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Tennessee Medicaid Eligibility Calculator

Tennessee has not adopted Medicaid expansion. Most people aged 19–64 without dependent children don't qualify on income alone, and parents face limits set by the state. Pregnant people and children are covered to at least 138% of the federal poverty level.

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Tennessee Medicaid eligibility at a glance

  • TennCareProgram
  • Not adoptedExpansion status
  • No general coverage for people 21 and olderPeople under 65
  • 89% FPL (approx.)Parents and caretakers
  • 200% FPLPregnancy
  • 255% FPLChildren (up to)
  • 855-259-0701Agency phone
  • Official siteAgency website

Tennessee pregnancy and child minimum limits, 2026 (138% FPL)

Household sizeMonthly limitYearly limit
1$1,835$22,025
2$2,489$29,863
3$3,142$37,702
4$3,795$45,540
5$4,448$53,378
6$5,101$61,217
7$5,755$69,055
8$6,408$76,894

Tennessee Medicaid income limits by group, 2026

HouseholdParents /moPregnancy /moTeens 6–18 /moChildren, top /mo
1$1,184———
2$1,605$3,607$2,489$4,599
3$2,026$4,553$3,142$5,806
4$2,448$5,500$3,795$7,013
5$2,869$6,447$4,448$8,220
6$3,290$7,393$5,101$9,427

Children, pregnancy and parent limits use the Medicaid.gov eligibility levels table (state decisions as of December 1, 2023, the latest shown there), plus the 5% disregard, converted to dollars with 2026 poverty guidelines. States can change these, so confirm with your agency.

Tennessee's children's limit of up to 255% of poverty ranks around the middle of the country, and its pregnancy limit of 200% is around the middle of the country. Compare all states' income limits.

Who qualifies for Medicaid in Tennessee?

  • People: Tennessee has not adopted Medicaid expansion. Most people aged 19–64 without dependent children don't qualify on income alone, and parents face limits set by the state. Pregnant people and children are covered to at least 138% of the federal poverty level.
  • Parents: with one child and a household of two, the parent limit is about $1,605 a month.
  • Pregnant people: a household of two (you and your expected baby) can qualify up to about $3,607 a month.
  • Children: a family of four can have up to about $3,795 a month for teens under Medicaid, and up to $7,013 depending on age and program.
  • Seniors and people with disabilities: a common benchmark is $1,014 a month and $2,000 in assets for one person. Tennessee's rules may differ, so confirm with the agency.
Tennessee Medicaid eligibility calculator: person reviewing coverage options

Tennessee Medicaid examples

  • A single person with no children and $1,000 a month is unlikely to qualify, because Tennessee has not adopted expansion.
  • A pregnant person in a household of three earning $4,353 a month is within the pregnancy limit.
  • A family of four earning $3,595 a month has teens within the Medicaid limit, even if the parents are over theirs.

Federal poverty levels used for Tennessee

Household100% FPL138% FPL150% FPL200% FPL
1$15,960$22,025$23,940$31,920
2$21,640$29,863$32,460$43,280
3$27,320$37,702$40,980$54,640
4$33,000$45,540$49,500$66,000
5$38,680$53,378$58,020$77,360
6$44,360$61,217$66,540$88,720
7$50,040$69,055$75,060$100,080
8$55,720$76,894$83,580$111,440

Yearly dollars from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Divide by 12 for a monthly figure.

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How to apply for Medicaid in Tennessee

  1. Check your estimate with the Tennessee Medicaid calculator above.
  2. Gather proof of identity, address, income and household.
  3. Apply through the Tennessee Medicaid agency, by calling 855-259-0701, or at HealthCare.gov. Applying is free.
  4. Answer any requests for more information before the deadline.
  5. Look for a decision, usually within 45 days, or 90 days if it depends on a disability.

See our full Medicaid application guide and who qualifies.

What TennCare covers

Like every state, Tennessee must cover hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and X-rays, nursing facility care, home health, family planning, rides to medical care and EPSDT services for children. Optional benefits, such as dental care for people 21 and older and eyeglasses, are up to the state. Ask the agency or your health plan for the current Tennessee benefit list.

The coverage gap in Tennessee

Because Tennessee has not adopted full expansion, some people aged 19–64 earn too little for Marketplace premium tax credits, yet don't qualify for Medicaid. If that describes you, ask about community health centers and hospital financial aid. Check again if you become pregnant, get a disability diagnosis, or if your income rises to about 100% of the poverty level, when Marketplace savings may begin.

Seniors and long-term care in Tennessee

Older people and people with disabilities in Tennessee may qualify for coverage, help with Medicare costs, nursing home care or home care through waiver programs. These use separate income, asset and care-need rules, and a 60-month look-back on asset transfers applies to long-term care. See our guide to Medicaid for seniors.

Keeping your Tennessee coverage

  • Update your address with the agency when you move.
  • Respond to every renewal letter by its deadline.
  • Report changes in income or household as required.
  • If you're denied, read the notice and ask about a fair hearing, usually within 90 days.

Free help in Tennessee

Trained helpers can assist with applications at no cost. Dial 211, or find a local navigator at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Be careful of anyone charging a fee to apply. Tennessee residents on Medicaid can also check Lifeline phone discounts and food programs.

Tennessee Medicaid FAQs

What is the Medicaid income limit in Tennessee for 2026?

Tennessee has not adopted full expansion. Parents can qualify at about 89% of poverty, pregnant people at 200% and children up to 255%.

Did Tennessee expand Medicaid?

No. Tennessee is one of 10 states that have not adopted expansion.

How do I apply for TennCare?

Apply online through the state agency or HealthCare.gov, or call 855-259-0701. It is free and you can apply at any time.

Can pregnant women get Medicaid in Tennessee?

Yes. The published limit is about 200% of poverty, or $3,607 a month for a household of two.

Does Tennessee cover children through Medicaid or CHIP?

Tennessee covers children through Medicaid and a separate CHIP program, up to about 255% of poverty.

Is the Tennessee Medicaid calculator official?

No. It is an independent estimate. Only the Tennessee Medicaid agency can make a decision.

Agency details from Medicaid.gov. Check the agency site for current contact information.

Other state Medicaid calculators

Texas Medicaid calculator · Utah Medicaid calculator · Vermont Medicaid calculator · Virginia Medicaid calculator · Washington Medicaid calculator · West Virginia Medicaid calculator

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Benefits to know about in Tennessee