Medicare in Tennessee: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide

Tennessee Medicare Snapshot

Tennessee has one of the most aggressively growing Medicare Advantage markets in the country — 123 MA plans from 13 carriers covering 95 of 96 counties for 2026, with roughly 60% of TN Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA (well above the national average) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Tennessee's plan mix leans PPO: 38 PPO, 27 HMO, 19 HMO-POS, 9 PPO C-SNP, and 9 HMO D-SNP plans.

The average consolidated MA premium is $20.56/month (median $0) — most Tennessee beneficiaries can find a $0-premium plan. The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026. On the supplement side, Tennessee has 40 carriers offering Plan G under attained-age rating, supported by strong regional Blues carrier presence (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee).

Plan Types Available in Tennessee

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In Tennessee, 123 MA plans are available for 2026 from 13 carriers (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Plan type mix: 38 PPO, 27 HMO, 19 HMO-POS, 9 PPO C-SNP (chronic condition special needs), and 9 HMO D-SNP. PPOs dominate the market, which works well for beneficiaries who want broader provider choice across TN's long east-west geography.

County availability ranges from 74 MA plans in Davidson County (Nashville) to 43 plans in Bedford County (middle TN, rural). Top carriers by plan count: Devoted Health (22 plans), Humana (21 plans), and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (17 plans) — a notable lineup combining a tech-forward Sun Belt entrant, a national leader, and the entrenched state Blues carrier.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Tennessee has 40 carriers offering Plan G in the TPP rate database (TPP rate DB, CY2026) — one of the deeper Plan G markets in the Southeast. The full set of 12 federally standardized plan letters (A through N, plus high-deductible variants HDG and HDF) is available statewide under standard federal rules. Tennessee uses attained-age rating — premiums increase as you age.

Plan F is closed to new enrollees as of January 1, 2020 under MACRA / the 21st Century Cures Act; the same closure applies to High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) — only beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020 may still purchase Plan F or HDF. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered in Tennessee by 32 carriers. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →

Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Tennessee is part of CMS PDP Region 12 (combined with Alabama). For 2026, there are 12 standalone PDP plans from 6 carriers. Average total premium is $66.98/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape).

Costs in Tennessee

Medicare Advantage Premiums

The average consolidated MA premium in Tennessee is $20.56/month (median $0) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.

The top three carriers by plan count are Devoted Health (22 plans), Humana (21 plans), and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (17 plans) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Average star rating is 3.67.

Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG

Medigap premiums in Tennessee vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and rating method (attained-age in TN, so rates rise with age). Across the 40 carriers offering Plan G in Tennessee (non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85), monthly premiums range from approximately $118 to $596/month (TPP rate database, CY2026).

High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 32 Tennessee carriers; premiums range from approximately $109 to $710/month across ages 65–85, non-tobacco rates (TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the $2,950 deductible (2026).

Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark

For 2026, Tennessee Part D premiums average $66.98/month across 12 standalone PDP plans. The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for PDP Region 12 (Alabama and Tennessee) is $27.74/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).

Tennessee-Specific Medicare Rules

Tennessee Medigap Protections

Tennessee follows standard federal Medigap rules. You have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

After this window closes, medical underwriting applies and coverage is not guaranteed. Tennessee does not have a Birthday Rule or other annual switch right. Enrolling in Medigap during the initial Open Enrollment Period is especially important. TN uses attained-age rating, so when comparing carriers, ask for both current premium and a projection over 5–10 years.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Tennessee offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered by TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid):

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.

Apply through TennCare Connect or contact Tennessee SHIP (1-877-801-0044) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →

Tennessee SHIP

Tennessee SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased counseling on all Medicare options statewide. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Phone: 1-877-801-0044
Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance/consumers/ship.html

Enrolling in Medicare in Tennessee

Standard Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. After this window, medical underwriting applies (Tennessee has no Birthday Rule).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →

Tennessee SHIP Counseling

Contact Tennessee SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions