What Are Tennessee’s Medicare Advantage Plan Offerings?
Davy Crockett, “King of the Wild Frontier,” was born near Greeneville, Tennessee. In addition to being a frontiersman, folk hero and three-time Congressman, Crockett also fought in the War of 1812 and died at the Alamo. Thankfully, exploration of the frontier of Medicare Insurance offers a gentler approach for residents of Tennessee age 65 and older. The federally administered program is a primary source of healthcare coverage for residents age 65 years and older. Medicare also offers insurance coverage for some younger consumers who are disabled. An option to consider for healthcare coverage includes a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee.
Also known as Medicare Part C, Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage from Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Medicare Part B, medical/doctor’s office insurance. Tennessee Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies. MA offers at least the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, is approved by Medicare and takes the place of coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are often included. Tennessee residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee as these types of benefits are typically included.
Am I Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee?
Figuring out eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Tennessee is simple. First, you must know if Medicare Advantage plans are sold in your county or zip code. If so and you’re already eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re also eligible for Medicare Part C/Advantage insurance. A Medicare Advantage plan specific to Tennessee may possibly help policyholders save money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
Tennessee residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan helps to cover some of the gaps in coverage such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee?
Any resident of the 95 counties of Tennessee who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan as most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and it can help cover some of the costs of prescription drugs. If you’re considering prescription drug coverage in Tennessee, you may want to look at a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Tennessee residents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, 66% choose an HMO/HMOPOS while 33% are enrolled in a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee for your needs and budget.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Tennessee by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to accommodate your budget and needs.
Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Tennessee opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re a Tennessee resident with a May birthday, your IEP runs from February through August.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, Tennessee residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, Tennessee residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote is a Medicare Insurance specialist that can help ensure you are getting all the available Medicare benefits you deserve. We can also help you stay up to date with the annual changes made by carriers of Medicare insurance plans. As a trusted independent third-party company who helps consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote is here to help you find the right Tennessee Medicare Advantage plan for your needs. Talk to a SelectQuote licensed sales agent today.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
