California vs Tennessee: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | Tennessee (TN) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $9,015 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 1,829,448 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 2,472,597 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $53/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $238/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 3.2% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $100,118 | +$43,306 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $180,336 | $-45,131 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $97,052 | $-7,735 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $67,341 | +$14,238 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $62,210 | $-5,682 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $48,824 | $-11,703 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $36,962 | $-4,348 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or Tennessee?
California has higher Medicare spending at $10,208 per capita vs $9,015 in Tennessee.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Tennessee has a lower uninsured rate of 3.2% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both California and Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid.