Written by Paige Cerulli
HealthCare Writer
We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Tennessee insurance companies must accept your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan application if you’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have guaranteed issue rights.
- The three most popular Medigap policies are typically Plans F, G, and N.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities or health conditions (e.g., end-stage renal disease).
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), covers many healthcare services. However, it still leaves you with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans help pay for these expenses.
Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N). That means Plan A from one company offers the same benefits as Plan A from another, though premiums may differ.
Learn how these plans work and how they benefit residents of Tennessee.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policy?
You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—or without guaranteed issue rights—insurers may use your health history to deny coverage or charge higher premiums.
Your Open Enrollment Period lasts for six months and starts the month you’re both age 65 (or older) and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies must offer you any plan they sell at standard rates, regardless of your health.
This is the ideal time to enroll because it gives you the widest choice of plans and the best rates.
Guaranteed issue rights arise from specific situations, like losing other health coverage. If you qualify, insurers must sell you a policy and can’t charge more due to your health status.
What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?
- Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan G: Covers almost everything Plan F does, except the Medicare Part B deductible.
- Plan N: Covers most major costs but has copayments for some doctor and ER visits, and does not cover Part B excess charges.
How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?
To select the right Medigap plan in Tennessee:
- Decide on a plan letter (e.g., G or N) based on your healthcare needs and budget.
- Explore plan options online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for expert help.
- Compare premiums for the same plan letter across different insurers. Although benefits are standardized, premiums may vary based on:
- Attained age rating: Premiums increase as you age.
- Issue age rating: Premiums are based on the age at which you first buy the plan.
- Community rating: Everyone pays the same rate regardless of age.
Always compare “apples to apples” — for example, Plan G from one company vs. Plan G from another.
How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?
Medigap premiums in Tennessee vary based on factors such as:
- Your age and gender
- Tobacco use
- Plan type
- Pricing method used by the insurer
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?
You can apply to change Medigap policies at any time. However, unless you have guaranteed issue rights, insurers may underwrite your application and consider your health status, which could lead to denial or higher premiums.
What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
They include Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most also include Part D (prescription drug coverage). Many offer additional benefits such as routine dental, vision, hearing, and fitness memberships.
Instead of buying a Medigap and a Part D plan separately, you may consider an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.
Learn more about Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.
- Who needs it: If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B) and want drug coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate Part D plan.
- What it covers: Prescription medications. Coverage and cost vary by plan.
- How it’s offered: Through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
- Not needed if: You’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD).
Shop for a Medicare plan with additional benefits!
Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you must purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Medicare Resources in Tennessee
Tennessee residents can get personalized help from these local programs:
- Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Free one-on-one Medicare counseling.
- Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Handles Medigap complaints and offers regulatory oversight.
- TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid Program): Provides Medicaid coverage for eligible low-income individuals and helps coordinate Medicare benefits.
Next Steps
If a Medicare Supplement plan in Tennessee fits your needs, take the next step by comparing plans available in your area. You can browse options online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized assistance and guidance.
Thank you for your feedback!
Medicare.gov. Medicare. “When Can I Buy Medigap?” medicare.gov. (accessed December 1, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Guaranteed Issue Rights.” medicare.gov. (accessed December 1, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Special Circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods).” medicare.gov. (accessed December 1, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans in Tennessee.” medicare.gov. (accessed December 1, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Switching Medigap Policies.” medicare.gov (accessed December 1, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Medicare Advantage Plans.” medicare.gov (accessed December 1, 2020).
