Medicaid/TennCare
The Medicaid program provides medical benefits to eligible individuals who may have no medical insurance or inadequate medical insurance. Medicaid became law in 1965 as a jointly funded cooperative between the federal and state governments to assist states in providing adequate medical care to eligible individuals. Although the Federal government establishes general guidelines for the program, the Medicaid program requirements are established by each State. Whether or not a person is eligible for Medicaid will depend on the State where he or she lives.
In 1994 the State of Tennessee implemented a new health care reform plan called TennCare. TennCare extended coverage to the Medicaid population and coverage to individuals who were determined to be uninsured or uninsurable, using a system of Managed Care Organizations (MCO). Since April 29, 2005, enrollment to the TennCare uninsured/uninsurable program was closed to new applicants. Children under age 19 who were already enrolled in the TennCare program and who have maintained eligibility and children under age 19 who lose Medicaid eligibility may receive coverage through the TennCare uninsured/uninsurable program.
Eligibility Categories
Major Medicaid Eligibility Categories in Tennessee
This provides a short description of some of the Medicaid programs available in Tennessee . This information should be used as reference only. To see if you may qualify for Medicaid, please contact your local Department of Human Services office or complete an application on line
Brief Description
Individuals who meet basic Family’s First criteria for Title XIX, but do not qualify for certain technical components of Family’s First.
Monthly Income Limit
(1) $1,288
(2) $1,658
(3) $1,972
(4) $2,240
Resource Limit
$2000
TennCare’s main line phone number is 1-800-342-3145.
