Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee (2026)

Key Takeaways

Tennessee has several Medicare Advantage options from nine insurers, covering HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and Regional PPO networks. Eight plans require no monthly payment, though premiums extend to $86 for plans with additional benefits.

Cigna HealthCare ranks first as Tennessee's best HMO, with Wellcare and Zing Health holding the strongest positions in HMO-POS and PPO categories.

Before buying a plan, consider which doctors and specialists you want to see, the medications you take regularly and how much you're comfortable spending on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Companies in Tennessee

Our analysis of Tennessee's best Medicare Advantage plans based on CMS star ratings, premiums, maximum out-of-pocket costs and coverage features reveals clear category leaders. Cigna HealthCare offers the best HMO options with a $20 average monthly premium, $4,961 average MOOP, and a strong 4 CMS star rating.

Wellcare leads for HMO-POS plans while Zing Health tops PPO options, though both maintain 3-star ratings. These providers deliver affordable premiums with comprehensive coverage across the state.


HMO	Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$20	$4,961	HealthSpring Preferred Savings (HMO)
HMO-POS	Wellcare	3.00	$26	$4,800	Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
PPO	Zing Health	3.00	$0	$6,350	Zing Open Choice TN (PPO)

Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs into single packages that serve as alternatives to Original Medicare. These Part C plans must match Original Medicare's coverage while adding benefits like dental, vision and hearing care.

CMS Star Ratings: Plans receive ratings from 1 to 5 stars based on quality metrics and member satisfaction. Plans earning 4 or 5 stars demonstrate superior performance and customer service.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your standard Part B premium plus any plan-specific premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans charge no additional monthly premium, though costs depend on your coverage choices and location.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: These annual spending caps protect you from high medical costs. Your plan pays 100% of covered services once you reach your MOOP limit for the year.
Drug coverage: Most plans include prescription drug benefits with a formulary listing covered medications. Check that your prescriptions are covered and understand any prior authorization or restriction requirements.

Cigna

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- HMO plans earn 4-star CMS rating
- 4 of 6 plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage included with all plans
cons
- PPO plan has lower 3-star CMS rating
- Out-of-pocket maximums range between $4,868 and $7,500
Cigna HealthCare's 4.0-star HMO plans offer a broad network, with 4 HMO options averaging $5,748 in out-of-pocket maximums. Three plans charge $0 monthly premiums, while the HealthSpring Primary (HMO) costs $20 per month. Enhanced Part D drug coverage is available in three of the four plans.

The provider's single PPO option, HealthSpring True Choice (PPO), offers network flexibility for members who want to see out-of-network doctors. While it includes enhanced Part D coverage, the plan carries a 3.0-star CMS rating that's notably lower than Cigna's HMO offerings. It also offers 1 HMO-POS plan in Tennessee.

WellCare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
HMO-POS

pros
- Two plans with $0 monthly premium
- All three plans rated 3 stars by CMS
- Members can see out-of-network providers
cons
- Offers only three plans
- Part D deductibles waived on only 0 plans
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Wellcare's three HMO-POS plans earn 3-star CMS ratings, with two offering $0 monthly premiums. The Wellcare Assist and Simple plans both cap annual costs at $4,800, ideal for members seeking lower out-of-pocket costs with comprehensive coverage.

Assist charges $25 monthly while Simple costs nothing upfront, though both provide identical out-of-pocket protection. The Wellcare Giveback plan offers $0 premiums but caps spending at $6,700 annually. All three HMO-POS options offer out-of-network access.

Zing Health

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- Zero monthly premiums
- Nationwide provider access without referrals
cons
- CMS rates plan at 3.0 stars
- $6,350 MOOP above Tennessee average of $6,084
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
The Zing Health is the top PPO Medicare Advantage option in the state, with $0 monthly premium and a $6,350 out-of-pocket maximum. Enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage strengthens the plan's value, though the 3.0-star CMS rating sits below some 4-star competitors.

Despite the lower rating, Zing Health offers quality benefits through affordable pricing and comprehensive coverage. PPO coverage allows Tennessee beneficiaries to visit any Medicare-approved provider without referral requirements. Zing Health provides only one PPO option in Tennessee.

Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 22 HMO Medicare Advantage plans from five providers. Star ratings run from 2.5 to 4.0 stars, and 12 plans earn 4 stars or higher. Seventeen plans charge $0 monthly premiums, making the median premium $0. Maximum out-of-pocket costs range from $1,900 to $9,250, averaging $5,437 annually.

Two providers are top quality. Cigna HealthCare's four 4.0-star plans average $20 monthly with $4,961 maximum out-of-pocket costs, while Zing Health offers two $0 premium plans with $4,425 MOOPs but 2.5-star ratings.
For the lowest out-of-pocket protection, Humana provides six zero-premium plans with 4.0-star ratings and just $4,354 average maximum costs.


Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$20	$4,961	4	5.00
Zing Health	2.50	$0	$4,425	2	5.00
Humana	4.00	$17	$4,354	6	4.55
Aetna	4.00	$18	$6,691	2	3.97
Devoted Health	3.50	$0	$6,305	8	3.85

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO PLAN?

HMO plans work well for seniors who want their primary doctor to coordinate care through a smaller network of providers. You'll need to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist visits. These plans cost less than other Medicare Advantage options.

Best HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Tennessee's 13 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans split quality ratings with 7 plans earning 4 stars and 6 plans earning 3 stars across 4 providers. You'll find 7 plans cost nothing monthly, though maximum out-of-pocket costs average $5,660 and range from $3,500 to $9,000. The Volunteer State offers good coverage options with varying cost structures.

Wellcare ranks first for HMO-POS Medicare Advantage coverage in Tennessee with a MoneyGeek score of 5.0, offering 3 plans with 3-star CMS ratings at $26 monthly premium and $4,800 maximum out-of-pocket cost.
UnitedHealthcare follows closely with a 4.77 score across 6 plans featuring 4-star ratings, $16 average monthly premium and $5,218 MOOP.
The remaining providers include Cigna HealthCare at 4.11 with 1 plan costing $45 monthly and $6,150 MOOP, while Wellpoint offers 3 plans with 3-star ratings at just $6 monthly but higher $7,378 out-of-pocket maximums.


Wellcare	3.00	$26	$4,800	3	5.00
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$16	$5,218	6	4.77
Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$45	$6,150	1	4.11
Wellpoint	3.00	$6	$7,378	3	3.66

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO-POS PLAN?

If you want lower monthly costs than PPO plans but more flexibility than traditional HMOs, consider HMO-POS plans. These plans let you see out-of-network providers when needed without getting referrals first, though you'll pay higher costs for those visits. They're ideal for Tennessee seniors who mainly use in-network doctors but want the option to access specialized care outside their network.

Best PPO Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee

Most Tennessee residents pay nothing for PPO Medicare Advantage coverage, with a $0 median premium across 27 available plans. Premiums reach as high as $164 monthly, but many plans charge zero. You'll sacrifice the lower costs of HMO plans for the ability to see any provider without referrals.

Out-of-pocket maximums vary widely from $2,500 to $8,850, averaging $6,085 statewide. Quality is solid, with 12 plans scoring 4 stars or better. Seven plans earned 4.5 stars, five received 4 stars, 13 got 3.5 stars, and two scored 3 stars.

Zing Health earned a perfect 5.0 MoneyGeek score with a single plan charging $0 monthly and capping out-of-pocket costs at $6,350. The plan carries a 3.0-star CMS rating.
UnitedHealthcare scored 4.6 on MoneyGeek's rating with two plans at $0 monthly. Out-of-pocket limits average $6,450 with a higher 4.5-star quality rating.
Four plans from Aetna average $19 per month with $6,843 out-of-pocket maximums. The company achieved a 4.44 MoneyGeek score and 4.5-star rating.


Zing Health	3.00	$0	$6,350	1	5.00
UnitedHealthcare	4.50	$0	$6,450	2	4.56
Aetna	4.50	$19	$6,843	4	4.44
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.00	$28	$5,100	5	4.25
Humana	3.99	$28	$4,900	6	4.00
Devoted Health	3.50	$0	$7,066	8	3.91
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$7,500	1	3.84

WHY CHOOSE A PPO PLAN?

Higher premiums make PPO plans the most expensive Medicare Advantage option, but they deliver complete provider freedom without referral requirements. Tennessee residents can see any Medicare-approved doctor and access out-of-network specialists when needed, though staying in-network saves money.

How to Choose the Best Tennessee Medicare Advantage Plan

Doctor networks, drug coverage and yearly spending caps matter most when choosing Medicare Advantage coverage in Tennessee.

1
Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In-Network
Check if your doctors participate in each Medicare Advantage plan you're considering. Acceptance by the insurance company doesn't guarantee acceptance by individual plans. Networks differ even within the same insurer's Medicare Advantage offerings.
2
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Premiums
$0 monthly premiums are attractive options until you pay $50 copays at every doctor visit. Calculate annual expenses by adding prescription costs, specialist fees and expected medical appointments.
3
Check Prescription Drug Coverage
Medication costs vary substantially between Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans based on tier placement. Lower tiers mean smaller copays at the pharmacy. Tier 1 drugs cost less than Tier 4 medications. Prior authorization adds days or weeks before you can fill certain prescriptions, so check your medications during enrollment rather than after.
4
Compare Different Plan Types
Doctor referrals and network restrictions separate different health insurance types, with HMO plans requiring primary care coordination for specialist visits while charging lower premiums, while HMO-POS plans mix referral requirements with limited out-of-network access.
5
Review Star Ratings and Quality Metrics
Plans rated 4 or 5 stars by Medicare handle claims faster and deliver better member experiences. These ratings reflect quality measures, customer service performance and health outcome data.
6
Compare Extra Benefits
Gym memberships, dental cleanings, vision coverage, hearing aids and over-the-counter allowances appear in many Tennessee plans. Dental benefits cover cleanings and fillings. Vision benefits pay for exams and glasses.
7
Check Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Annual spending limits protect you when surgery, hospitalization or serious illness drives up medical bills. Once you hit this cap, your plan covers all additional costs for the rest of the year. Lower out-of-pocket maximums mean better coverage but higher monthly premiums throughout the year.

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost in Tennessee?

Your plan type shapes your Medicare Advantage costs in Tennessee. HMOs cost just $8 monthly on average with $0 median premiums, making them the most budget-friendly choice. Out-of-pocket maximums average $5,437 with this option. HMO-POS plans run higher at $16 average monthly premiums but keep similar $5,660 MOOP limits. PPOs cost the most at $22 average monthly premiums with $6,085 out-of-pocket maximums.


HMO	$0	$8	$5,437
HMO-POS	$0	$16	$5,660
PPO	$0	$22	$6,085
Regional PPO	$86	$86	$6,500

Best Tennessee Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Medicare Advantage enrollment, what's covered and enrollment timing for residents across the state.

How do you get a Medicare Advantage plan in Tennessee?

Enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) through Medicare.gov, licensed insurance agents, or directly with plan providers. You can also enroll when first eligible for Medicare or during other qualifying periods.

What does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does plus often include prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, and fitness benefits.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with bundled coverage from private insurers, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help cover deductibles and copays.

When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage in Tennessee?

Medicare Advantage open enrollment in Tennessee occurs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 annually. Current enrollees also have a secondary enrollment window from Jan. 1 to March 31.

Our Methodology: How We Ranked Tennessee's Best Medicare Advantage Plans

Our analysis of Medicare Advantage plans uses a scoring methodology and three key factors:

Affordability (50%): Cost comprises half of our overall score because it affects your budget. We evaluated monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage combined (30% weight) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (20% weight). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP amounts score higher since they reduce your total annual health care spending.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings measure plan quality across categories such as care effectiveness, customer service, and member satisfaction. The Overall Star Rating combines both Part C (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription drug) ratings on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Plans with higher ratings earn better scores in our analysis.
Availability (10%): We score providers based on how many states they operate in, including Washington, D.C. Providers with broader geographic availability score higher because they're more likely to maintain coverage if you move and often have more resources for customer support and plan improvements.

This scoring system helps you compare plans objectively while accounting for what matters most: what you'll pay and the quality of care you'll receive.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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