Best Health InsuranceTennesseeBest Tennessee Health Insurance (2023 Plans)
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By , Content Manager
Updated: Aug 8, 2023
Best Health InsuranceTennesseeBest Health Insurance in Tennessee
Best Overall in Tennessee - US Health and Life
Best for Low MOOP - Oscar Insurance Company
Best Cheap - US Health and Life
Best for Low Income - US Health and Life
Best for Young Adults - US Health and Life
Best for EPO - US Health and Life
Best Short-Term Insurance - National General Accident & Health
Best Overall for Health Insurance in Tennessee
With a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100, US Health and Life Insurance Company is the best health insurance provider overall in Tennessee. It received a perfect mark for approving the most claims and above-average ratings on its MOOP rates and monthly cost.
To determine our top recommendations for this category, we analyzed data from 59 Silver EPO plans in Tennessee.
MoneyGeek Pick: US Health and Life Insurance Company
pros
Second-lowest premiums out of six companies
Lowest denial rate
Reasonable MOOP costs
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
US Health and Life Insurance Company is MoneyGeek’s top pick for the best overall health insurance provider in Tennessee for 2023. It offers four Silver plans at an average monthly premium of $523, which is the second cheapest among the six insurers that we surveyed. Its MOOP cost averages a reasonable $8,075.
We also found that US Health and Life Insurance Company’s claims denial rate is 0%, which means that all insurance claims are approved. You’ll have little trouble getting all eligible health care services that you receive covered by this insurer.
All of US Health and Life Insurance Company’s Silver plans are Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. With an EPO, you have to stay in-network except in an emergency, but you may not always need a referral to see a specialist.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following Silver plans from US Health and Life Insurance Company:
- Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver: $544 per month (MOOP $5,400)
- Ascension Personalized Care Low Premium Silver: $502 per month (MOOP $8,900)
- Ascension Personalized Care Standard Silver: $506 per month (MOOP $8,900)
Best Health Insurance in Tennessee for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs
With a total MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100, Oscar is the best health insurance provider if you’re looking for a plan with low out-of-pocket costs. Its most noteworthy attribute is its low claims denial rate, ranking second out of the six companies that were included in our study. It also ranks third in terms of low MOOP costs and monthly premiums.
Our analysis included data from 28 Gold EPO plans.
MoneyGeek Pick: Oscar
pros
Approves most claims
Reasonable monthly premiums
Below-average MOOP cost
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Oscar offers four Gold plans at an average premium of $641 per month, with an average MOOP of $7,475. This insurer has the third-cheapest premiums and third-lowest MOOP among the six companies in our study. Another noteworthy advantage is Oscar’s very low denial rate of 6.19%, which means it rarely denies policyholder claims.
If you’re considering purchasing a Gold plan from Oscar, you must be aware that these plans are all EPOs. EPO plans work like HMOs, wherein you must stay in-network except in an emergency. However, there’s the added convenience of not needing a referral to see a specialist.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following low-MOOP health plans from Oscar:
- Gold Elite: $651 per month (MOOP $5,500)
- Gold Classic: $626 per month (MOOP $7,000)
- Gold Classic - Standard: $594 per month (MOOP $8,700)
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Tennessee
US Health and Life Insurance Company is the best provider of cheap health insurance in Tennessee, earning a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100.
We evaluated plans with low monthly premiums to determine the most affordable provider. Although plans with lower premiums may seem cheaper upfront, these generally have higher out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim.
For this analysis, we surveyed 59 Silver EPO plans.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest health insurance in Tennessee for those who just want the cheapest rates.
MoneyGeek Pick: US Health and Life Insurance Company
pros
Second-lowest premiums out of six competitors
0% claims denial rate
Below-average MOOP cost
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
US Health and Life Insurance Company is our pick for Tennessee’s best cheap health insurance provider. This insurer offers four Silver plans at an average monthly premium of $523, with MOOP costs averaging $8,075. Among the six providers in our study, US Health and Life Insurance Company has the second-cheapest premiums and third-lowest MOOP cost.
Its claims denial rate is 0%, which means that all insurance claims are approved. US Health and Life Insurance Company’s Silver plans are EPOs. An EPO requires you to stay within your provider’s network except in an emergency. But you’ll enjoy the added convenience of not always needing a referral to see a specialist.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends these three affordable Silver plans from US Health and Life Insurance Company:
- Ascension Personalized Care Low Premium Silver: $502 per month (MOOP $8,900)
- Ascension Personalized Care Standard Silver: $506 per month (MOOP $8,900)
- Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver: $544 per month (MOOP $5,400)
Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Tennessee
With an impressive MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100, US Health and Life Insurance Company is the best health insurance provider for low-income residents in Tennessee.
Our comparative analysis included only insurers that offer plans with cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) and low monthly premiums. This amounted to 59 Silver PPO plans.
CSRs can help you avoid the usual trade-off between lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs by decreasing your MOOP and deductible. Whereas a standard Silver plan covers around 70% of health care costs, a CSR Silver plan can cover anywhere from 73% to 94% of costs. To qualify, your income must fall below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
These are the income brackets and their respective coverage rates:
- Those with an annual income between $27,180 and $33,975 (201%–250% of the FPL) can expect 73% of health insurance costs covered.
- Those with an annual income between $20,385 and $27,180 (151%–200% of the FPL) can expect to have 87% of costs covered.
- Those with an annual income of less than $20,385 per year (up to 150% of the FPL) can expect to have 94% of costs covered.
But note that these income brackets shift depending on the number of people in your household. We analyzed 59 Silver EPO plans for this category.
MoneyGeek Pick: US Health and Life Insurance Company
pros
Second-cheapest premiums for low incomes
Best claims denial rate in the state
Below-average MOOP
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
MoneyGeek found that US Health and Life Insurance Company is the best insurance provider for Tennesseans with low income or limited financial resources. This insurer offers low-income health plans for those in the 201%–250% FPL bracket at an average monthly premium of $523, with a MOOP averaging $6,475. It also has a stellar claims denial rate of 0%.
US Health and Life Insurance Company has four Silver HMO plans with cost-sharing reductions.
Plan Recommendations
US Health and Life Insurance Company’s Ascension Personalized Care Low Premium Silver is the best low-income health insurance plan in Tennessee. Those in lower income brackets can purchase a plan with lower overall out-of-pocket costs while paying the same monthly premium:
- 201%–250% of the FPL: $502 per month (MOOP $7,250)
- 151%–200% of the FPL: $502 per month (MOOP $2,100)
- Up to 150% of the FPL: $502 per month (MOOP $1,200)
Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Tennessee
Scoring 62 out of 100 in MoneyGeek’s system, US Health and Life Insurance Company is the best health insurance for young adults.
For our analysis in this category, we included insurance providers that sell Bronze or Catastrophic plans. These generally have the cheapest premiums but also the highest out-of-pocket costs. Note that only individuals who are 30 years old and under are eligible to purchase a Catastrophic plan.
We rated the following plan tiers and types:
- Bronze: 16 EPO plans
- Expanded Bronze: 50 EPO plans
- Catastrophic: One EPO plan
MoneyGeek Pick: US Health and Life Insurance Company
pros
Lowest claims denial rate
Cheapest monthly premiums
cons
Highest average MOOP cost
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
US Health and Life Insurance Company offers the best health insurance plans for young adults at an average cost of $307 per month for 26-year-olds and a $9,075 average MOOP. Buyers have four Expanded Bronze EPO plans to choose from. With this insurer’s claims denial rate of 0%, it’s highly likely that your claims will be approved.
Your choice of metal tier dictates your coverage. Expanded Bronze plans are roughly as affordable as the typical Bronze plan but come with added perks. An Expanded Bronze plan is required to cover at least one major essential health benefit before you reach your deductible.
You’ll also have the advantage of paying fair prices for certain essential health benefits, like emergency services and outpatient care. Compared to regular Bronze plans, Expanded Bronze plans cover flat fees or copayments even before you hit your deductible.
Plan Recommendations
These are US Health and Life Insurance Company’s best health plans for young adults:
- Ascension Personalized Care Standard Expanded Bronze: $267 per month for 18-year-olds and $300 per month for 26-year-olds (MOOP $9,000)
- Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Bronze 2: $264 per month for 18-year-olds and $296 per month for 26-year-olds (MOOP $9,100)
- Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Bronze 1: $266 per month for 18-year-olds and $298 per month for 26-year-olds MOOP $9,100)
Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Tennessee
Health insurance providers tend to vary in the plan types that they offer. But based on MoneyGeek’s research, only EPO plans are available in Tennessee.
With a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100, US Health and Life Insurance Company is our recommendation for the best EPO plan in Tennessee.
For this analysis, we limited our recommendations to include only Silver plans. We find that this metal tier provides the best balance between costs and coverage, which makes it an ideal option for the average consumer.
Our analysis included 59 Silver EPO plans.
MoneyGeek Pick for EPO: US Health and Life Insurance Company
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
US Health and Life Insurance Company offers four Silver EPO plans. These average $523 in monthly premiums and an $8,075 MOOP. This insurer accepts virtually every health insurance claim.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans are the most common plan type in the country after HMOs and PPOs. EPOs are similar to HMOs in that you’ll have to stay in network, except in an emergency. But EPOs offer an added perk — you won’t always need a referral to see a specialist.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek invites you to consider these top-rated EPO Silver plans from US Health and Life Insurance Company:
- Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver: $544 per month (MOOP $5,400)
- Ascension Personalized Care Low Premium Silver: $502 per month (MOOP $8,900)
Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Tennessee
National General Accident & Health offers the best short-term health insurance in Tennessee, earning an impressive MoneyGeek rating of 90 out of 100.
Short-term health insurance should only be used to fill brief gaps in coverage and shouldn’t be a permanent replacement for standard health insurance. Short-term plans don’t comply with the Affordable Care Act and typically fail to cover essential health benefits.
National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health is MoneyGeek’s top pick for the affordability of its premiums and the wide range of plan options that it offers. With this insurer, you have the flexibility to choose a term length ranging anywhere from three months to three years.
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Tennessee
The best health insurance for you depends on a combination of your health care needs and your budget for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s MoneyGeek’s expert advice when shopping for health insurance.
Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you
Different plans vary in their coverage policies. In Tennessee, only EPO plans are available, but you’ll have 59 Silver plans to choose from. EPOs require you to stay within your provider’s network, but you won’t need a referral to see a specialist.
Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care
Plans with cheaper monthly premiums typically have higher out-of-pocket costs. For instance, US Health and Life Insurance Company’s Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Silver plan has an average premium of $544 and a MOOP of $5,400. On the other hand, the company’s Ascension Personalized Care Low Premium Silver plan averages $502 per month but has a MOOP of $8,900.
Consider Tennessee Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible
Medicare is a federal insurance program that subsidizes health care services. Adults who are 65 years and older and younger individuals who have a qualifying disability or illness are eligible.
Medicare has three components:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, care in a nursing facility and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, preventive services, doctor’s visits and medical supplies.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescribed medication, including recommended vaccines.
We’ve also outlined the best Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee to help you find the right plan that matches your needs.
Medicaid is another federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals. Elderly adults, pregnant women, children in low-income families and those with disabilities may also qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Tennessee
Most shoppers for health insurance are mainly concerned about cost and availability. Here are MoneyGeek’s answers to some of the frequently asked questions about health insurance in Tennessee.
About Brenna Kelly, Licensed Health Insurance Agent
sources
- Division of TennCare. "TennCare Medicaid." Accessed December 29, 2022.
- Medicaid.gov. "Medicaid." Accessed December 29, 2022.