Does Tennessee have a birthday rule?

No. As of now, Tennessee doesn't offer a Medigap birthday rule enrollment window. Instead, if you want to switch Medigap plans or carriers in Tenneessee, you will generally have to undergo medical underwriting — unless your application falls within your initial Open Enrollment Period or a specific guaranteed issue window. During the underwriting process, private insurers have the right to evaluate your medical background and pre-existing conditions to increase your rates or reject your application entirely. Because changing Medigap coverage down the road can be complicated and costly, it's important to make a confident, informed coverage decision when you first enroll.

What age does Medicare start in Tenneessee?

In Tennessee, the standard age to qualify for Medicare is 65 years old. The three months before your 65th birthday month marks the start of your Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts another three months after you birthday month, and is your chance to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), select a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), choose a prescription drug plan (Part D), or enroll in a Medigap policy without going through underwriting. Tennessee residents of any age can qualify for Medicare coverage early if they have specific medical situations, such as receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least two years, or being diagnosed with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Do I have to have Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Tennessee?

Yes, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medicare Supplement plan. Medigap policies alone don't offer comprehensive coverage, since they're specifically intended to pay for the out-of-pocket expenses — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — that Original Medicare leaves you to pay. Because of this, private insurance companies in Tennessee can't legally sell you a supplemental policy unless you're already actively enrolled in Part A and Part B.

Can I sign up for a Medigap plan anytime in Tennessee?

Yes, in Tennessee, you can apply for a Medigap plan at any point throughout the year — but the timing of when you apply can significantly impact your cost and plan options. If you submit your application during your one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (which triggers when you're approaching 65 and enrolled in Part B), you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies can't ask health questions or charge you more for pre-existing conditions. But if you apply outside of this window or without a qualifying life event (like if you lose creditable coverage or your plan discontinues service in your area), you'll have to go through medical underwriting. This means private insurers in Tennessee can look at your complete health history and legally choose to deny you coverage or raise your monthly premiums.

Can I get a Medigap plan in Tennessee before I turn 65?

Yes, in Tennessee, you can buy a Medigap plan before turning 65. If you qualify for Medicare early due to a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS, state law guarantees you a six-month window to purchase any Medigap plan offered in Tennessee with no health questions asked. It's important to note, however, that private insurers can charge a higher premium for enrollees that are under 65. Fortunately, once you turn 65, a new Open Enrollment Period triggers automatically, allowing you to switch to any Medigap plan at the standard rates.

2026 Medigap Plans in Tennessee | Costs, Carriers, FAQs

Age	Avg. Monthly Rate
65	$254/mo
70	$266/mo
75	$301/mo
80	$333/mo

CARRIERS

Medicare Supplement Insurance Providers in Tennessee