Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans Guide

This comprehensive guide will cover what Medicare Advantage Plans are, how to qualify for them, how to apply, and an overview of the most common plans available in Tennessee.

Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans Guide

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, offer an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) by providing coverage through private insurance companies. These plans often include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are health plans offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. In addition to covering hospital and medical services, these plans often offer extra benefits such as:

  • Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
  • Dental Services
  • Vision Services
  • Hearing Services
  • Wellness Programs

Medicare Advantage Plans can come in various forms, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Medical Savings Account Plans (MSAs).

How to Qualify for Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

How to Qualify for Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee?

To qualify for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Eligibility for Medicare: You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
  2. Residence: You must live in the plan’s service area.
  3. Enrollment Period: You must enroll during an eligible enrollment period, such as:
    • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday.
    • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7 each year.
    • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 each year.
    • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Available under certain circumstances, such as moving out of your plan’s service area, losing other health coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid.

How to Apply for Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans?

Applying for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee involves several steps:

  1. Compare Plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the Medicare.gov website to compare plans available in your area. Consider factors such as coverage options, costs, and provider networks.
  2. Contact the Plan: Once you have chosen a plan, contact the insurance company offering the plan. You can apply online, by phone, or by filling out a paper enrollment form.
  3. Provide Required Information: You will need to provide your Medicare Number and the dates your Part A and Part B coverage started. These details can be found on your Medicare card.
  4. Confirm Enrollment: After applying, you will receive a confirmation letter from the plan. Keep this letter for your records.
Most Common Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Most Common Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Several insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee. Below are some of the most common plans, including specific names and links for more information:

  1. Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans
    • Aetna Medicare Premier Plus Plan (PPO)
    • Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (HMO)
    • Aetna Medicare Value Plan (PPO)
    • Aetna Medicare Plans
  2. Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
    • Humana Gold Plus HMO
    • Humana Choice PPO
    • Humana Honor PPO
    • Humana Medicare Plans
  3. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans
    • AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 (HMO)
    • AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (PPO)
    • UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete (HMO D-SNP)
    • UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plans
  4. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plans
  5. Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans
    • Cigna-HealthSpring Preferred (HMO)
    • Cigna-HealthSpring Achieve Plus (HMO D-SNP)
    • Cigna-HealthSpring TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
    • Cigna Medicare Plans