Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a low cost of living that seniors on the Medicare program flock to for relocation. The mild climate and lower prices allow retirees to live on a fraction of what they would pay in other areas.
Currently, 151,656 Medicare beneficiaries live here, which is expected to grow as more baby boomers retire.
Medicare plans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee, with affordable Medicare Advantage plans and the cheapest Medigap medical coverage.
Then, we’ll review the average cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage and special needs plans. In conclusion, we’ll discuss common questions and how to get help with choosing the right Medicare option.
All costs below are based on a 65-year-old male. The price could vary depending on where you live and other factors.
Medicare Advantage plans
Chattanooga is spread over two counties, Hamilton and Marion. Tennessee Part C benefits and options can vary depending on zip code and county, so reviewing the summary of benefits and insurance carriers is essential before choosing a plan.
Medicare Advantage plans allow you to receive your Medicare benefits in an all-in-one plan that usually includes prescription coverage and benefits not offered by Original Medicare. Over 66,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Chattanooga are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage option. Depending on where you live, you could choose from as many as 50 Medicare Advantage plans.
Aetna has one of the highest-rated PPOs in Chattanooga. In addition, it also has a zero-premium plan. Aetna is known for its prominent doctor’s network and ease of care access when traveling with its PPO options.
Amerigroup is a smaller Medicare Advantage company. They are more of a regional carrier as they are ’t in every state. They have a tremendous zero-premium HMO-POS that allows for some services out of network.
Humana stands out below, as their PPO has the lowest maximum out-of-pocket. Humana is one of the most renowned Medicare providers in the nation.
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover medically necessary services as well are Original Medicare and provide an annual limit on the out-of-pocket costs. Benefits and prices associated with a Medicare Advantage plan will vary depending on the program and your chosen insurance company.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Aetna | $0 | $7,500 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $4,900 | HMO-POS | N/A |
| Humana | $0 | $3,400 | REGIONAL PPO | 3 |
| BCBS of Tennessee | $0 | $5,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
Medicare Supplement plans
When it comes to affordable Medicare Supplement insurance, many places match the affordability of Chattanooga.
Medicare Supplement plans do have an additional premium on top of Original Medicare. These health insurance plans help fill the cost gaps that Medicare doesn’t pay. They are sometimes referred to as Medigap and have ten plan options you can choose from.
Plan F covers all your gaps in Original Medicare. It’s the most popular plan, but you can only enroll in Plan F if you’re eligible for Medicare before 2021. This plan is also the most expensive healthcare option. Plan F does have a lower-cost high-deductible option called the HDF.
Plan G is the same coverage level as Plan F, with one difference: Plan G doesn’t cover the small annual Medicare Part B deductible. Once this is met, the plan coverage works the same as Plan F. Like the F; Plan G also has a higher deductible option designated the HDG.
Plan N rounds out the top three Medicare Supplement health plans. It provides the most bang for your buck. With premiums considerably lower than Plan F and coverage similar to the G, it’s a solid Medigap plan option.
The difference between Plan Ns coverage and Plan G is that you have a manageable copay for doctor visits and the emergency room in addition to the Part B deductible. Plan N also doesn’t cover excess charges, but they are very easy to avoid.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $59.59 | $238.75 |
| PLAN B | $127.37 | $336.25 |
| PLAN C | $133.33 | $415.75 |
| PLAN D | $119.08 | $219.00 |
| PLAN F | $128.29 | $418.00 |
| PLAN HDF | $23.00 | $78.28 |
| PLAN G | $107.01 | $384.18 |
| PLAN HDG | $23.00 | $76.35 |
| PLAN K | $55.18 | $138.62 |
| PLAN L | $71.17 | $243.62 |
| PLAN M | $81.33 | $243.47 |
| PLAN N | $81.41 | $355.17 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Neither traditional Medicare nor Medigap plans cover prescription drugs. The only way to get drug coverage with Medicare is either an all-in-one Part C plan or a stand-alone Part D plan.
Both have the same standard structure outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This coverage is for the prescriptions you pick up from the pharmacy.
SilverScript by Aetna is always in the conversation about top prescription coverage. As you can see below, they have the most affordable premium for their prescription drug plan.
Making leaps and bounds and becoming a well-known Medicare provider is Wellcare. They have the second-lowest premium at just under $13 a month.
Clear Spring comes in third. Despite a lower star rating, they have solid coverage for certain prescription drugs.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.50 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $12.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring | $16.30 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $29.30 | $310 | 4 |
Special Needs plans
Medicare Part C has plans specifically designed for beneficiaries with special needs. These Special Needs Plans help low-income people with certain chronic health conditions or living in an institutionalized setting.
The plans for low-income beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid are called Dual Special needs plans or D-SNPs. If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease, you may qualify for a Chronic Special Needs Plan or C-SNP. Institutionalized Medicare beneficiarieseligibleSpecial Needs Plan or I-SNP.
UnitedHealthcare is the leader when it comes to Medicare plans throughout the nation. They have more clients on their plans than any other company. They have solid D-SNP plans in nearly every area of the United States.
Bluecare Plus is part of BCBS of Tennessee. They are a well-known company not only in Medicare but also for group and individual plans.
Wellcare is one of the leaders regarding additional benefits for its dual-eligible members. They have quickly become one of the premier Medicare Advantage companies nationwide, and here in Chattanooga, there is no exception.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Bluecare Plus | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | Dual |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Humana | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
How to sign up for Medicare in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Signing up for Supplemental Medicare coverage isn’t hard if you understand the coverages and process. Unfortunately, most people get overwhelmed. However, we can help you to understand Medicare and your supplemental coverage options.
In addition, our licensed agents can assist you with ensuring all your needs and wants are addressed. Best of all, our agents’ time and expertise are free!
Give our agents a call today. Or simply fill out our online request form to get connected with the best rates in your part of Chattanooga!
