There are several types of affordable health insurance policies in Tennessee. A lot of them have flexible and advantageous features. Tennessee residents can visit the federal marketplace’s website to apply for coverage.
Licensed Agent
Health Insurance Quote
How to Buy Health Insurance in Tennessee
Tennesseans can get health insurance in several ways. One of the most common methods is for employees to enroll in their workplace’s plan. Another option is to purchase a private insurance policy directly from the carrier. The state doesn’t have its own marketplace. Instead Tennessee residents can buy health insurance on the federal marketplace’s website, www.healthcare.gov. However, the state’s Medicaid agency, TennCare, enables Tennesseans to compare and apply for low-income health coverage.
The three health insurance categories are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Altogether, there are more than 60 policies available in the Volunteer State. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums, but the deductibles and out-of-pocket costs are highest. Conversely, policies that fall under the Gold category have the most expensive premiums but low out-of-pocket payments and deductibles.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in Tennessee
The application process depends on the type of health insurance you are looking for. You can apply online through the federal marketplace’s website or contact them via phone. Healthcare.gov also helps consumers find local agents in their ZIP code area and obtain in-person support. For Medicaid and low-income health insurance, use the TennCare Connect online portal. If you are looking for a private or short-term plan, contact the carriers directly or visit their websites.
Health Insurance Carriers In Tennessee
Seven companies offer health insurance in Tennessee through the federal marketplace:
- Ascension Personalized Care/US Health & Life
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Oscar
- Bright
- Celtic/Ambetter
- UnitedHealthcare
Tennessee Health Insurance Costs Overview
Just as with any other state, the cost of insurance in Tennessee depends on the insured’s age, income, household size, and health status.
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
The average health insurance policy benchmark premium costs about $445 per month in 2022.
What is the Cheapest Health Insurance Plan in Tennessee?
The cheapest plan in Tennessee is the one that gives you the most coverage when you need it most. Contact us today to discuss your health needs to find the plan for you!
Licensed Agent
Health Insurance Quote
Cheapest Tennessee Health Insurance Coverage by Metal Tier
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
Note that all costs are 2022 pricing from KFF. (source)
Gold Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Gold Plan in Tennessee in 2022 was $488.
Silver Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Silver Plan in Tennessee in 2022 was $441.
Bronze Plans
For a Bronze plan, the average lowest premium in 2022 was $338.
Other Types of Tennessee Health Insurance Coverage
Tennessee’s short-term and low-income health insurance plans are advantageous because they offer many flexible options.
Catastrophic Health Insurance in Tennessee
Catastrophic coverage is available for those under 30 years old and patients going through financial hardships (regardless of their age). These policies are cheaper than the typical health insurance plans, but they also have relatively high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
Short Term Health Insurance in Tennessee
Tennesseans can purchase a short-term policy that lasts for up to 364 days, and they have the option to extend it for up to 3 years.
Low Income Health Insurance in Tennessee
TennCare’s website allows Tennesseans to obtain no-cost Medicaid coverage if they can’t afford a private or marketplace plan. TennCare Kids enables children to continue to access health services until they turn 20 years old.
Licensed Agent
Health Insurance Quote
Marketplace Average Benchmark Premiums, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/marketplace-average-benchmark-premiums/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
Average Marketplace Premiums by Metal Tier, 2018-2022, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/average-marketplace-premiums-by-metal-tier/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Average%20Lowest-Cost%20Bronze%20Premium__2022%22,%22sort%22:%22desc%22%7D