Medicare Supplement Plan is not the right fit for your needs, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, there are several alternative options:
- Opt to stay with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage, and cover all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket. Please note: This approach carries significant financial risk, regardless of your current health status.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you are enrolled in the VA health system, you can receive all your healthcare services from your nearest VA hospital. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Explore the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan featuring a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
As you explore these Medicare coverage alternatives, remember that the choice you make can have a significant impact on your healthcare and financial well-being. Take the time to assess your unique needs and preferences. Should you require further clarity or assistance in navigating the options available to you in Tennessee, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Citations & References
- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023