Is Medicaid and TennCare the same thing?

Asked by: Tess Effertz  |  Last update: July 27, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)

TennCare is the state of Tennessee's Medicaid program. It provides healthcare to mostly low-income pregnant women, parents or caretakers of a minor child, children and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. To get Medicaid, you must meet the income and resource limits. You can apply anytime for TennCare.

Is Medicare a TennCare?

TennCare insurance is NOT Medicare – it is strictly a Medicaid program. While Medicare is for Tennessee senior citizens, Medicaid is for low-income Tennessee residents of all ages. Some people will be eligible for both! If you are eligible for TennCare, you will begin with TennCare Medicaid.

Who is eligible for Tennessee Medicaid?

To be eligible for Tennessee Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Tennessee, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.

What Tennessee Medicaid covers?

The state of Tennessee offers Medicaid benefits to its residents. Known as TennCare, the state provides opportunities for eligible applicants to receive vital medical services that can include emergency or intensive care, dental care, lab work, eye care, doctor's visits, and more.

What is the income limit to qualify for Medicaid in Tennessee?

The MMMNA is $2,288.75 (effective 7/1/22 – 6/30/23). If a non-applicant's income falls under $2,288.75 / month, income can be transferred from the applicant spouse to the non-applicant spouse, bringing their monthly income up to $2,288.75.

Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law - What are the differences among Medicare, Medicaid, and TennCare?

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Does Tennessee have free health insurance?

TennCare is the state's version of free health insurance known as Medicaid. It will provide comprehensive medical and health care coverage for needy as well as qualified low income residents of Tennessee. It is offered in partnership with community clinics.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid

The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

Does Tennessee have Medicaid for adults?

TennCare is the state of Tennessee's Medicaid program. It provides healthcare to mostly low-income pregnant women, parents or caretakers of a minor child, children and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. To get Medicaid, you must meet the income and resource limits. You can apply anytime for TennCare.

What types of TennCare are there?

  • Categories.
  • Medically Eligible.
  • TennCare Medicaid.
  • TennCare Standard.
  • Uninsured.

Is Amerigroup and TennCare the same thing?

Amerigroup is a health plan serving TennCare members in the state of Tennessee. For some types of care, you may have to pay part of the cost.

Can adults get on TennCare?

As a result, very few non-disabled, childless adults are eligible for TennCare. TennCare primarily serves: Low-income children.

How do I get TennCare in Tennessee?

Eligibility
  1. You can call TennCare Connect for free at 855-259-0701 to get help over the phone.
  2. You can go to any DHS office in any of Tennessee's 95 counties. A trained staff person there will help you apply. Over 350 state employees are trained to help you. ...
  3. You can get help from private groups. Find someone near you.

What is TennCare standard?

TennCare Standard is only available for children under age 19 who are already enrolled in TennCare Medicaid and: Who lack access to group health insurance through their parents' employer, or. Their time of eligibility is ending and they don't qualify anymore for TennCare Medicaid.

What is Medicare called in Tennessee?

While Medicare is mainly for seniors and those with certain disabilities, Medicaid (TennCare) is for low-income individuals. It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, but they are NOT the same program. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in Tennessee, you'll qualify for extra benefits.

What is covered under TennCare?

Wellness and Preventive Care: TennCare covers most medical services necessary for physical and mental health, including hospital, physician, and pharmacy services. If you are having problems getting the medical care you need and want help working with your health plan call us at 1-800-758-1638.

What age does TennCare stop?

TennCare Kids is a full program of checkups and health care services for children from birth through age 20 who have TennCare.

Do you have to pay for TennCare?

TennCare Medicaid adults have pharmacy co-pays only. You don't pay co-pays for other TennCare services. But, TennCare Standard members with incomes at or above 100% of poverty do have co-pays for other kinds of services.

How much does TennCare cost?

Total premiums range from approximately $113 to $327 per month and are shared among the employer, employee and the state. These premiums vary by age, weight, and tobacco use.

How long do you have TennCare?

Once a child is enrolled in CoverKids, he or she will receive 12 months of coverage. CoverKids will not re-examine an enrollee's eligibility during this time. If your household circumstances change you must report it to TennCare Connect within 10 days. You can call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701 to report changes.

What is the monthly income limit for food stamps in Tennessee?

The USDA sets the guidelines for gross income limits in Tennessee. They begin at $1,174 for a single-person household and increase from there as more people are added to the house. For example, the limit rises to $1,579 for a family of two, $1,984 for a family of three, $2,389 for a family of four and so forth.

What is considered low income for a single person in Tennessee?

What is considered low income? What is considered an affordable housing cost* for families? A full-time employee, for example, earning the minimum wage of $7.25/hour in Tennessee (last increase was in 2008) earns $15,080/year - considered very low income if they are a single person household.

Why did Tennessee not expand Medicaid?

Most states leapt at the opportunity to expand, and numerous studies show expansion has transformative impacts on the health of low-income residents. Tennessee and 11 other states, all controlled by Republicans, have rejected Medicaid expansion largely because of its association with the Obama administration.

Does Medicaid cover dental?

Dental services are a required service for most Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of 21, as a required component of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.

Who's eligible for Medicaid?

You may qualify for free or low-cost care through Medicaid based on income and family size. In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.