Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Tennessee. With more than 1.3 million Tennessee beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Tennessee. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.

Tennessee Medicare Enrollments

789,123

Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)

584,375

Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans

504,649

Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)

1,373,498

Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Tennessee

Who Qualifies for Medicare in Tennessee?

More than 40% of Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries select Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage plans are private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. They provide all of your Original Medicare benefits and often include extra benefits such as drug, dental, and vision coverage.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop their Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in Original Medicare instead.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as of May 2020, there are 584,375 beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and other plans in Tennessee. More than 40% of Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan in 2019. 100% of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.

As of 2020, 99 Medicare Advantage plans are available in Tennessee. The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium changed from $25.11 in 2019 to $22.62 in 2020. $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee. Depending on the county, Medicare Advantage plan availability in Tennessee ranges from 15 to 37 plans.

Who Qualifies for Medicare

Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Tennessee

  • TennCare is the state of Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It provides healthcare to mostly low-income pregnant women, parents, or caretakers of a minor child, children, and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. TennCare provides some assistance to individuals who require assistance determining their eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare programs, as well as offers benefits coordination assistance to beneficiaries who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.
    Contact: Call (855) 259-0701

  • The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance regulates all health insurance providers throughout the state, including those that provide Medicare Advantage plans. The Department can assist with verifying an insurance agent or filing a complaint about your provider. This department also offers consumer education resources about Medicare Advantage and other insurance policies.
    Contact: Call (615) 741-2241

  • State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) are federally-funded programs that are available in every state. In Tennessee, the SHIP program offers regular educational and counseling events in various cities throughout the state for Medicare beneficiaries and potential enrollees.
    Contact: Email tn.ship@tn.gov, call (877) 801-0044, or in-person

  • The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides information and assistance to older persons, adults with physical disabilities, caregivers, and professionals looking for services or programs available in Tennessee.
    Contact: Call (866) 836-6678

  • The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability office serves seniors in 13 counties in the Nashville area and throughout Southeast Tennessee. The office provides information and assistance to seniors, including insurance counseling for Medicare participants.
    Contact: Call (866) 836-6678

  • Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC): is part of a national network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP). SHIP is a Federal Administration for Community Living (ACL) grant program that helps states enhance and support a network of local programs, staff, and volunteers. GNRC counselors provide free, confidential, and non-bias information to Medicare beneficiaries, their representatives, and those who will soon be eligible for Medicare.
    Contact: Call (615) 862-8828 or visit the Greater Nashville Regional Council at 220 Athens Way, Suite 200 in Nashville.

  • Serving seniors in Shelby County, the Aging Commission of the Mid-South helps seniors with a variety of free and low-cost supports and services. The Aging Commission of the Mid-South employs SHIP-certified insurance counselors who provide seniors with Medicare counseling, as well as assistance with Medicare Advantage claims, appeals, and complaints.
    Contact: Call (901) 222-2300

The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Tennessee. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Tennessee so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.

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