Medicare insurance: essential information

Understanding original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap insurance

Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older and those under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap insurance, can be purchased to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for those with Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans serve as an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by a private Medicare insurance company under government contract. These plans still require payment of the Medicare Part B premium, with potential additional premiums depending on the plan. The coverage details, such as deductibles, coinsurances, copays, and annual out-of-pocket limits, are determined by the plan. These plans may also rely on a provider network, which can affect benefits and costs based on the use of participating or non-participating providers.

Medicare enrollment dates and open enrollment periods

Open enrollment for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage occurs annually from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, with changes taking effect on Jan. 1 of the following year. During this period, beneficiaries can review area plans and adjust their Medicare coverage, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, or modifying Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is from Jan. 1 to March 31, allowing enrollees to change plans or return to traditional Medicare. Missing these Medicare enrollment dates may require waiting until the next period to make updates.

Medicare Advantage participation by Tanner Health

Refer to the list below for Tanner-participating Medicare and Medicare Managed Plans during open enrollment.

For further inquiries regarding Tanner's participation in your health plan or Medicare supplement insurance options, contact a Tanner representative at 770-812-8752. For specific coverage questions, please reach out to your insurance provider or company benefits manager.

Managed care plan participation: January 2026

Tanner Health Hospitals and Tanner Medical Group practices participate in various medical health plans. Participation may vary by insurance payer, so verify with your insurer to confirm Tanner Health's status.

Tanner provides services to patients with non-participating insurance coverage if their plan has out-of-network benefits, with authorization if required. Utilizing Tanner out-of-network may result in higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurances.

Key:
Yes: Contracted/Participating
No: Not Contracted/Non-Participating

¹ Some Medicare Advantage products have consistent coverage, regardless of provider participation status. Patient out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays and deductibles, remain the same for in-network and out-of-network services (e.g., Georgia State Retiree Health Benefit Plan through United Healthcare and Blue Cross). Review policy terms or contact your insurer for specific coverage details.

² Tanner's Georgia hospitals do not participate in the Blue Connection EPO (Blue HPN). Additionally, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton does not participate in the BlueChoice POS, Blue Choice Healthcare Plan, and Blue Choice HMO.
³ Tanner Health providers do not participate in the Cigna Local Plus-related products.

⁴Tanner Urgent Care does not participate in Amerigroup.