How to Qualify for TennCare

Medicaid is a program that provides access to healthcare to people with low incomes and limited resources. Depending on which state you live in and your financial situation, you may be eligible for free health benefits or you may have to pay a small fee for services. If you live in Tennessee and are currently without health insurance, you may qualify for medical benefits through TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, if you meet certain requirements. Even if you think your income is too high, consider submitting an application to your local Department of Human Services (DHS) in Tennessee so that a Medicaid worker can review your case and determine your eligibility.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out if you belong to one of the groups covered by TennCare Medicaid. Examples of groups that usually qualify are: Tennesseans under age 21; single parents or caretakers of minors; two-parent households with children where one parent has lost his job, has had his work hours cut or has a medical condition that is expected to last for 30 days; pregnant women; women who need to be treated for cervical or breast cancer; and individuals receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI).

• 2

  Determine if you satisfy the income and resource requirements for your eligibility group. For example, for a four-member household, your combined monthly income cannot exceed $2,240 and your resources cannot exceed $2,000 in order to qualify for TennCare. See References for income and resource limits of your eligibility group.

• 3

  Gather the required verification papers. You'll need to present documents that establish the following about you and/or anyone else you are applying for: citizenship or alien status, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate or immigration papers; social security numbers; age; identity; residency; income; resources; amount of utilities; and life insurance policy (see Resources for accepted documents).

• 4

  Submit an application. You may apply through one of the following methods: by using the TennCare online system; by printing out a hard copy application and bringing it to your local DHS office; or by applying in person at a DHS office. See Resources for the link to the online application, hard copy application and the DHS office locator.