Medical Insurance & Financing
Agencies and organizations related to paying for medical care are listed here. Most, but not all, are associated with public insurance (Medicare and TennCare). TennCare Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and TennCare Behavioral Health Organizations (BHOs) are listed.
For a more thorough explanation of some of the services, products, and types of coverage listed here, and for a more in-depth look at new Medicare options, see the "Action Guide."
For information about receiving prescription medicines by mail, or applying for a program that helps low-income seniors with medication costs, call Affordable Medicine Options for Seniors (AMOS), 524-2786, or Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service, 546-6262.
Cover Tennessee
1-866-268-3786
Cover Tennessee includes two health insurance programs for adults: CoverTN, basic, low-cost health coverage that targets the needs of small business and uninsured working adults; and AccessTN, comprehensive health insurance for the uninsurable.
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Legal Aid of East TN
637-0484
502 S. Gay Street, Suite 404, 37902
Counseling on medical insurance issues, including Medicaid/TennCare and Medicare. Call for appointment.
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Medicaid/Tenncare (Application)
594-6151
TN Dept. of Human Services
2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100, 37921
Handles applications for nursing home coverage for persons with disabilities and persons age 65+ who are qualified by income, resources, and medical condition.
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Medicare
1-800-633-4227
TTY (for deaf only) -877-486-2048
Health insurance for those age 65+ who are drawing Social Security or paying monthly premiums; also, younger persons who have drawn disability benefits for two years or, in some cases, who have a diagnosis of terminal illness. It has three parts: Part A, which pays for hospital and nursing home stays; Part B, an option for which you pay an additional premium and receive outpatient services; and Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs. Phones answered by agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; closed only for federal holidays.
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Medicare Part A
Information and answers to questions about individual claims on Medicare Part A (which covers hospital and nursing home stays). Also call to report Medicare Part A fraud and abuse. Phones answered by agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; closed only for federal holidays.
Medicare Part B
Customer service; Medicare information; answers questions about individual Medicare Part B claims (medical); provides information regarding Medicare- participating physicians and suppliers (those who accept assignment on all Medicare Part B claims for covered items and services). Also call to report Medicare Part B fraud and abuse. Phones answered by agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; closed only for federal holidays.
Medicare Part D
The optional Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit available to all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part A or Part B, including Medicare Advantage plans. Call Affordable Medicine Options for Seniors, page 143, for advice and assistance in applying. Phones answered by agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week; closed only for federal holidays.
Medicare Beneficiary Programs
594-6151
TN Dept. of Human Services
2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100, 37921
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Special Low- income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualified Individual 1 (QI1) programs help low-income seniors pay for Medicare coverage. Call to check income eligibility.
Medicare Extra Help for Part D
692-0196
1-800-772-1213
Social Security Office
8530 Kingston Pike, 37919
Extra help through the Low Income Subsidy for eligible Medicare Part D enrollees whose income and assets are low. Or call AMOS–Affordable Medicine Options for Seniors.
Medicare Health Plans
1-800-633-4227
A number of Medicare Health Plans are available in our area. For an overview of the ways in which Medicare is offered, see pages 11-19. The number of plans and the companies that offer them may change from year to year. For information about the plans currently available in our area, consult the Medicare &You handbook or contact Medicare at the toll-free number listed above or go to www.medicare.gov. For additional help, call Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service at 546-6262.
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QSource, Center for Healthcare Quality
1-800-528-2655
3175 Lenox Park Boulevard, Suite 309, Memphis, 38115
A health-care quality improvement organization. Answers questions, explains rights, and makes appropriate referrals regarding Medicare. Responds to written complaints about quality of medical care received in hospitals, outpatient and skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. Works with providers to improve quality of care.
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State Health insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
1-877-801-0044
East TN Area Agency on Aging & Disability
9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite D-100, 37923
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free counseling and advocacy on health insurance issues, including Medicare, Medicare managed care, and Medicare supplemental insurance.
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Tenncare (Application)
594-6151
TN Dept. of Human Services
2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100, 37921
For TennCare questions and applications.
Tenncare Consumer Advocacy Line
1-800-722-7474
TTY (for deaf only) 1-800-772-7647
To help those covered by TennCare get the medical care they need, protect patient rights under TennCare. Not part of TennCare. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Mon. - Fri.
Tenncare Information Line
1-866-311-4287
TTY (for deaf only) 1-800-772-7647
P.O. Box 820, Nashville, 37202-9968
For people already on TennCare: to get answers to questions about services, etc. For information about Tenncare mental health services, see TennCare Partners.
Tenncare Managed Care Organizations
AmeriChoice TennCare 1-800-690-1606
408 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 400, 37923
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of TN
BlueCare Division 1-800-468-9698
801 Pine Street, Chattanooga, 37402-2555
PHP-Cariten Healthcare 470-7440
1420 Centerpoint Boulevard, 37932
TennCare Select 1-800-263-5479
801 Pine Street, Chattanooga, 37402-2555
Tenncare Partners Advocacy Line
1-800-758-1638
Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee
Statewide program helps consumers and providers of mental-health and substance-abuse services navigate and understand TennCare Partners. Advocacy counselors assist with application process; benefit information; accessing services; and filing complaints, grievances, and appeals. Free presentations on TennCare Partners for consumers and providers. Monthly reports identify trends and problems with TennCare Partners for the state and other key stakeholders. See page 21 for more information.
Tenncare Partners Behavioral Health Organizations
Premier Behavioral Systems of TN 1-800-325-7864
222 Second Avenue N., Suite 220, Nashville, 37201
Tennessee Behavioral Health, Inc. 1-800-447-7242
222 Second Avenue N., Suite 220, Nashville, 37201
Tenncare Solutions Unit
1-800-878-3192
To file appeals on TennCare claims or to change TennCare MCOs.
Tennessee Health Care Campaign
1-800-280-8682
1103 Chapel Avenue, Nashville, 37208
Works for affordable, continuous, and high-quality health care for all Tennesseans through research, education, and public and individual advocacy.
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