Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee

Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee are the same as in most other states. These plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) leaves behind. To enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee are assigned a letter that dictates how much coverage the policy offers.

Below, we discuss everything you need to know about Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee

The best Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee are the same top Medigap policies in other states. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized – an example being Medicare Supplement Plan F will have the same coverage regardless of location or company. The most popular plan selections include Medicare Supplement Plan N, Plan G, and Plan F.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is only available to those with Original Medicare before January 1, 2020. Therefore, anyone new to Original Medicare after that date does not have this option.

If you enroll in Medigap Plan F, you receive 100% coverage for all out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare. Those with Medicare Supplement Plan F are only responsible for their Medigap premium and any applicable Original Medicare premiums.

Medicare Supplement Plan G works like Plan F. However, with Medigap Plan G, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B annual deductible in addition to your monthly premium. The only thing Medicare Supplement Plan G does not cover that Plan F does cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible.

So, after you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, Medigap Plan G is the more cost-effective option in many cases. Even if you are eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G may be a better option in the long run.

Medicare Supplement Plan N is almost as comprehensive as Plan G. As higher premiums correlate to higher levels of Medicare Supplement benefits, Medigap Plan N has the lowest monthly premium of the top three plans and the most out-of-pocket costs.

In addition to the Medicare Supplement premium and the Medicare Part B deductible, you are also responsible for small copayments when you receive care from a doctor or the emergency room and excess charges when applicable.

Depending on your budget and healthcare needs, one of these top three plans should be beneficial for you.

Many factors can impact the cost of Medigap, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $75 to $300 depending on which coverage you select and your Medigap eligibility.

Below is a sample premium chart for a prominent Tennessee ZIP Code. As you can see, gender and age play a role in determining your premium costs.

* If on Medicare before 1/1/20

So, suppose a physician does not accept Medicare’s pre-approved price. This means they can bill the excess charges to you.

Although excess charges are allowed in Tennessee, they are not common. Only a small percentage of physicians in the state do not accept Medicare assignment.

Additionally, you will never pay excess charges in a state that doesn’t allow them – even if you live in a state that permits excess charges. To avoid these costs, it is vital to speak with your doctor before receiving services.

Medigap Plans in Tennessee for the Disabled Under 65

There is no mandate for insurance companies offering Medicare Supplement plans to provide options to people on Medicare due to disability under 65. It is up to each state to decide whether to include this requirement.

Health insurance carriers offering Medigap plans in Tennessee must provide at least one policy option to those on Medicare under age 65 due to disability. However, the premiums for individuals under 65 are extremely high, and only the most basic policies (such as Medicare Supplement Plan A) are available.

Because of this, most agents recommend waiting until you turn 65 to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. Those under 65 on Medicare because of disability may find Medicare Advantage (Part C) a more suitable option until they age into Medicare at 65.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Tennessee

Medicare Supplement plans are only part of the available Medicare plans in Tennessee. In addition, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans are available to provide additional benefits that may suit you.

Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A and B with additional benefits to create all-in-one plans with low monthly premiums. However, these plans often have tight networks of doctors, restrictions, and require referrals when visiting a specialist.

No matter which route you choose to take, if you have Original Medicare, you’ll also need to enroll in Medicare Part D to cover your prescription drugs. If you miss Medicare Part D enrollment, you may be required to pay a monthly premium penalty.