If you live in Tennessee and need affordable health coverage, you may qualify for TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides free or low-cost healthcare to over 1.4 million Tennesseans, including children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children, and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Medicaid in Tennessee, including who qualifies, income limits, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility in minutes with our free screener.
Who Is Eligible for TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)?
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means eligibility is more limited than in expansion states. TennCare covers specific groups of residents who meet income and categorical requirements. You must be a legal resident of Tennessee and fall into one of the following groups:
- Children ages 0 to 18 from low-income families
- Pregnant women (coverage extends 12 months postpartum)
- Parents or caretaker relatives with dependent children under 18
- Adults 65 and older with limited income
- Individuals with disabilities receiving SSI
- Former foster care youth under age 26
- Women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a CDC screening site
Adults without dependent children generally do not qualify for TennCare unless they are elderly, disabled, or fall into another covered category. An estimated 95,000 Tennesseans fall into a "coverage gap" where they earn too little for marketplace subsidies but do not meet TennCare eligibility rules.
TennCare Income Limits for 2026
Income limits vary based on which category you fall into. The table below shows the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages and approximate monthly income limits for a family of three.
| Category | FPL Percentage | Monthly Income Limit (Family of 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (age 0 to 1) | 195% FPL | $4,331 |
| Children (age 1 to 5) | 142% FPL | $3,154 |
| Children (age 6 to 18) | 133% FPL | $2,954 |
| Pregnant Women | 250% FPL | $5,553 |
| Parents/Caretaker Relatives | 105% FPL (with 5% disregard) | $2,332 |
| CoverKids (CHIP) | 250% FPL | $5,553 |
| SSI Recipients (Aged/Blind/Disabled) | $994/month individual | N/A |
| Institutional Medicaid (Nursing Home) | $2,982/month individual | N/A |
Important notes about income limits:
- The 5% income disregard means that TennCare subtracts 5% of the poverty level from your countable income, effectively raising the threshold slightly.
- For children and pregnant women, there is no asset or resource limit.
- For SSI-related categories, there is a $2,000 asset limit for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
- Income limits are updated each year when the federal poverty guidelines change in January.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Tennessee: Step by Step
There are several ways to apply for TennCare. You can choose the method that works best for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, collect the following information for each person in your household:
- Proof of identity such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income including pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer
- Proof of Tennessee residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents)
- Information about current health insurance if you have any coverage
- Pregnancy verification if applying as a pregnant woman
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You have four options for submitting your TennCare application:
Option 1: Apply Online
The fastest way to apply is through TennCare Connect at tenncareconnect.tn.gov. You can create an account, fill out the application, upload documents, and track your application status all in one place. The online system is available 24/7.
You can also start your application at HealthCare.gov. If the federal marketplace determines you may be eligible for TennCare, they will forward your information to the state for processing.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701 to apply over the phone with the help of a representative. You can also call the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
Option 3: Apply in Person
Visit any of Tennessee's 95 Department of Human Services (DHS) county offices. A caseworker can help you complete your application and submit your documents on the spot. Find your nearest office at tn.gov/humanservices.
Option 4: Apply by Mail
Download and print a paper application from the TennCare website. Complete it and mail it to your local DHS office. Paper applications are available in both English and Spanish.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After completing your application through any of the methods above, make sure all required documents are included. Missing information can delay your approval. If you applied online, you can upload documents directly through TennCare Connect.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Tennessee must process your application within 45 days (or 90 days if you are applying based on a disability). You will receive a notice by mail letting you know whether you have been approved or denied. If approved, your coverage start date will typically be the first day of the month you applied.
Step 5: Choose a Managed Care Organization (MCO)
If approved for TennCare, you will need to select a health plan (MCO). Tennessee's TennCare managed care organizations include:
- Amerigroup
- BlueCare Tennessee
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
If you do not choose a plan within the required timeframe, one will be assigned to you. You can change your plan during the first 90 days of enrollment.
What to Do If You Are Denied
If your TennCare application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Your denial notice will include instructions on how to request a fair hearing. You generally have 30 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Income exceeding the limit for your category
- Not meeting categorical requirements (such as not having dependent children)
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Not being a Tennessee resident
If you fall into the coverage gap (too much income for TennCare but below the poverty level), you may still have options. Contact a local navigator or certified application counselor for free help exploring your choices.
CoverKids: Tennessee's CHIP Program
If your children do not qualify for TennCare because your income is too high, they may qualify for CoverKids, Tennessee's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CoverKids covers children under 19 with family incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
CoverKids benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health services. There are no premiums, though small copays may apply based on income.
You can apply for CoverKids through the same application process as TennCare. When you submit your application, the state will automatically determine whether your child qualifies for TennCare or CoverKids.
Special Programs and Situations
Pregnant Women: Tennessee provides enhanced coverage for pregnant women with incomes up to 250% FPL. Coverage now extends for a full 12 months after delivery, a significant improvement from the previous 60-day postpartum limit. TennCare also covers up to 100 diapers per month for enrolled infants under age 2.
Former Foster Youth: If you aged out of foster care and were receiving Medicaid at that time, you may qualify for TennCare until age 26 regardless of your income. If you turned 18 on or after January 1, 2023, you qualify even if you aged out of foster care in another state.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care: Individuals needing institutional care may qualify with income up to $2,982 per month and assets under $2,000. The Katie Beckett program covers children under 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs who live at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for TennCare at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace health insurance, TennCare does not have an open enrollment period. You can apply at any time during the year.
How long does it take to get approved for TennCare?
The state has 45 days to process your application (90 days for disability-based applications). Many applicants receive a decision within 2 to 4 weeks.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for TennCare?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigration status. Certain lawfully present immigrants may qualify, though there may be a five-year waiting period. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of immigration status for emergency medical conditions.
What if I already have Medicare?
Some individuals qualify for both Medicare and TennCare (known as "dual eligible"). TennCare can help cover costs that Medicare does not, such as copays, deductibles, and long-term care services.
Does TennCare cover dental and vision?
TennCare covers dental and vision services for children. Adult dental and vision coverage is more limited but includes some preventive and emergency services depending on your managed care plan.
What is the coverage gap in Tennessee?
Because Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, adults without dependent children who earn below the federal poverty level may not qualify for either TennCare or marketplace subsidies. This is known as the coverage gap and affects an estimated 95,000 Tennesseans.
Can I check my application status online?
Yes. If you applied through TennCare Connect, you can log in to your account at tenncareconnect.tn.gov to check your application status at any time.
Additional Resources
- Tennessee Benefits Overview for a complete guide to all available programs in Tennessee
- Check your eligibility for multiple programs with our free screening tool
- TennCare Connect: tenncareconnect.tn.gov
- TennCare Phone: 855-259-0701
- HealthCare.gov: healthcare.gov
- Tennessee DHS Office Locator: tn.gov/humanservices
Applying for TennCare does not have to be complicated. Start by gathering your documents, choose the application method that works best for you, and submit your information. If you need help at any point, free assistance is available through TennCare Connect, local DHS offices, and community navigators. Use our free screener to find out what benefits you and your family may qualify for today.
