TennCare: Tennessee’s Medicaid Program Explained for Seniors
What TennCare is, who qualifies, income limits, what it covers, and how to apply
TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program — a state and federally funded health insurance program for people with limited income, seniors, people with disabilities, and families who meet eligibility requirements. If you’ve seen the name TennCare and wondered whether it’s the same as Medicaid, the answer is yes. TennCare is simply what Tennessee calls its Medicaid program.
For seniors and older adults in Tennessee, TennCare can be a critical source of coverage for healthcare costs and long-term care — especially when Medicare doesn’t cover everything and out-of-pocket expenses become unmanageable.
Is TennCare Medicaid?
Yes. TennCare is Tennessee’s version of Medicaid. Every state administers its Medicaid program under its own name — Tennessee calls it TennCare, Oregon calls it OHP, California calls it Medi-Cal. They are all part of the same federal-state Medicaid system.
Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →
TennCare is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) — private health plans contracted by the state to coordinate and deliver services to TennCare members. The three main MCOs in Tennessee are BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Amerigroup Tennessee.
Is TennCare Medicare or Medicaid?
TennCare is Medicaid — not Medicare. These are two different programs:
- Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older (or those with certain disabilities). Eligibility is based on age or disability, not income.
- TennCare (Medicaid) is a state program based on income and eligibility criteria. Age alone does not qualify you — you must meet financial and other requirements.
Some seniors qualify for both at the same time — called dual eligibility. When that happens, Medicare pays first and TennCare helps cover the remaining costs, including premiums, copays, and services Medicare excludes.
Who Qualifies for TennCare?
TennCare eligibility in Tennessee is more restricted than in many other states. Tennessee did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means the income limits for most adults are lower than in expansion states. Key eligibility groups include:
- Seniors 65 and older who meet income and asset requirements — particularly those needing long-term care
- People with disabilities who meet TennCare’s disability and income criteria
- Children and pregnant women — TennCare covers these groups at higher income thresholds
- Caretaker relatives of dependent children who meet income limits
- Dual-eligible seniors on Medicare with limited income
Most low-income working-age adults in Tennessee do not qualify for TennCare unless they have a disability or dependent children — this is an important distinction from states that expanded Medicaid.
TennCare Income Limits (2026)
Income limits vary by eligibility category. Here is a general reference for seniors and key groups:
| Eligibility Group | Approximate Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Seniors 65+ (standard Medicaid) | ~$943/month (individual) |
| Seniors needing long-term care | Up to ~$2,829/month; asset limits apply |
| Dual-eligible Medicare/TennCare | Based on Medicare Savings Program limits |
| Children (up to age 19) | Up to 250% FPL |
Note: These figures are approximate and updated annually. Asset limits also apply for seniors — contact TennCare Connect or your local Department of Human Services for current figures specific to your situation.
What Does TennCare Cover?
TennCare covers a wide range of healthcare services. For seniors, the most significant benefits include:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use services
- Preventive care — screenings, vaccinations, wellness visits
- Long-term care — nursing home care, in-home personal care, and community-based services for eligible seniors
- Non-emergency medical transportation
- Dental and vision — available through managed care plans for eligible members
Coverage details can vary slightly depending on which managed care organization (BlueCare, UnitedHealthcare, or Amerigroup) administers your plan.
TennCare Standard vs. TennCare Medicaid
You may see references to TennCare Standard — this is a separate, limited program for certain individuals who do not qualify for full Medicaid but were previously enrolled in TennCare before eligibility rules changed. TennCare Standard has a capped enrollment and more limited benefits than full TennCare Medicaid. New enrollments into TennCare Standard are rare and heavily restricted.
For most seniors researching TennCare today, the relevant program is full TennCare Medicaid — not TennCare Standard.
TennCare and Medicare: How They Work Together
If you are a senior already enrolled in Medicare and you also qualify for TennCare, you become what’s called a dual-eligible beneficiary. This combination can significantly reduce your healthcare costs:
- Medicare pays first for covered services
- TennCare may pay Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays
- TennCare covers long-term care services that Medicare does not, including extended nursing home stays and in-home personal care
How to Apply for TennCare
Tennessee residents can apply for TennCare through TennCare Connect — the state’s online eligibility portal:
- Apply online at tenncare.gov through TennCare Connect, by phone at 1-855-259-0701, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office.
- Provide proof of Tennessee residency, income, identity, and — for seniors — information about assets and any current Medicare enrollment.
- If approved, you will choose a managed care organization (BlueCare, UnitedHealthcare, or Amerigroup) as your TennCare health plan.
- Once enrolled, you can begin using your TennCare benefits immediately through your chosen MCO’s provider network.
There is no open enrollment period for TennCare — you can apply at any time if you believe you meet the eligibility requirements.
What This Means for Seniors in Tennessee
If you are 65 or older, living in Tennessee, and have limited income, TennCare could cover healthcare and long-term care costs that would otherwise be a significant financial burden — including nursing home care that Medicare will not pay for beyond 100 days.
Because Tennessee did not expand Medicaid, eligibility rules are stricter here than in many other states. Understanding exactly which category you may qualify under — and what the income and asset limits are — is the critical first step. Speaking with a TennCare eligibility counselor or a local benefits advisor can help you navigate the process without costly mistakes.
Last Updated on 30 June 2026 by ingmin