Medicare Basics In Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Turning 65

Arnett Evans
Jul 8
3 min read

Turning 65 soon in Tennessee? Then it's time to get familiar with Medicare, before the deadlines sneak up on you. Whether you live in Memphis, Nashville, or a small town like Bartlett or Collierville, understanding how Medicare works will help you avoid costly mistakes and find the right coverage for your lifestyle.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. It's made up of four main parts:

Part A- Hospital Insurance
Part B- Medical insurance (doctors, outpatient care)
Part C- Medicare Advantage (all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare)
Part D- Prescription drug coverage

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage in Tennessee

Original Medicare (Part A & B):

Accepted nationwide by most doctors and hospitals
Doesn't include dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage
You'll need a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs

Medicare Advantage (Part C):

Offered by private insurers like Aetna, Humana, and Cigna in Tennessee
Usually includes Part D (prescription drugs), dental, vision, and other extras
May have limited provider networks, so it's important to check if your doctors and hospitals (like Methodist or Baptist in Memphis) are covered

With any plan that you choose, you want to keep an open line of communication between you and your health care provider to ensure that they accept the coverage that you have or that you are planning to enroll into.

So, if your question is like many Memphis residents: "Can I keep my doctor with this Medicare Advantage plan?" The answer varies and this is why it is critical to review the network before enrolling - and why working with a local agent helps.

When should I enroll?

Your first eligible during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday
Ends 3 months after you 65th birthday

Missing this window could mean late enrollment penalties, so it's smart to plan early - especially if you're still working or have coverage through a spouse.

Medicare in Tennessee: What Makes It Unique?

Tennessee offers a wide range of $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans, but those come with trade-offs like copays and network restrictions.
Some counties, like Shelby, Davison, and Knox, have more plan options than rural areas.
Many plans include extra perks like transportation too appointments or over-the-counter (OTC) cards.

What Else Should You Consider?

Medicare doesn't cover everything. That's where ancillary insurance steps in. We often recommend options like:

Hospital Indemnity Insurance- Helps cover hospital costs that Medicare doesn't pay
Dental, Vision, & Hearing Plans
Critical Illness or Cancer Plans

These help protect your savings and give you peace of mind- especially if you're on a fixed income in retirement.

We Make Medicare Easy for Tennesseans

At Arnett Evans and Company LLC, we help Tennessee residents just like you make smart Medicare choices- without the stress or sales pressure.

Local, licensed Medicare agents
Free Medicare reviews- in-person, virtual, or by phone
Serving Memphis Nashville, Jackson, Knoxville, and beyond

Get Your Free Medicare Prep Checklist for Tennessee

Planning ahead? Download our "Turning 65 in Tennessee Medicare Prep Checklist" to stay on track, avoid penalties, and choose the right plan for your needs

Click here to download your free checklist