Wellcare by Centene Medicare Plans in Tennessee
Star Rating
3.5 out of 5
Source: CMS Medicare Star Ratings — verify current-year rating
Enrollment
2.1M+ members
National Rank
#4
Network Types
HMO, PPO
Wellcare by Centene is a major Medicare insurance providers in Tennessee, offering Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage with prescription drug coverage, Part D prescription drug plans to beneficiaries across the state. With 3.5-star ratings and coverage in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood and surrounding areas, Wellcare by Centene serves Tennessee's 1.4+ million Medicare-eligible residents.
Tennessee has 52% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, above the national average. Wellcare by Centene's Tennessee plans typically include dual-eligible expertise and low-income programs, making them a strong choice for beneficiaries in the TN market.
The Bottom Line
Wellcare by Centene is a solid choice for Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries who want dual-eligible expertise with 3.5-star rated plans. Compare Wellcare by Centene options with other Tennessee carriers to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget.
Wellcare by Centene Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many $0 premium plan options
- Strong D-SNP plans for dual-eligibles
- Good rural area coverage
- Spendables card for OTC purchases
- Transportation benefits included
Cons
- Lower star ratings than some competitors
- Provider networks can be limited
- Customer service reviews are mixed
- Fewer PPO options available
Wellcare by Centene Plan Types in Tennessee
Wellcare by Centene offers multiple Medicare plan types to Tennessee residents, each designed for different healthcare needs and budgets:
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Wellcare by Centene's Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and usually prescription drug (Part D) coverage into one plan. Many Wellcare by Centene MA plans in Tennessee have $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium, with benefits including dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Wellcare by Centene's standalone Part D plans in Tennessee provide prescription drug coverage for those on Original Medicare. Plans vary in formulary coverage and preferred pharmacy networks.
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP): For Tennessee residents who qualify for both Medicare and TennCare, Wellcare by Centene offers D-SNP plans with coordinated benefits and additional support services.
Wellcare by Centene Provider Networks in Tennessee
Wellcare by Centene's Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans use HMO and PPO networks. Network size and provider participation vary by plan and county.
In Nashville and surrounding Davidson County, Wellcare by Centene networks typically include major health systems. However, provider participation can change annually, so always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling.
For beneficiaries in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Wellcare by Centene generally offers good hospital and specialist coverage. Rural areas of Tennessee may have more limited network options, making PPO plans with out-of-network benefits a consideration.
Use Wellcare by Centene's online provider directory at https://www.wellcare.com/find-a-provider to verify network participation for any Tennessee doctor or facility.
Wellcare by Centene Tennessee Plan Costs
Wellcare by Centene Medicare plan costs in Tennessee vary by plan type, county, and coverage level. Here's what to expect:
Medicare Advantage Premiums: Many Wellcare by Centene MA plans in Tennessee offer $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium (often $0). Higher-benefit plans may have premiums of $20-$100+/month.
Out-of-Pocket Maximums: All Wellcare by Centene Medicare Advantage plans include annual out-of-pocket limits, protecting you from catastrophic costs. Limits typically range from $3,000-$8,000 depending on the plan.
Medigap Premiums: Wellcare by Centene Medigap plans in Tennessee average $140-$240/month for Plan G, varying by age, gender, and tobacco use. Rates are typically lower when you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Wellcare by Centene Star Ratings in Tennessee
Wellcare by Centene's Medicare plans currently hold 3.5-star ratings (out of 5) from CMS. Star ratings measure quality across categories including:
- Staying healthy (screenings, tests, vaccines) - Managing chronic conditions - Member experience and satisfaction - Member complaints and access to care - Customer service quality
Plans with 4+ stars are considered high-performing and may offer additional benefits. Wellcare by Centene's competitive ratings in Tennessee reflect solid performance across these quality measures.
Wellcare by Centene Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wellcare by Centene a good Medicare plan in Tennessee?
Wellcare by Centene is a reputable Medicare insurers in Tennessee with 3.5-star ratings. Whether it's the best choice for you depends on your doctors, medications, and coverage preferences. Wellcare by Centene is known for dual-eligible expertise and low-income programs.
Does Wellcare by Centene Medicare cover my Nashville doctors?
Wellcare by Centene's Tennessee provider networks include many doctors and hospitals in Nashville and surrounding areas. However, network participation varies by specific plan. Always verify your doctors are in-network using Wellcare by Centene's provider directory before enrolling.
How much do Wellcare by Centene Medicare plans cost in Tennessee?
Many Wellcare by Centene Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee have $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium. Costs vary by plan type, benefits, and your county. Wellcare by Centene Medigap plans typically cost $140-$240/month for Plan G.
Can I switch to Wellcare by Centene Medicare in Tennessee?
You can switch to Wellcare by Centene during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) if you're currently in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Wellcare by Centene offer $0 premium plans in Tennessee?
Yes, Wellcare by Centene offers several $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in many Tennessee counties. These plans still require you to pay your Part B premium. $0 premium plans may have different benefit levels and cost-sharing than plans with monthly premiums.
Compare Wellcare by Centene Plans in Tennessee
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Plan availability, benefits, premiums, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage, savings, star ratings, or plan availability. Star ratings are sourced from CMS Medicare Star Ratings; confirm the current-year rating before enrolling. Contact a licensed advisor for current plan options in your area.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wellcare by Centene. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We are also not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area; please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.