Company vs company · Wayne County, TN · 2027 plan year
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee vs UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
In most states, including Tennessee, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Tennessee can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Wayne County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 38485 on Medicare.gov.
Original Medicare
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman here, so we cannot show this total yet. Enter your quote above to see it. Check Medigap prices on Medicare.gov
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
PPO from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
$3,795 a year
- Premiums
- $2,670
- Medical costs
- $1,125
- Drugs
- $0
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,820.
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$4,692 a year
- Premiums
- $1,278
- Medical costs
- $1,605
- Drugs
- $1,809
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,428.
With these settings, BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO) costs about $897 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS).
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$0 copay
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$0 copay
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$39
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$40
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$60
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$40
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$0-$40 or 20%
Prior authorizationBlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$0-$40 or 20%
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$250
Prior authorizationBlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$175
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$130
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$150
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$50
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$45
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$65
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$250
Prior authorizationBlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$175
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$345
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$325
Prior authorizationBlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$295
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
$1,925
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationBlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
$1,250
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$1,975
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO) | BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $5.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $13 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $103 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $165 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $7,145 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $7,150 in network | $4,450 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $39 copay | $40 copay | $0-$60 copayPrior authorization | $0-$40 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0-$40 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$40 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $250 copayPrior authorization | $175 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $150 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $45 copay | $0-$50 copay | $0-$65 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $375 copayPrior authorization | $275 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$395 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $250 copayPrior authorization | $175 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$345 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $325 copayPrior authorization | $295 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $385 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $250 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $395 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $60 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 30% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $700 | $700 | $685 | No drug coverage |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 50% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 18% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 40% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $9 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 26% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | No drug coverage |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Tennessee, 11 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $204.60 a month. Half of them cost $110.40 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in Wayne County
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 3.5 to 3.5
- BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,145
- BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO) · $13 a month · limit $7,150
- BlueAdvantage Diamond (PPO) · $161 a month · limit $4,450
- BlueAdvantage Freedom (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- BlueAdvantage Ruby (PPO) · $116 a month · limit $4,450
UnitedHealthcare
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 2 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TN-0006 (HMO-POS) · $78 a month · limit $6,300
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 22 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 22 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO) | BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,250 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $4,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $300 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $399 | Yes, copays from $199 | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, up to $1,000 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $140 a year | No | $440 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | $103 a month | $165 a month |
What changed for 2027
BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H7917-032-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,900 to $7,145
- Drug deductible up from $250 to $700
- Specialist visit: $30 copay to $39 copay
- Urgent care: $25 copay to $50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $225 copay to $250 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $300 copay to $375 copay
- Ground ambulance: $295 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $325 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $385 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $2,000 to $1,250
- OTC allowance removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H7917-041-0
- Monthly premium down from $28 to $13
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,100 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Specialist visit: $25 copay to $40 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $175 copay to $275 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $235 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $250 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $2,500 to $2,000
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $444 to $140
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5253-121-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
- Part B giveback down from $106 to $103
- Specialist visit: $0-$50 copay to $0-$60 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$175 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$445 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $270 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $445 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5253-113-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,900 to $4,450
- Part B giveback up from $140 to $165
- Specialist visit: $0-$35 copay to $0-$40 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$200 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$345 copay to $0-$395 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $345 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $395 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $250
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
More 2027 plans in Wayne County
- HealthSpring Preferred (HMO), H4513-049 (page for Cumberland County, TN)
- Wellpoint Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS), H5828-013 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- Wellpoint Extra Help (HMO-POS), H5828-008 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- HealthSpring Premier (HMO-POS), H4513-036 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plus (HMO), H3146-012 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (PPO), H5521-501 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- HealthSpring Courage (HMO), H4513-033 (page for Shelby County, TN)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO), H5521-279 (page for Shelby County, TN)
County guide: 2027 plans in Wayne CountyState guide: Tennessee
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. We do not have a Medigap price for Wayne County, TN. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 38485 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- BlueAdvantage Garnet (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- BlueAdvantage Extra (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TC-4 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TC-MA01 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 38485 on Medicare.gov
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.