Key takeaways

  • Tennessee residents have multiple Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, allowing them to choose the coverage that best fits their healthcare needs.
  • Original Medicare, provided by the federal government, covers basic healthcare needs, including hospital and medical insurance. However, it doesn’t cover everything, such as prescription drugs, which can be added through a Part D plan.
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee, offered by private insurers, bundle all coverage into one plan and may include additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Therefore, it’s important to review the specific network of doctors and pharmacies before enrolling.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage

You can also purchase a supplement insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

Snapshot of Medicare in Tennessee

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Tennessee for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 1,496,872 residents of Tennessee were enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $16.89 in 2025 to $12.83 in 2026.
  • There are 132 Medicare Advantage plans available in Tennessee for 2026, compared with 131 plans in 2025.
  • All Tennessee residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, including those with $0 monthly premiums.
  • In 2026, 12 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in Tennessee, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.
  • 24.24% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Tennessee in 2026.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. They may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D is also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provides coverage for prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can speak with your insurer to verify if you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Tennessee, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in [State] can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

  • Medicare: You can contact Medicare directly at 800-633-4227 or online to ask about coverage, specific plans, or assistance with enrolling in Medicare.
  • Tennessee SHIP: The Tennessee SHIP agency can be reached at 877-801-0044 and provides free, confidential Medicare information and counseling. They can also provide resources on preventing Medicare fraud.
  • Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability: At 615-741-2056, this agency provides information about Medicare, the SHIP program, stopping elder abuse, and long-term care concerns.

More than 1.4 million people in Tennessee are enrolled in Medicare.

Residents of Tennessee can access all parts of Medicare — Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), prescription drug coverage (Part D), and Medigap.

Not all plans are available in all areas. You can use the Medicare online search tool to find plans in your area.