More people are starting to look at Tennessee as a retirement state. With a comfortable climate for most of the year and breathtaking mountain views, some Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee are looking to retire for a simpler life.
In Tennessee, 803,720 residents chose to enroll in Medicare. Of those enrolled, 573,746 selected a Medicare Advantage option to receive their Medicare benefits.
We will discuss some basic facts and figures and Medicare costs for the state. Then, we’ll touch on some basics of Medicare coverage and supplemental options.
Next, we’ll give you some resources for Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee and go over some common questions. Finally, we’ll show you how to receive individual help with your Medicare.
Medicare in Tennessee Facts & Figures
- Currently, 715,397 beneficiaries have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Of those, 611,448 are aged 65 or older.
- The other 103,949 enrolled before age 65 due to a qualifying disability.
- A little under 574,000 enrolled in a Medicare Part C Plan.
- A little over 1,023,859 enrolled in a Medicare Drug plan.
Medicare Costs in Tennessee for 2024
Traditional Medicare consists of Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Part A is your hospital and inpatient services. There is no premium for most beneficiaries of Medicare Part A. You’ll pay a hefty per occurrence deductible for each hospital admission. You’ll have additional costs if you’re in the hospital or skilled nursing for an extended period.
Medicare Part B is your doctor and medical services. Medicare has a standard monthly premium that most beneficiaries will pay. In addition, there is a small annual deductible. Once you mee the deductible is met, you’ll be responsible for 20% of the bill and any excess charges.
These are uniform costs and are the same regardless of where you reside.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
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Original Medicare Coverage
As mentioned above, Medicare Part A covers your inpatient services and hospitalization.
Other services covered under Medicare Part A include:
- Home health care
- Hospice care
- Inpatient care in a hospital
- Nursing home care (inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility that’s not custodial or long-term care)
- Skilled nursing facility care
Medicare Part B covers services such as:
- Ambulance services
- Clinical research
- Doctor visits
- Drugs administered at the doctor’s office
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Lab tests, imaging, and X-rays
- Medically needy services
- Mental health services
- Preventative services
The coverage provided by Original Medicare is the same, just like the costs, no matter where you are.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
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Supplemental Medicare Plans in Tennessee
Supplemental coverage in Tennessee includes Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Supplements are additional coverage you pay for on top of Medicare, and these plans have letters to denote their coverage level. They pay some or all of the portion of Medicare’s coinsurance, copays, and deductibles. Medigap plans are standardized and provide the same coverage no matter where you live or which company you choose.
Medicare Advantage, commonly referred to as Medicare Part C, is an all-in-one plan that rolls your Medicare Parts A, B, and, most of the time, Part D into one program. They must cover everything Traditional Medicare covers and, in many cases, offer additional benefits not included by Medicare.
These plans are administered by health insurance companies like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna. These plans have different benefits and costs depending on where you live. Make sure you review the summary of benefits to ensure you’re getting the right plan for your situation.
Medicare prescription drug plans, or Part D plans, are your stand-alone coverage for the prescription drugs you pick up from the pharmacy. Like Medicare Advantage plans, these plans are monitored by Medicare and administered by private health insurance companies like SilverScript and WellCare. The plan benefits vary depending on the state you reside.
Tennessee Medicare Resources
- SHIP – State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- Medicaid – Tenncare
- State insurance department
Tennessee Cities with Medigap Coverage’s Estimated Premiums
There are some charts for estimated premiums of Medicare Supplemental plans for the following cities in Tennessee:
FAQs
What Medicare Plans in Tennessee cover the most?
Medicare Supplements are the most comprehensive plans available. Plan F and Plan G are the top covering Medigap options.
What are the most affordable Medicare plans in Tennessee?
For the majority of beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage plans are the most affordable Medicare plan option. These plans do vary depending on where you live.
How much do Medicare Advantage plans cost in Tennessee?
Medicare Advantage options are available in many areas with a zero-dollar monthly premium. The average cost of a Medicare Advantage plan is around $18 a month.
How do I apply for Medicare in Tennessee?
Call Social Security or SSA.gov to apply online to sign up for Medicare. The Social Security Administration prefers you to apply online. It’s a quick and easy process.
Getting a response letter about your application will generally take two to four weeks.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Tennessee
Whether you’re looking for a Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D plan, it’s helpful to have an advocate on your side. We can assist you with understanding Original Medicare and your coverage options.
In addition, our licensed insurance agents specialize in all aspects of Medicare.
Let our experts take the guesswork out of the process for you. We can review your prescriptions and doctors to ensure your chosen plan meets your needs. We can even walk you through the enrollment process.
Give us a call today. Or fill out our online request form to receive the best rates in your part of Tennessee.
