Medicare in Tennessee
The key to finding a Medicare plan in Tennessee is understanding the basics. People new to Medicare turning 65, disabled, or leaving group health insurance coverage are often confused about their choices. Paying too much for supplemental insurance. Or don’t know where to turn for help. This is an important decision because health care costs are a big part of the budget for many people. Let’s get started understanding Medicare in Tennessee.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors and also for people with certain disabilities. Medicare offers you choices about how you can receive your benefits.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
People who are Medicare eligible:
- Age 65 and older
- Under 65 and have been on Social Security disability for 24 months.
- No wait is required if you’re diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig disease.
- Those who have end-stage renal disease.
Tennessee Medicare Plans
- Part A – Inpatient Hospitalization Coverage
- Part B – Medical Coverage
- Part C – Medicare Advantage “MA” or “MAPD”
- Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
- Medigap – Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Medicare Part A is usually automatically given to individuals when they turn 65, who’ve worked and paid taxes, and are U.S. citizens. Part A helps cover hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, home health care, hospice care, and blood. Part A has you pay deductibles and co-pays. We refer to these as the “Gaps” of Medicare.
- Premium (cost per month): $0 if you or your spouse have worked and made payroll contributions (taxes) to Social Security for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B has a standard premium of $144.60 a month. This amount, for most people is automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check. Medicare Part B covers medical expenses such as: doctors office visits, outpatient hospital treatment, laboratory, home healthcare, durable medical equipment, blood, etc.. The gaps of Part B include a deductible, coinsurance, and co-pays. The annual Medicare Part B deductible is $185. After the annual deductible is met, you’re responsible for 20% of the costs of the Medicare approved amount.
Choices of Medicare Plans in Tennessee
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. It’s offered by approved private insurance companies. To view prescription drug coverages in Tennessee, go to the Medicare website. Plans aren’t the same in every service area. Go to medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare.
Medicare Part C is an Advantage Plan. This coverage pays instead of Original Medicare. You cannot have an Tennessee Medigap Plan and Part C at the same time. Often times Part C includes prescription drug coverage. Again, contact Medicare to learn more about these types of plans.
Medicare Supplement Plans are available to help fill the gaps of Part A and Part B. Medicare Supplement Plans in Tennessee, also known as Medigap Insurance, are offered by private health insurance companies. Does not cover prescription drugs. People need to buy a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.