Tennessee is one of the highest Medicare Advantage penetration states in the Southeast, with about 53% of its 1.48 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in an MA plan in 2026. That rate exceeds the national average of about 54%, and reflects decades of managed care growth driven by Humana and HealthSpring (now part of the Cigna portfolio operating under the HealthSpring brand) building deep roots in the state. The 132 plans available statewide in 2026 give most Tennesseans a solid range of choices, particularly in the three major metro areas.
What makes Tennessee distinct: the state has a strong HMO-POS and PPO culture, which gives enrollees more provider flexibility than typical HMO-only markets. TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program and is separate from Medicare Advantage. Residents who qualify for both TennCare and Medicare can enroll in Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate both programs. Tennessee is also moving toward requiring that full-benefit dual-eligible residents use FIDE-SNPs (Fully Integrated Dual Eligible SNPs) by 2030, which fully integrates TennCare and Medicare benefits under one plan.
This guide covers the 2026 Tennessee Medicare Advantage market: how many plans exist, which carriers lead, what to look for when shopping, and key enrollment dates. The Annual Election Period is October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027.
2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in Tennessee
In 2026, Tennessee has 132 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 784,000 beneficiaries enrolled (53% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $11 and the statewide average Star Rating is 3.8.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Tennessee (2026)| Carrier | Plans | Avg Star Rating | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Humana | 22 | 3.8 | $5/mo |
| UnitedHealthcare | 18 | 4.0 | $8/mo |
| HealthSpring | 14 | 4.0 | $10/mo |
| Aetna | 12 | 4.0 | $12/mo |
| Wellpoint | 12 | 3.0 | $6/mo |
| BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | 10 | 3.5 | $14/mo |
| WellCare | 8 | 3.0 | $4/mo |
Source: medicarecoverguide.com 2026 Tennessee data; KFF Medicare Advantage in the States; CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025; healthinsurance.org Tennessee Medicare data
Plan Types in Tennessee: HMO vs PPO vs SNP
Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in Tennessee| Plan Type | Plans Available | Avg Premium | Best For |
|---|
| HMO / HMO-POS | 62 | $8/mo | Lower premiums; HMO-POS allows some out-of-network access at higher cost share |
| PPO | 51 | $18/mo | Flexibility to see out-of-network providers without a referral |
| Special Needs Plan (SNP) | 19 | $0/mo | Dual-eligible (TennCare + Medicare), chronic conditions, institutional care |
HMO and HMO-POS plans together make up the majority of Tennessee's MA market. PPO options have grown significantly in 2025-2026 as major carriers expand flexible-network offerings.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025; moneygeek.com Tennessee MA breakdown 2026
County-Level Variance in Tennessee
Plan availability varies considerably by county in Tennessee. The three major metro areas (Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville/Chattanooga) typically offer 40-56 plans. Rural counties in the Cumberland Plateau and upper East Tennessee generally have fewer plan choices and can carry higher average premiums due to lower carrier competition.
Plan count and average premium by county in Tennessee| County | Plans Available | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Shelby County (Memphis) | 56 | $7/mo |
| Davidson County (Nashville) | 50 | $9/mo |
| Hamilton County (Chattanooga) | 41 | $11/mo |
| Knox County (Knoxville) | 42 | $12/mo |
| Fentress County (Jamestown) | 45 | $18/mo |
Plan counts are from CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025. Average premiums shown are weighted averages for non-SNP plans. Run a ZIP-code search at medicare.gov to see your exact plan options.
Source: medicareadvantage.com county data Q4 2025; CMS Medicare Plan Finder
What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Tennessee
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee requires looking beyond the monthly premium. Here is what matters most when shopping in 2026:
- Provider network. Confirm your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital are all in-network before enrolling. Network breadth varies sharply by carrier and by county, especially in rural East Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau.
- Prescription drug coverage (formulary). Most Tennessee MA plans include Part D. Verify that your specific medications are covered at a tier you can afford. The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Star Ratings. CMS rates every MA plan 1 to 5 stars each October based on quality of care, member experience, and customer service. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments that often fund richer supplemental benefits. Tennessee's market-wide average is approximately 3.8 stars for 2026.
- Supplemental benefits (dental, vision, hearing, fitness). Most Tennessee MA plans include some dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare does not provide. Humana and UnitedHealthcare offer SilverSneakers or comparable fitness benefits in most Tennessee plans.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). The 2026 federal MOOP ceiling for in-network MA is $9,250, down $100 from $9,350 in 2025. Many Tennessee plans set their MOOP lower, between $4,354 and $6,750. Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket cap, making MA's MOOP a significant protection.
- Prior authorization requirements. MA plans may require prior authorization for specialist visits, surgeries, or advanced imaging. If you have ongoing health conditions, review the plan's coverage rules and CMS-published prior authorization denial rates before enrolling.
Key Medicare Dates in Tennessee
Medicare Advantage has several enrollment windows. Missing the right window can delay your coverage or result in late enrollment penalties.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7, 2026 — Switch between Original Medicare and MA, change MA plans, or change Part D plans. Coverage starts January 1, 2027.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 to March 31, 2026 — If you are already enrolled in an MA plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch only during this window.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday — Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first, then choose an MA plan or Original Medicare plus a standalone Part D plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying event — Triggered by moving outside your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for TennCare (dual eligible), or other life events. Dual-eligible enrollees also have quarterly SEP rights in Q1, Q2, and Q3.
Notable Extras in Tennessee Plans
Tennessee's Medicare Advantage market has several features that set it apart from other Southern states:
- TennCare and D-SNP coordination (not the same program): TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program. It is not Medicare Advantage. However, residents who qualify for both TennCare and Medicare (dual-eligible) can enroll in Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). Tennessee has 19 SNP plans in 2026, including D-SNPs from UnitedHealthcare (Dual Complete), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BlueCare Plus), and Wellpoint. Tennessee is also requiring a shift to FIDE-SNPs by 2030, which will fully coordinate TennCare and Medicare under one integrated plan for qualifying residents.
- HealthSpring rebrand (formerly Cigna Medicare): Starting in 2026, Cigna Healthcare Medicare plans in Tennessee operate under the HealthSpring brand. The plans, benefits, and network remain the same. If you were enrolled in a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee, your plan is now branded HealthSpring. HealthSpring was originally founded in Nashville in 2000 and was acquired by Cigna in 2012, so the rebrand returns to a well-known Tennessee name.
- Rural access considerations: Rural counties in the Cumberland Plateau (Fentress, Pickett, Van Buren) and upper East Tennessee may have comparable plan counts on paper but narrower in-network provider choices. If you live in a rural county and have a specialist or hospital you depend on, verify in-network status before selecting a plan. Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement may provide more provider flexibility in low-density areas.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Tennessee
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives you access to any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, with no prior authorization for most services. The trade-off is monthly cost: Medigap + Part D in Tennessee typically runs $150 to $350 per month depending on the Medigap plan type and your age. Medicare Advantage plans bundle all three into one plan averaging $11 per month statewide, but restrict you to a defined network and may require prior authorization for specialist care, surgeries, or imaging.
For Tennessee residents who travel frequently between multiple states, or who depend on a specific specialist outside the urban metro areas, Original Medicare plus Medigap often provides more flexibility. For residents who live and receive all care in one of Tennessee's three major metros, MA typically delivers lower total annual costs and adds benefits (dental, vision, hearing, fitness) that Original Medicare does not cover.
One important point: when you leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, Medigap insurers in Tennessee are generally not required to sell you a plan unless you have a guaranteed issue right (such as the plan leaving your area or the insurer going bankrupt). Unlike California, Tennessee does not have a state-level Medigap birthday rule. Plan transitions carefully if you consider switching from MA to Original Medicare.
How to enroll in Medicare Advantage in Tennessee
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You cannot join an MA plan before your Medicare is active. Once you have Parts A and B, you can enroll in an MA plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7), or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
You can enroll in four ways: (1) online at medicare.gov Plan Finder, which shows all 132 available plans by ZIP code with side-by-side premium and benefit comparisons; (2) by calling the plan directly; (3) by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; (4) through a licensed Medicare insurance agent or broker. Before enrolling, confirm your doctors are in-network. Tennessee SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) also provides free unbiased counseling to help you compare plans.
How to enroll in Medicare Advantage in Tennessee detail| Enrollment Method | Best For | Available |
|---|
| medicare.gov Plan Finder | Self-service comparison of all 132 TN plans | 24/7 online |
| 1-800-MEDICARE | Phone-based help from CMS staff | 24/7 by phone |
| Tennessee SHIP (1-877-801-0044) | Free unbiased counseling in your county | Business hours |
| Licensed Medicare agent or broker | Plan-by-plan comparison with expert guidance | Varies by agent |
Tennessee SHIP does not sell plans and has no financial interest in your enrollment decision.
Star Ratings in Tennessee: what they mean for your benefits
CMS publishes MA Star Ratings every October, rating each plan 1 to 5 stars on roughly 40 measures: chronic disease management, customer service, member experience, and Part D drug safety. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS, which carriers often reinvest into richer benefits the following plan year. Tennessee's enrollment-weighted average for 2026 is approximately 3.8 stars, in line with the national average.
In Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna both carry 4.0-star ratings in 2026. HealthSpring also maintains a 4.0-star average. Humana, which historically held strong ratings in Tennessee, saw its national star average decline to 3.8 for 2026. Check whether you qualify for Extra Help with Part D costs regardless of which plan you choose. WellCare and Wellpoint carry 3-star plans, which still provide full Medicare coverage but may have fewer bonus-funded extras. Plans with 5-star ratings trigger a year-round Special Enrollment Period allowing anyone to switch into them at any time, though no Tennessee carrier holds a 5-star plan for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Tennessee in 2026?
Tennessee has 132 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, up slightly from 131 plans in 2025. The exact number available to you depends on your county and ZIP code. Shelby County (Memphis) has the most options with 56 plans; Davidson County (Nashville) has about 50; and most East Tennessee urban counties have 40 to 45. Run a ZIP-code search at medicare.gov Plan Finder to see the exact plans available at your address.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Tennessee for 2026?
The statewide weighted-average Medicare Advantage premium in Tennessee is about $11 per month in 2026, in line with the national MA average of $14. Many Tennessee plans, particularly HMO and HMO-POS plans from Humana, HealthSpring, and WellCare, have $0 monthly premiums. PPO plans and plans with richer supplemental benefits tend to carry premiums of $15 to $50 per month.
What is TennCare and is it the same as Medicare Advantage?
TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program for low-income residents. It is not Medicare Advantage. The two programs serve different populations and have different eligibility rules. However, if you qualify for both TennCare and Medicare at the same time, you are dual-eligible and may be able to enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which coordinates both programs into one plan. Tennessee has 19 SNP plans in 2026, including D-SNPs from UnitedHealthcare, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and Wellpoint. Contact your TennCare plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn whether you qualify.
When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in Tennessee?
The main enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. You can also enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for TennCare dual eligibility. Existing MA enrollees can switch plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026) once.
Which carriers offer Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee for 2026?
The top carriers in Tennessee by enrollment are Humana, UnitedHealthcare, HealthSpring (formerly Cigna Healthcare Medicare), Aetna, Wellpoint, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and WellCare. Regional and smaller carriers such as Zing Health and Devoted Health also offer plans in select Tennessee counties. Kaiser Permanente does not operate in Tennessee. Use medicare.gov Plan Finder to see every carrier available in your specific ZIP code.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee?
HMO and HMO-POS plans (about 62 of Tennessee's 132 plans) require you to use in-network providers and, in pure HMO plans, need a referral to see a specialist. They typically have lower premiums (average $8/mo). HMO-POS plans allow some out-of-network access at a higher cost share. PPO plans (about 51 plans) let you see any Medicare-accepting provider, in or out of network, without a referral, but charge higher premiums (average $18/mo) and higher out-of-network cost sharing. Choose HMO for lower cost if your doctors are in-network; choose PPO for provider flexibility.
Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in (called MA-PD plans). The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket maximum is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act signed in 2022. Insulin is capped at $35 per month under this law. Always check the plan's formulary to confirm your specific medications are covered and at what cost-sharing tier before enrolling.
Are dental, vision, and hearing covered by Medicare Advantage in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans include some level of dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare does not provide. Coverage varies widely by plan: some plans cover only preventive dental cleanings and exams, while others cover fillings, extractions, or partial dentures up to an annual limit. Vision benefits typically include an annual eye exam and an allowance for glasses or contacts. Hearing benefits may include exams and a fixed-dollar hearing aid allowance. Review each plan's Evidence of Coverage for annual dollar limits and what specific services are included.
