What does Tennessee Medicaid cover?

Tennessee Medicaid covers essential health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab tests, mental health services, preventive care, and maternity care. Coverage may vary — check with your state Medicaid office for details.

Tennessee Medicaid Eligibility Calculator

Check if you qualify for Medicaid in Tennessee (TN). Enter your household size and income to see eligibility for adults, children, and pregnant women. ✗ Not Expanded

Tennessee Medicaid at a Glance

26%

Adult FPL Limit

211%

Child FPL Limit

1,800,000

Enrolled

9.3%

Uninsured Rate

Check Your Eligibility

Household Size

Annual Household Income ($)

Applicant Category

Monthly Income ($, optional)

⚠️ Coverage Gap in Tennessee

Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. Adults earning between 26% and 100% of the Federal Poverty Level may fall into a coverage gap — earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for ACA marketplace subsidies. Approximately 65577K residents are uninsured.

Tennessee Medicaid Income Limits (2026)

Household Size	Adult Limit	Child Limit	Pregnant Limit
1 person	$4,069/yr	$33,021/yr	$31,300/yr
2 people	$5,499/yr	$44,626/yr	$42,300/yr
3 people	$6,929/yr	$56,231/yr	$53,300/yr
4 people	$8,359/yr	$67,836/yr	$64,300/yr
5 people	$9,789/yr	$79,441/yr	$75,300/yr
6 people	$11,219/yr	$91,046/yr	$86,300/yr
7 people	$12,649/yr	$102,651/yr	$97,300/yr
8 people	$14,079/yr	$114,256/yr	$108,300/yr

What Tennessee Medicaid Covers

Tennessee Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage including:

✓ Doctor & specialist visits

✓ Hospital inpatient & outpatient

✓ Prescription medications

✓ Lab tests & X-rays

✓ Mental health services

✓ Preventive care & screenings

✓ Emergency room visits

✓ Maternity & newborn care

✓ Dental (varies by state)

✓ Vision care (varies by state)

How to Apply for Medicaid in Tennessee

1. Online: Visit HealthCare.gov to submit an application.

2. Phone: Call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to apply by phone.

3. In Person: Visit your local Tennessee Department of Social Services or Medicaid office.

4. Mail: Download and mail a paper application from your state Medicaid website.

Tip: You can apply for Medicaid at any time — there is no open enrollment period. Processing typically takes 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Tennessee Medicaid income limits for 2026?

In Tennessee, Medicaid income limits are 26% FPL for adults, 211% FPL for children, and 200% FPL for pregnant women. For a single adult, this means approximately $4,069/year.

Has Tennessee expanded Medicaid?

No, Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. Adults must meet stricter income limits (26% FPL) and categorical requirements like being pregnant, disabled, or a caretaker of dependent children.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Tennessee?

You can apply for Tennessee Medicaid online at HealthCare.gov, by calling 1-800-318-2596, visiting your local Medicaid office, or mailing a paper application. Applications are accepted year-round.

What is MAGI and how does it affect Medicaid eligibility?

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is the income methodology used for most Medicaid eligibility determinations. It includes taxable income, tax-exempt interest, and Social Security benefits. Deductions like student loan interest and IRA contributions are subtracted. A 5% income disregard is applied to the FPL threshold.

Can I have assets and still qualify for Tennessee Medicaid?

For most MAGI-based Medicaid categories (adults, children, pregnant women), there is no asset test — only income matters. However, elderly and disabled applicants may face asset limits, typically $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples, though some states have eliminated asset tests.

What is the Medicaid coverage gap in non-expansion states?

In Tennessee, adults earning between 26% and 100% FPL may fall into a coverage gap — too much income for traditional Medicaid but too little for ACA marketplace subsidies. This affects an estimated 141026+ residents.