Cheapest Health Insurance in Tennessee (2024 Plans)

Switching from Silver can affect premiums and expenses. In Tennessee, the most affordable plans are offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield for Bronze and by Oscar for Catastrophic. Ambetter provides the most affordable plans for Expanded Bronze, Gold and Silver.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Tennessee.

The Standard Silver SELECT plan from Ambetter stands out as the cheapest in the widely-chosen Silver tier in Tennessee, at a monthly cost of $466. Silver plans typically balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs. For those willing to consider higher out-of-pocket expenses, Bronze plans serve as a more cost-effective option.

Health insurance premiums are influenced by the metal tier selected, presenting a direct correlation between higher monthly costs and reduced out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-pays.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Secure (Oscar) $263 per month (Only available for individuals under 30 or with a qualifying hardship exemption.)
• Bronze: BlueCross B15L $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health (Blue Cross Blue Shield) $360 per month
• Expanded Bronze: Standard Expanded Bronze SELECT (Ambetter) $361 per month
• Silver: Standard Silver SELECT (Ambetter) $466 per month
• Gold: Standard Gold SELECT (Ambetter) $471 per month

To find more options for cheap health insurance, explore the different metal tiers and corresponding plans that fit a variety of health care needs and budgets.

The most affordable Silver health plan in Tennessee is the Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter, priced at $466 per month.

The three most affordable Silver health plans in Tennessee are:

• Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter ($466 per month)
• BlueCross S27L $60 PCP Copay + $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($467 per month)
• BlueCross S24L $35 PCP Copay + $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($467 per month)

Silver plans are particularly suitable for individuals who anticipate needing moderate health care services. These plans strike a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when accessing care. Moreover, for those eligible for cost-sharing reductions, Silver plans can offer even lower copays, deductibles and a reduced maximum out-of-pocket limit, making health care more accessible and affordable.

The most affordable Gold tier plan in Tennessee is the Standard Gold SELECT from Ambetter, with a monthly cost of $471. It is not the only Gold plan available in the state.

The three most affordable Gold plans in Tennessee include:

• Standard Gold SELECT from Ambetter ($471 per month)
• Everyday Gold from Ambetter ($530 per month)
• Standard Gold from Ambetter ($531 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for customers who expect to need moderate to high levels of care. They generally offer lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services, which can be beneficial for those with ongoing medical needs. These plans are a good fit for individuals who are willing to pay a higher monthly premium in exchange for more predictable costs for doctor visits, prescription medications and other health care services.

The BlueCross B15L $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as the most affordable, with a monthly cost of $360.

The three most affordable Bronze health plans available in Tennessee are:

• BlueCross B15L $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($360 per month)
• BlueCross B15E $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($379 per month)
• Bronze Simple 2 from Oscar ($397 per month)

Bronze plans are generally designed for individuals who want to keep their monthly premiums low and don't expect to need frequent medical care. These options are good for those who are willing to pay a little more out-of-pocket for health care services if they do need them. They are cost-effective for healthy people who want to have coverage for major medical events.

The most affordable Expanded Bronze tier health plan in Tennessee is the Standard Expanded Bronze SELECT offered by Ambetter, with a monthly cost of $361.

The three most affordable Expanded Bronze health plans in Tennessee are:

• Standard Expanded Bronze SELECT from Ambetter ($361 per month)
• Ascension Personalized Care Balanced Bronze from US HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ($382 per month)
• Ascension Personalized Care Standard Expanded Bronze from US HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ($385 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are suitable for individuals who want lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing medical care. These plans typically appeal to those who are relatively healthy and do not expect to need frequent health care services. They offer a balance between monthly costs and out-of-pocket expenses, making them a good middle ground for cost-conscious customers.

The Secure plan from Oscar stands out as the most affordable Catastrophic tier plan in Tennessee with a monthly cost of $263.

Typically, only adults under 30 can purchase Catastrophic plans. However, some older adults who qualify for a hardship exemption based on their monthly income may also be eligible.

Individuals in Tennessee with annual earnings up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. These reductions make health care more affordable by lowering the costs of deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

The most affordable Silver plan for Tennesseans with an income between $14,580 and $21,870 per year is the Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost (MOOP) of $1,800.

The two most affordable Silver plans in Tennessee with their respective costs are:

• Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter (monthly cost: $466, MOOP: $1,800)
• BlueCross S27L $60 PCP Copay + $0 Virtual Care for Medical & Mental Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield (monthly cost: $467, MOOP: $650)

To receive cost-sharing reductions in Tennessee, a Silver plan must be selected. The annual income figures referenced are for single individuals and vary based on household size.

EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans are the most common type available in Tennessee. The most affordable EPO plan in Tennessee is the Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter, costing $466 per month.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in Tennessee.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population in Tennessee reveals the following differences in monthly rates:

• Shelby: Standard Silver SELECT from Ambetter ($451 per month)
• Pickett: Standard Silver from Ambetter ($573 per month)

The following table displays all available plans in each county in Tennessee.

In Tennessee, health insurance rates within metal tiers depend on age. An 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays about $390, while a 60-year-old pays about $1,158 for the same Silver plan. That's a $768 increase per month.

Metal tiers reflect different coverage levels. Monthly, a 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays $437, compared with $685 for a Gold plan — a difference of $248.

MoneyGeek analyzed all the health insurance choices in Tennessee. We offer guidance on private insurance through the marketplace for metal tiers such as Bronze, Silver and Gold, while also covering options like Medicaid and Medicare. Our aim is to help you understand your choices for health care so you can make smart decisions.

In Tennessee, as in the rest of the U.S., the open enrollment period typically runs from November 1st to December 15th each year. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, comparing plans to find the one best suited to their needs. If you miss this deadline, you may have to wait until the following year's open enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage, allowing you to enroll outside the standard period.

Medicaid is a government-funded health care program designed to assist low-income individuals and families with medical expenses. In Tennessee, eligibility is determined primarily by income, family size and certain categories, including pregnant women, children, individuals with disabilities and seniors. Eligibility requirements also consider factors such as U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, residency in Tennessee and having a Social Security number. Adults without children may qualify under the expansion criteria if their income is within the specified threshold. Applicants are assessed based on the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) methodology to determine financial eligibility.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and over, certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. Tennessee residents are eligible under the same federal requirements. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care and some home health care. Part B provides medical insurance, covering services from doctors, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way to receive A and B benefits, often with additional coverage, through private health plans. Part D covers prescription drugs and supplemental coverage, known as Medigap, provides coverage beyond the basics of parts A and B.

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Tennessee and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Tennessee have been identified by MoneyGeek.

When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Tennessee to help you learn more.