Best Tennessee Health Insurance for 2022 – Benzinga
Want to jump straight to health insurance quotes? Compare here and find the cheapest premium with the best coverage.
Finding affordable Tennessee health insurance (whether you live in Nashville, next to the Great Smoky Mountains or somewhere else in the Volunteer State) doesn’t have to be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of the best health insurance providers to help you save money.
Quick Look: Best Tennessee Health Insurance
Best Tennessee Health Insurance Providers
Check out our top picks for the top health insurance providers in Tennessee. It’ll help you answer the “how to get health insurance” question once and for all.
1. Oscar
Oscar is a relatively new player in the world of health insurance.
It offers doctor-on-call services, a concierge team and you can also see a specialist without a referral.
Oscar’s app syncs with your Google Fit or Apple Health device and pays you $1 a day (up to $100) when you reach your health care goals.
Best For
No-cost virtual and preventive care
get started
Call Now
securely through Oscar Health Insurance’s
website
# of Healthcare Providers
N/A
1 Minute Review
Here’s a quick Oscar Health Insurance Review: Oscar Health offers Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. EPOs are similar to Preferred Provider Organization plans, however, if you visit a specialist, doctor, lab, or hospital that’s not in its network, you’ll have to pay 100% of the costs unless it’s an emergency.
Oscar Health Insurance is a relative newcomer to the health insurance scene. It was founded in 2012 and operates in 18 U.S. states. Some of the perks include no-cost virtual care and preventative care visits and financial rewards of up to $100 per year for meeting walking goals.
The company offers Medicare Advantage Plans, health insurance plans for individuals and families and business health insurance plans, along with a variety of health insurance plans to meet many levels of healthcare requirements.
Best For
Individuals who need basic medical care
Free preventive care including annual physicals and most vaccines
Virtual medical care visits
Pros
Up to $100 per year is available for reaching walking goals
No referrals needed for any plan
24/7 doctor on call online visits available
Variety of plans to fit any level of healthcare needs or budget
Cons
Coverage is only available in 18 states
Lower deductible or no deductible plans are expensive
No dental or vision coverage
2. Bright
Bright is another newcomer to the health insurance industry and prides itself on working with top doctors and hospitals throughout Tennessee.
This carefully-curated network allows you to enjoy 24/7 nurse hotlines, same-day appointments, after-hours appointments — no referrals are needed.
Other convenient features include online bill pay and scheduling, text message reminders, health coaching and in-home care.
Best For
Affordable plans, some with no deductible
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Disclosure: Bright HealthCare provides small business, individual, family and Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. These plans are only available in limited markets in the United States, and the company further limits its reach by only covering services performed by participating providers.
There are several advantages to the plans from this company. Its variety of plan options can provide a great value at a low cost for many people. Telehealth services are also covered by these plans. Even with its advantages, though, there is 1 downside — a high number of customer complaints.
Overall, Bright HealthCare is a solid option to explore for those looking for affordable health plans, especially healthy people who don’t anticipate needing much healthcare.
# of Healthcare Providers
Depends on location
1 Minute Review
Coverage, plans and benefits only available in select areas and with select plans.
Best For
People who want a $0 deductible plan
People who want telehealth coverage
People who don’t anticipate many healthcare expenses
Pros
Focuses on personalized services through its Care Partner networks
Plans are affordable, and in some markets, the best deal
Some plans offer $0 deductibles
Cons
Coverage is available in select markets only
There is a high number of customer service complaints
3. Cigna
Cigna is a top choice for individuals and families in Tennessee.
It offers an expansive network of doctors and hospitals. Eligible in-network preventive care is 100% covered, plus you can opt to add a dental plan which allows you to see any dentist, even one outside of the Cigna network.
Emergency room care is available both in and out of network.
Best For
Pharmacy programs
# of Healthcare Providers
875k+
1 Minute Review
Cigna Health Insurance offers low-cost private health insurance and Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans for families and individuals. Founded in 1982 and based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, the company offers a wide array of health insurance plans including three Bronze plans, four Silver and one Gold. All Cigna plans are EPO plans, meaning they are all in-network. Free telehealth visits come with every plan and are available to customers 24/7.
The four-metal tier coverage plans include:
Bronze
Expanded bronze
Silver
Gold
Individual and family Cigna private insurance plans are all available on the Marketplace and through the Cigna website, as well as with licensed agents in each state. Because they are sold through the Marketplace, they can only be purchased during your state’s open enrollment period. Special enrollment periods apply for special circumstances.
Best For
Easy access to benefits
Pharmacy programs
Savings and spending accounts such as HSA and FSA
Supplemental plans
Pros
Home delivery for prescriptions
Health management mobile apps
Easy ID card replacement
Cons
Potentially high deductibles
Not available in all 50 states
4. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
BCBS of Tennessee offers 3 health insurance tiers: bronze, silver and gold.
Depending on your health care needs, you can choose lower-tier plans that have lower monthly premiums or choose a gold-tier plan which covers more costs, but at a higher deductible.
There are a variety of tiers so you can balance costs with the medical care that you need. Depending on your income level, you may be eligible for a tax credit to help pay for your health care.
Best For
Nationwide coverage
get started
Call Now
securely through Blue Cross Blue Shield’s
website
# of Healthcare Providers
28k+
1 Minute Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of 35 separate companies that provide health insurance for roughly one-third of Americans. The company serves all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and many international areas.
While you look into the BCBS affiliates near you, understand what health plans are available as well as the health insurance cost. It offers extensive coverage that gives just about every American the opportunity to purchase a BCBS-affiliated health plan. However, be sure to read up on the company because the premiums and deductibles may not suit you and your circumstances.
Best For
Desire for a new doctor with plenty of options
No cap on annual maximum limits
Comprehensive coverage with exclusive discounts and partnerships
Pros
Coverage in all 50 states and outside the country
Covers both generic and brand-name drugs
Wide network of doctors, hospitals and specialists
Cons
Plans offered through regional companies, meaning you must look to your regional company for specific policies
Main customer service helpline may be difficult to reach
5. Farm Bureau of Tennessee
You’ll need to be a member to qualify for health insurance plans from the Farm Bureau of Tennessee. It’s worth noting that medical underwriting may be required and its traditional plans do not meet the minimum requirements for the Affordable Care Act.
Its Core Choice plan covers all the basics for families and individuals, including dental and vision benefits. There are different deductible amounts, so you can choose the coverage that fits your needs.
You can also get major medical health coverage for catastrophic protection, also known as major medical insurance. Catastrophic protection covers hospitalization, physician visits and prescription drugs.
Get started
securely through Tennessee Farmers Bureau’s
website
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is designed to help provide coverage for medical needs when you’re ill or injured. It can also help offset the cost of managing chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma. The high cost of sudden and unforeseen medical expenses can swallow up your savings in an instant. That’s why it’s important to get the right insurance.
There are several ways you can get health insurance — through your employer, the government, state exchanges or through individual insurance plans.
You’ll come across a wide range of terms for affordable health insurance plans in Tennessee. Familiarize yourself with these terms and their definitions so you’ll know what you’re responsible for paying.
A premium is a monthly fee that’s paid to the insurance company in order to keep your policy active. You pay out of pocket for a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. All insurance plans have different deductibles. Let’s say you have a higher deductible — your premium will be lower. A lower deductible means you’ll pay a higher premium each month. Some insurance plans have no deductible at all. A copay is a flat fee you pay each time you go to the doctor or get a prescription filled. Copays are usually not very much money, but it’s important to note that your copay does not go toward meeting your deductible. Coinsurance is a percentage that is shared between you and the insurance company. Some common coinsurance amounts:80/20, where the insurance company pays 80% of the cost and you pay 20%70/30, where the insurance company pays 70% and you pay 30%
Average Cost of Health Insurance in Tennessee
Residents of Tennessee pay an average of $7,372 per year on health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That’s a few hundred dollars below the national average. Certain factors can raise your costs:
Body mass index: A high body mass index (BMI) can cause certain negative health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Insurance companies use BMI as one of the many factors to assess your risk level and how much you’ll pay for insurance. Tobacco use: Smokers pay more for health insurance. Nearly 23% of Tennessee residents smoke — this is the fourth-highest number in the country. Age: Older people generally have more health conditions, so you may pay as much as 3 times more if you’re a senior citizen.
Eat right, exercise and stop smoking: You’ll save hundreds of dollars on your Tennessee health insurance.
Types of Health Coverage
Here are some of the health coverage plans available in Tennessee:
Health maintenance organization (HMO): HMOs provide health care services through predetermined networks of physicians, providers and facilities. You don’t have as much freedom to choose your health care providers. A primary care physician is responsible for your care. You’ll need a referral from this physician to see a specialist, and the specialist must be in the HMO network to be covered by your health insurance. Preferred provider organization (PPO): A PPO gives you more freedom to choose your own doctor and hospital. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist. You may have to pay more if you see out-of-network doctors. When you see a doctor that’s outside of your PPO network, you’ll have to file a claim with the PPO so you’re reimbursed for some portion of your funds.Point of service (POS) plan: A combination of HMO and PPO features, POS plans give you more freedom to choose your doctor like a PPO network. You’ll have to pay the bill and then file a claim with the POS to be paid back for a portion of the money you spent if you see an out-of-network doctor.
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
Generally speaking, health insurance plans cover treatment for illnesses and injuries but also cover preventive care like health screenings and vaccinations. There’s often no cost associated with preventive services. What’s covered and not covered will depend on your plan, but core benefits are normally the same across all health insurance plans. Health insurance usually covers:
Ambulance services Emergency services HospitalizationNewborn and maternity carePrescription drugsRehabilitative servicesLaboratory services Mental health careWellness checksPediatric care
What Does Health Insurance Not Cover?
Health insurance covers a majority of the costs associated with the treatment of illnesses or injuries but there are some things that insurance companies do not cover. These include:
Elective or cosmetic procedures, like weight-loss surgery or plastic surgeryLong-term nursing home careInfertility treatmentsLASIK (laser surgery to improve vision)Alternative therapiesDental, vision and hearing
Get Great Tennesse Healt Insurance Coverage
It’s a smart idea to compare quotes from the best Tennessee health insurance companies. Rates, deductibles and premiums may differ considerably depending on the factors you choose, so don’t hesitate to get a free online quote from these featured companies so you can compare your options with confidence.
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Does Medicaid work like traditional health insurance?
1
Does Medicaid work like traditional health insurance?
asked 2022-04-05
Eric Huffman
1
Yes, Medicaid in Tennessee functions much like traditional health insurance.
Answer Link
answered 2022-04-05
Benzinga
Does health insurance cover medications?
1
Does health insurance cover medications?
asked 2022-04-05
Eric Huffman
1
Yes, your health insurance should cover medications, generally via a third party administrator.
Answer Link
answered 2022-04-05
Benzinga
