Kentucky vs Tennessee: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Kentucky (KY) | Tennessee (TN) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $14,424 | $9,015 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,859,991 | 1,829,448 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,513,322 | 2,472,597 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $41/mo | $53/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $243/mo | $238/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 4.9% | 3.2% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Kentucky | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $170,556 | $180,336 | $-9,781 |
| Kidney Transplant | $113,220 | $100,118 | +$13,102 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $69,586 | $67,341 | +$2,245 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $69,356 | $97,052 | $-27,696 |
| Spinal Fusion | $62,020 | $62,210 | $-190 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,405 | $35,506 | +$899 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,879 | $48,824 | $-13,945 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $33,172 | $36,962 | $-3,790 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Kentucky or Tennessee?
Kentucky has higher Medicare spending at $14,424 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 4.9% in Kentucky.
Have both Kentucky and Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
Kentucky has expanded Medicaid. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid.