Memphis, Tennessee is home to 315,953 participating Medicare beneficiaries. With a Mild southern climate and plenty to see, Memphis is a top retirement target for retirees looking for an affordable and beautiful new hometown. The average age for Medicare beneficiaries in the city is 71 years old.
Medicare plans in Memphis Tennessee
We’ll talk about the supplemental plan options available in Tennessee. First, we’ll review affordable Medicare Advantage plans and the cheapest Medicare Supplement choices.
Next, we’ll discuss the average drug plans and special needs programs available. Finally, we’ll review answers to some frequent questions we receive and how to get help with Supplemental options in Memphis.
All data shown in the illustrations will be based on a woman that’s 65 years old.
Medicare Advantage plans
Located in Shelby County, Memphis residents with Medicare have access to 34 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. About 32% of beneficiaries living in the state are on Medicare Advantage plans.
Wellcare’s HMO-POS has the lowest maximum out-of-pocket in the area, Couple that with a zero-dollar premium, and you have a solid Medicare Advantage option. Wellcare has become a well-known name when it comes to Medicare plan options.
Regarding PPO options, Cigna has a zero-premium option with a $6,500 out-of-pocket maximum. They are one of the oldest insurance companies in the industry.
Humana’s HMO, shown below, has the highest star rating available. Their plan also has a premium of zero dollars. Humana is one of the biggest Medicare plan providers in the nation.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Memphis, Tennessee
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Cigna | $0 | $6,500 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| BCBS of Tennessee | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $4,500 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| Humana | $0 | $5,900 | HMO | 5 |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $4,900 | HMO-POS | N/A |
Medicare Supplement plans
Many beneficiaries wonder what the most comprehensive Medicare coverage is. Medigap plans are the answer. These federally standardized plans go hand in hand with Original Medicare and help offset the costs you’re responsible for.
Since Medicare Supplement plans supplement Medicare, you retain the freedoms of doctor choices that you enjoy with Traditional Medicare. There are ten different plans you can choose from. The vast majority of people enroll in one of the top three plans.
Plan F is the most popular plan, covering all your Medicare cost-share. Plan G is the number two plan. However, it’s the most popular for people just starting Medicare. The only difference between Plans G and F is that you’re required to pay your Medicare Part B deductible. Both plans F and G have high deductible options called Plan HDF and HDG.
Plan N is the most affordable plan. It has a lower monthly cost than Plan G but similar coverage. With Plan N, you will pay the Part B deductible and copays of up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for an emergency room visit. Other than that, the only additional costs would be Medicare Part B excess charges. Fortunately, these charges are easy to avoid.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Memphis, Tennessee
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $55.08 | $211.75 |
| PLAN B | $110.87 | $298.00 |
| PLAN C | $117.99 | $368.50 |
| PLAN D | $112.53 | $210.00 |
| PLAN F | $111.55 | $370.75 |
| PLAN HDF | $22.00 | $72.01 |
| PLAN G | $96.82 | $340.71 |
| PLAN HDG | $22.00 | $69.08 |
| PLAN K | $48.78 | $122.87 |
| PLAN L | $64.42 | $215.87 |
| PLAN M | $71.98 | $219.14 |
| PLAN N | $73.23 | $314.96 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Prescriptions are one of the essential aspects when it comes to healthcare, especially for Medicare members. Medicare Part D plans are stand-alone drug coverage provided by private insurance companies. These plans are used in concert with Traditional Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plans. Most Medicare Part C plans include drug coverage.
Part D plans are required to follow a standard structure laid out by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The plans must provide coverage as good or better than the standard model. These plans have four coverage phases.
Part D Coverage Phases:
- Deductible
- Initial Coverage
- Coverage Gap – Donut Hole
- Catastrophic Phase
Aetna has the lowest premium of any Part D prescription plan nationwide. As you can see below, it’s less than $7 monthly in Memphis. Aetna drug plans are administered by their SilverScript brand.
Clear Springs is a good plan option for many beneficiaries. Their prescription coverage is pretty good, but they have a below-average star rating.
Wellcare comes in second plans on a monthly premium at $12.90 a month. They are a great option, especially for Medicare beneficiaries that take generic drugs only.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Memphis, 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
Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans created explicitly for Medicare beneficiaries with specific Medical or financial needs. There are three different types of Medicare Special Needs Plans.
SNP plan types:
I-SNP – Institutionalized Special Needs Plans are designed to work specifically with beneficiaries living in an Institutionalized setting.
C-SNP – Chronic Special Needs Plans are for Medicare people with certain chronic health conditions. Some conditions that there are SNP plan options are diabetes, heart disease, and COPD.
D-SNP – Dual Special Needs Plans are for low-income Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid. These plans have increased benefits to help low-income individuals, even additional coverages to assist them with their cost of living.
Amerigroup is a smaller regional carrier that offers plans in Memphis. They strive to look at the beneficiary’s and the entire family’s needs. This is to provide a complete path to healthcare.
BCBS of Tennessee also offers a DSNP plan. Blue Cross Blue Shield has one of the most recognizable names in insurance. Many people have been on Blue Cross insurance at some point.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare plan provider in the United States. They are endorsed by AARP and are focused on the well-being of Medicare beneficiaries. They offer all available types of Medicare plan options throughout the United States.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Memphis, Tennessee
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Amerigroup | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| BCBS of Tennessee | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Humana | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Cigna | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Memphis, Tennessee
Choosing the right plan for you is a complicated process. Everyone has different individual needs and wants. Fortunately, there is help available. We’re here to help every step of the way. Our agents are experts in the Medicare field and are waiting to help guide you to ensure you get the best plan for you. Give us a call, or fill out our online request form.
