Tennessee Medicaid
Last verified: June 2026
Informational resource — not affiliated with Tennessee
Tennessee did not expand Medicaid — most adults under 65 do not qualify
What is TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program?
TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program, administered by the Bureau of TennCare. Tennessee launched TennCare in 1994 as one of the first states to convert its Medicaid program entirely to managed care — several years before most other states did so. As of 2025, approximately 1.6 million Tennesseans are enrolled in TennCare, representing about 23% of the state's population.
All TennCare medical coverage is delivered through three managed care organizations: BlueCare Tennessee (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee), UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint. Members receive an insurance card from one of these health plans and a separate pharmacy card from OptumRx. For dental services, members show their health plan card to any participating dentist.
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, meaning the income-based adult eligibility category created by the ACA does not exist in this state. TennCare covers a narrower population than Medicaid programs in expansion states: primarily children, pregnant women, parents and caretaker relatives at low income levels, people receiving SSI, and individuals who need long-term care.
Who qualifies for TennCare?
Per the Bureau of TennCare, applicants must fit into an eligible category AND meet income requirements AND be a Tennessee resident with U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status. TennCare does not offer coverage to undocumented residents except for emergency services.
Children
Children from birth through age 18 whose family income does not exceed the applicable limit. Children with higher family incomes may qualify for CoverKids (Tennessee's CHIP program). No asset test applies to children.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women qualify at higher income levels. Per TennCare, a pregnant woman in a family of three may qualify with family income below $66,625/year.
Parents and caretaker relatives
Parents and legal guardians caring for children may qualify, but at lower income levels than in expansion states — generally around 95% FPL for two-parent families. Single parents face an even lower threshold in some categories.
SSI recipients and people with disabilities
People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify. Individuals who are institutionalized or who need long-term care may qualify through separate financial and functional criteria.
Source: Bureau of TennCare eligibility information; TennCare FAQ (last updated August 2025). A complete list of eligibility categories is at tn.gov/tenncare.
TennCare Standard: a separate limited category
Tennessee operates a small additional coverage category called TennCare Standard for individuals who don't fit the main TennCare Medicaid categories but meet specific criteria. TennCare Standard has very limited enrollment and restricted eligibility. Most people applying will be evaluated for TennCare Medicaid first.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, use the eligibility screening tool at TennCare Connect or call 1-855-259-0701 to speak with a TennCare representative. Tennessee DHS offices are available in all 95 counties.
Tennessee Medicaid topics
How to apply
Income limits
Dental coverage
Seniors and long-term care
Medicaid renewal
CHIP
What does TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) cover?
Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.
The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) website for the current state-specific benefit package.
How to apply
Most people can apply online through Tennessee's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.
Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Tennessee must follow that federal timeline.