I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Tennessee and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Tennessee for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Tennessee Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Tennessee
Whether you live in a major Tennessee metro or a small town, we work with Tennessee residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Tennessee's major regions include: Middle Tennessee (Nashville), East Tennessee (Knoxville-Chattanooga), West Tennessee (Memphis), Appalachian Tennessee.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Tennessee. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Tennessee's Medicare market: what you need to know
Tennessee has a strong regional carrier presence with BCBST. Nashville's growing population and Knoxville's retirement appeal make for active Medicare markets. The state has no income tax, which attracts retirees.
Snowbird and travel note: Tennessee is increasingly popular for full-year retirees from northern states. No state income tax is a major draw.
TN SHIP works through the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. The state's TennCare program is Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs are administered through it.
Top Medicare carriers in Tennessee
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Tennessee
- Humana
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Tennessee
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Cigna
- Aetna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Tennessee (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
Tennessee Medigap rules
Tennessee does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in Tennessee?
Medicare costs in Tennessee for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Tennessee residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $120-170/month for Plan G in Tennessee
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Tennessee resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for Tennessee residents
- TN SHIP (SHIP): 1-877-801-0044 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Tennessee Medicaid: 1-855-259-0701 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Tennessee: tn.gov/aging
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Tennessee zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your Tennessee situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Tennessee residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Tennessee zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Tennessee clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Tennessee: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Tennessee: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for Tennessee residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Tennessee residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
Tennessee Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Tennessee?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Tennessee residents pay an average of $120-170/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Tennessee typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee has 30-40 plans in metro areas in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 55% of Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Tennessee?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Tennessee are Humana, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Tennessee?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Tennessee?
Tennessee residents can call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-855-259-0701. Visit tn.gov/aging for more state aging resources.
