Tennessee Health Insurance

From the scenic Smoky Mountains to the musical heartbeat of Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Tennessee reflects steady improvements in access through federal programs and private plan participation. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Tennessee.

Health Insurance Options in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Tennessee residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.

ACA Marketplace Plans 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through federal or state Marketplaces. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protections for preexisting conditions.

Tennessee residents without employer coverage can shop for health plans through the federal Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. If you don’t have employer-sponsored insurance, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

ACA Plan Types

ACA marketplace plans are available in four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each with distinct coverage levels. Plans also vary by provider network, out-of-pocket expenses, and benefits, so compare carefully to find one that meets your needs.

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Metal Tier Breakdown:

Short-Term Medical Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, recently lost employer coverage, waiting for ACA or Medicare eligibility, or need affordable protection during a coverage gap.

These plans are available in this state and follow federal rules, but they are not regulated by the ACA. That means they can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions and typically do not include comprehensive benefits like maternity, mental health, or preventive care.

While short-term medical plans are not a substitute for long-term health insurance, they may be ideal in situations where you’re temporarily uninsured—such as after job loss or before new coverage begins—and want short-term protection from unexpected medical events.

STM Plan Enrollment: Unlike ACA-compliant plans, you can enroll in short-term health plans year-round.

Quick Coverage Start: Many short-term plans can begin as soon as the next day after your application is approved.

Medicaid

Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare. It provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income residents, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.

TennCare covers a wide range of health services, including preventive care, hospitalization, prescriptions, mental health services, and more. Eligibility is determined by income level, family size, and qualifying health or caregiving needs.

Student Health Insurance

College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans, making Tennessee student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Tennessee’s CHIP program is called CoverKids. It offers low-cost or no-cost health insurance for children and pregnant women who do not qualify for TennCare. CoverKids includes services such as doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, and maternity care.

Medicare

Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
  • Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
  • Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily keep your employer health coverage. COBRA coverage can be useful while you transition to new insurance options.

Enrollment Periods in Tennessee

Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage:

November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this period, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their ACA Marketplace plans.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you experience a qualifying life event (QLE), you can apply for coverage outside of Open Enrollment. QLEs include:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major change in income

You typically have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Tennessee

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Bright Health
• Celtic/Ambetter Insurance
• Cigna
• Oscar Health
• UnitedHealthcare

Plan availability may vary by ZIP code or county. Some providers may also offer additional off-marketplace plans.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When choosing a health plan, understanding key cost terms can help:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain coverage
• Deductible: The amount you pay before your insurance starts covering services
• Copayment (Copay): A set fee for certain services, like doctor visits
• Coinsurance: Your share of service costs after reaching your deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay for covered services in a year
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers helps you avoid extra charges

Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Tennessee offers a variety of options—from employer coverage and Marketplace plans to programs like TennCare, CoverKids, and Medicare. By comparing your choices and enrolling during the correct window, you can find reliable coverage that meets your needs and protects your finances.

Need help choosing a plan?
Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check for financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent to explore all your options.