What is changing between Vanderbilt and Aetna Medicare Advantage?
Vanderbilt Health says that starting January 1, 2027 it will no longer be in the Aetna Medicare Advantage network. The change affects all Aetna Medicare Advantage members, in both individual and group plans, at every Vanderbilt location except Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital and Clarksville Physician Services.
The notice is about Vanderbilt's network. It does not say Aetna's plans are ending. Vanderbilt suggests that members who want to keep its doctors review their options during Medicare's annual enrollment period, October 15 to December 7, 2026, and choose a plan that includes Vanderbilt. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, you can make one more change from January 1 to March 31, 2027.
If you are in treatment, ask Aetna and Vanderbilt whether continuity of care may apply, what needs approval and what you would pay. Confirm your doctor, facility and dates before changing a plan or appointment.
Trying to keep your Vanderbilt doctor? Talk to a licensed agent. We can help you compare the plans we offer and check the details that matter to you.
Which Medicare plans does Vanderbilt list?
| Medicare coverage | What Vanderbilt says |
|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Always accepted |
| Aetna Medicare Advantage, individual and group plans | Out of network starting January 1, 2027 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee BlueAdvantage | Out of network |
| UnitedHealthcare Complete, a special needs plan for chronic conditions | Out of network since August 1, 2025 |
| HealthSpring, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare and Wellpoint Medicare plans | The insurer is on the accepted list |
An insurer on the list does not prove that every plan it sells includes Vanderbilt, and the lists describe current contracts, not 2027. Look up each Vanderbilt doctor and location in the 2027 directory of the exact plan you are considering.
Should I switch to Original Medicare to keep Vanderbilt?
It is one way to keep Vanderbilt, which says it always accepts traditional Medicare, another name for Original Medicare. Original Medicare has no yearly limit on what you pay, so many people add a Medigap plan to cover those costs and a Part D plan for drugs.
Check the Medigap rules before you leave a Medicare Advantage plan. After your first six months on Medicare Part B, insurers can usually ask health questions and may charge more or turn you down, unless you have a guaranteed right to buy. TN SHIP, the state's free Medicare counseling program, or an agent can tell you whether you have that right.
Which marketplace plans does Vanderbilt list?
Vanderbilt names the networks below in its published individual-plan information. That information is not clearly dated for the 2027 plan year, so use it as a starting point, not confirmation that your 2027 plan includes a particular doctor or facility.
| Marketplace plan | What Vanderbilt lists |
|---|---|
| BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Network P or Network S | Listed as in network, on and off the marketplace |
| BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Network E or Network L | VUMC's individual-plan list excludes E and L; Clarksville lists differ |
| Ambetter of Tennessee | Listed as in network |
| Ambetter Health Solutions | Listed as excluded |
| Oscar | Listed as in network |
| UnitedHealthcare Compass, the individual exchange plan | Listed as out of network, except in Clarksville |
| Cigna Connect | Listed as in network, but these individual plans end after 2026 |
The network name matters as much as the insurer. Two BlueCross plans can use different networks. Vanderbilt also separates two Ambetter names: its posted information names Ambetter of Tennessee and excludes Ambetter Health Solutions. Ask Vanderbilt and the insurer about the exact 2027 plan, facility and doctors.
Cigna says it will no longer offer individual and family medical plans for 2027, so Cigna Connect coverage ends with 2026. If you have it, choose a new plan during open enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick it by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.
How many people in Davidson County use the marketplace?
| Measure | Davidson County | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| People who picked a plan | 81,397 | 569,310 |
| Received a premium tax credit | 89.3% | 90.3% |
| Average monthly premium before credits | $794 | $838 |
| Average monthly premium after credits | $141 | $141 |
| Picked a gold plan | 13.6% | 6.3% |
Davidson County picked gold plans at more than twice the statewide rate. Gold plans cost more each month but pay more of each bill, which can suit people who expect regular care. These are 2026 numbers. Your 2027 price depends on your income, your household and the plans sold where you live.
Census estimates put Nashville at 721,074 residents, with 12.7% age 65 or older. About 19.6% of residents age 5 and older speak a language other than English at home, and 14.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.
How can an agent help with Vanderbilt network questions?
An agent can look up your Vanderbilt doctors and locations in each 2027 plan you are considering, Medicare or marketplace, and point out the network name or plan type that makes the difference. Have your insurance card, your doctors' names and your prescriptions ready.
Health Insurance Solutions agents are licensed in 22 states and help by phone and online. Marketplace plans cost the same with or without an agent, so the comparison does not add to your premium.
Insurers and hospitals mentioned
Explore the organizations or brands discussed in this article. A mention does not mean every plan or location is covered.
- Detailed guide · TennesseeVanderbilt Health
- Hospital · TennesseeVanderbilt Clarksville Hospital
- Insurer · TennesseeAmbetter of Tennessee
- Insurer · TennesseeBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Insurer · TennesseeUnitedHealthcare
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeAetna Medicare
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeHealthSpring
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeHumana
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeUnitedHealthcare
- Medicare Advantage · TennesseeWellpoint
- Small-group insurer · TennesseeBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Small-group insurer · TennesseeUnitedHealthcare Ins Co of River Valley
- Small-group insurer · TennesseeUnitedHealthcare Insurance Company
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