Tennessee Medicaid, known as TennCare, provides health coverage to low-income children, pregnant women, parents, and people who are elderly or disabled. Unlike states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, Tennessee has not expanded coverage, which means healthy adults without dependent children generally do not qualify, regardless of their income. If you are trying to figure out whether you qualify in 2026, the key factors are your household size, your income relative to the federal poverty level, and which eligibility category you fall into.
Who Qualifies for TennCare in 2026
TennCare covers several distinct groups of people. Each group has its own income threshold, expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Parents and Caretaker Relatives: If you have a child under 18 living in your home and you care for that child, you may qualify with household income at or below 105% FPL.
Pregnant Women: Income must be at or below 195% FPL. Coverage continues for a full 12 months after giving birth under Tennessee's extended postpartum policy.
Children (ages 6 to 18): Eligible with family income up to 138% FPL.
Young Children (ages 1 to 5): Eligible with family income up to 142% FPL.
Infants (under age 1): Eligible with family income up to 195% FPL.
People Who Are Aged, Blind, or Disabled: Subject to separate income and asset rules (see the long-term care section below).
CoverKids (CHIP): For children who earn too much for TennCare but whose families cannot afford private insurance, CoverKids covers children up to 250% FPL.
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, so working-age adults without children or a qualifying disability do not have an income-based path to TennCare coverage.
TennCare Income Limits by Household Size (2026)
The following tables show annual income limits for the major TennCare categories. These figures are based on 2025-2026 federal poverty guidelines. Always verify current amounts at TennCare's eligibility page because the state updates limits when new FPL figures are released each spring.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives (105% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $16,432 | $1,369 |
| 2 | $22,207 | $1,851 |
| 3 | $27,982 | $2,332 |
| 4 | $33,757 | $2,813 |
| 5 | $39,532 | $3,294 |
Children Ages 6 to 18 (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $21,597 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $29,187 | $2,432 |
| 3 | $36,777 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $44,367 | $3,697 |
| 5 | $51,957 | $4,330 |
Pregnant Women (195% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $30,518 | $2,543 |
| 2 | $41,243 | $3,437 |
| 3 | $51,968 | $4,331 |
| 4 | $62,693 | $5,224 |
| 5 | $73,418 | $6,118 |
CoverKids / CHIP (250% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $39,125 | $3,260 |
| 2 | $52,875 | $4,406 |
| 3 | $66,625 | $5,552 |
| 4 | $80,375 | $6,698 |
| 5 | $94,125 | $7,844 |
Add approximately $13,750 per year for each additional person beyond five in any category.
TennCare Long-Term Care and CHOICES Income Limits
Elderly and disabled Tennesseans who need nursing home care or in-home services apply through a separate track with different income and asset rules.
Nursing Home Medicaid (2026)
| Situation | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|
| Single applicant | $2,982 | $2,000 |
| Married couple (both applying) | $2,982 per person | $4,000 total |
| Married couple (one applying) | $2,982 for applicant | $2,000 for applicant |
For married couples where only one spouse applies, the non-applicant spouse is protected under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance. They can keep up to $162,660 in countable assets and receive a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance of $2,643.75 per month, up to a maximum of $4,066.50 per month.
The home equity limit for 2026 is $752,000. The home is not counted as an asset for eligibility purposes as long as the applicant or spouse lives there.
There is a 60-month look-back period for asset transfers. Gifts or transfers below fair market value within the five years before applying can trigger a penalty period.
TennCare CHOICES (Home and Community-Based Care)
CHOICES is Tennessee's waiver program that allows people who need nursing home level of care to receive services at home or in an assisted living community. Income and asset limits match nursing home Medicaid. Applicants must either qualify for nursing home level of care or be considered "at risk" of needing nursing home care.
Regular Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD)
This category covers seniors and people with disabilities who need help with daily activities but do not require nursing home care.
| Situation | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|
| Single | $994 | $2,000 |
| Married | $1,491 | $3,000 |
Assets That Are Counted and Exempt
For long-term care Medicaid and ABD Medicaid, TennCare reviews your assets. Exempt (not counted) assets typically include:
- Your primary home (subject to the equity limit above)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household furnishings
- A prepaid irrevocable funeral plan
- Life insurance with face value under $1,500
Countable assets include bank accounts, investment accounts, additional real estate, and most other financial holdings.
For standard TennCare (parents, children, pregnant women), there is no asset test. You only need to meet the income limit.
2026 Coverage Updates for TennCare Members
Tennessee made several changes that took effect for TennCare members in recent years:
- Extended postpartum coverage: New mothers retain TennCare coverage for 12 months after delivery.
- Comprehensive adult dental: TennCare now covers full dental services for adult members.
- Infant diaper benefit: Families with children under age 2 receive up to 100 diapers per month through TennCare.
How to Apply for TennCare in 2026
There are three ways to apply. All methods ask for the same information, so gather your documents before you start.
Documents to prepare:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, mail)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days, tax returns, employer letter)
- Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status
- Birth certificates for any children applying
Option 1: Apply Online
- Go to TennCareConnect.tn.gov.
- Click "Get Started" and create an account with your email address.
- Start a new application. You can save progress and return later.
- Enter household information, income, and residency details.
- Upload or mail supporting documents as requested.
- Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation number.
- Check your application status at any time by logging back into your TennCareConnect account.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701. Representatives can walk you through the application and help you understand which category fits your household. Interpreters are available.
Option 3: Apply on Paper
Download and print the paper application from the TennCare website. Paper applications are available in English and Spanish. Mail or hand-deliver the completed form to your local Department of Human Services office.
After submitting, TennCare has up to 45 days to process standard applications and up to 90 days for applications based on disability. Pregnant women and children can receive a faster determination, sometimes within a few days.
What If You Earn Too Much for TennCare?
If your income is above TennCare limits but you still cannot afford private insurance, there are two options to know about.
CoverKids: For children who do not qualify for TennCare, CoverKids (Tennessee's CHIP program) covers children up to 250% FPL at low or no cost. Apply through TennCareConnect alongside a TennCare application.
CoverRx: Tennessee offers a pharmacy assistance program for residents earning up to 138% FPL who do not qualify for full TennCare coverage. CoverRx helps with the cost of prescription medications.
Marketplace Plans: Adults who do not qualify for TennCare can shop for subsidized coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov. People earning between 100% and 400% FPL typically qualify for premium tax credits. Because Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, people earning below 100% FPL and not qualifying for TennCare fall into the coverage gap and are not eligible for marketplace subsidies either.
Check Your Eligibility
Not sure whether you or a family member qualifies? Use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility across TennCare, SNAP, and other programs in one place. It takes about five minutes and does not require you to create an account.
You can also visit the Tennessee benefits page for a full overview of assistance programs available in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for TennCare for a family of 4 in 2026?
For parents and caretaker relatives, the income limit for a family of 4 is approximately $33,757 per year, or about $2,813 per month. This is 105% of the federal poverty level. For children ages 6 to 18, the limit is approximately $44,367 per year for a household of 4. Limits are slightly higher for pregnant women in the household.
Does Tennessee have expanded Medicaid in 2026?
No. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Healthy adults without dependent children or a qualifying disability are generally not eligible for TennCare, regardless of their income level. This creates a coverage gap for adults who earn too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies but do not fit an eligible TennCare category.
How long does it take to get approved for TennCare?
Standard applications are processed within 45 days. Applications based on disability can take up to 90 days. Pregnant women and children often receive expedited decisions within a few days of applying. You can check your application status online at TennCareConnect.tn.gov or by calling 855-259-0701.
Can I apply for TennCare if I am pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant women qualify for TennCare if household income is at or below 195% FPL. Coverage includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. As of recent updates, Tennessee provides 12 months of continuous TennCare coverage after delivery, not just the 60-day period that was standard in previous years.
What counts as income for TennCare?
TennCare counts wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pension payments, and most other regular income sources. Some income types are excluded, such as certain child support payments and income belonging to children in the household under some circumstances. The application will walk you through what to include.
Is there an asset limit for TennCare?
For most TennCare categories (parents, children, pregnant women), there is no asset test. You only need to meet the income limit. For long-term care programs like nursing home Medicaid and CHOICES, asset limits do apply: $2,000 for a single person and $4,000 for a married couple where both spouses apply.
What is TennCare CHOICES?
CHOICES is Tennessee's home and community-based services waiver. It allows people who meet nursing home level of care criteria to receive Medicaid-funded services in their own home or in an assisted living community instead of a nursing facility. Income and asset limits match nursing home Medicaid. To apply for CHOICES, contact TennCare at 855-259-0701.
Can I keep my TennCare if my income goes up?
You are required to report income changes to TennCare within 10 days. If your income increases above the limit for your category, TennCare will review your case. You may lose eligibility or be transitioned to a different program. If you have children in the household, they may retain coverage even if your own eligibility ends, since children have higher income thresholds.
What is CoverKids?
CoverKids is Tennessee's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers children in households earning too much for TennCare but unable to afford private insurance. The income limit is 250% FPL, which equals approximately $80,375 per year for a family of 4. You apply through the same TennCareConnect portal used for TennCare.
