Find the Right Health Coverage in Tennessee
Compare ACA Marketplace plans, Medicare Advantage options, and supplemental coverage across Tennessee — by county, by carrier, and by budget. Answer a few quick questions and a licensed Tennessee agent will follow up with pricing for your area. Free to use, no obligation to enroll.
Reviewed by Cameron Erwin, Licensed Tennessee Insurance Agent (TDCI License #3004250804)
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Answer a few quick questions and a licensed Tennessee agent will follow up with plan options and pricing for your area. No obligation to enroll.
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Three ways to start
ACA Marketplace Plans
Understand what a Bronze, Silver, or Gold plan actually costs in Tennessee, and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly bill.
Read the cost guide →Medicare Advantage
Tennessee has a competitive Medicare Advantage market, with multiple carriers and plan types depending on where you live.
Explore Medicare options →Find Your County
Coverage availability, carriers, and pricing vary widely across Tennessee's 95 counties. Start with your local market.
Browse counties →Small Business by Industry
Restaurant, contractor, dental practice, law firm — coverage decisions look different by industry. Find guidance built around your business type.
Browse by industry →Why Tennessee coverage shopping is different
Tennessee is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means eligibility for free or low-cost coverage through TennCare works differently here than in most of the country. It also means the ACA Marketplace, employer coverage, and Medicare do most of the heavy lifting for Tennesseans who need health insurance. This site is built specifically around that reality — not a generic national overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this site free to use?
Yes. Comparing plans and requesting a quote through Tennessee Coverage Finder is completely free, with no obligation to enroll. Licensed agents referenced on this site are paid by insurance carriers, not by you.
Do I have to use an agent to get health insurance in Tennessee?
No. You can enroll directly through HealthCare.gov without an agent. Licensed Tennessee agents are free to use, though, and can help you compare plans, apply for subsidies, and handle the paperwork at no additional cost to you.
Does Tennessee have its own health insurance exchange?
No. Tennessee has not built a state-based exchange, so residents shop for ACA Marketplace coverage through the federal HealthCare.gov platform, either directly or with help from a licensed agent.
What's the difference between TennCare, Medicare, and the ACA Marketplace in Tennessee?
TennCare is Tennessee's state Medicaid program, covering mainly children, pregnant women, parents below a low income threshold, and people with disabilities, since Tennessee has not expanded it to cover more adults. Medicare is federal coverage for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities, regardless of income. The ACA Marketplace is where everyone else — working-age Tennesseans without employer coverage — shops for private individual health plans, often with income-based subsidies.
What's the difference between an HMO and a PPO?
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires you to use a specific network of doctors and choose a primary care physician who provides referrals to specialists, generally at a lower premium. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) costs more but lets you see any doctor, including out-of-network providers, without a referral.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under ACA Marketplace plans in Tennessee?
Yes. Under the ACA, Marketplace insurers must accept any applicant regardless of pre-existing health conditions and cannot charge you more based on your health history. This applies to every ACA Marketplace plan sold in Tennessee.
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Tennessee?
No. The federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 starting in 2019, and Tennessee does not have a state-level penalty either. That said, going without coverage means you're responsible for 100% of your medical costs if something happens.
Has Tennessee expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
No. Tennessee is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid, which affects who qualifies for free or low-cost coverage and makes the ACA Marketplace the main coverage path for many Tennesseans who don't have coverage through an employer.
How much does a Marketplace plan cost in Tennessee?
It depends on your age, ZIP code, household income, and metal tier. Many Tennesseans qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost significantly. See our cost & subsidy guide for a full breakdown.
When can I enroll in a Tennessee health plan?
Most people enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period each fall and winter. Outside that window, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event like losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. See our life events guide for details.