What is Medicaid called in Tennessee?

Asked by: Dr. Diego Satterfield  |  Last update: August 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (21 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.

How to qualify for TennCare as an adult?

To get TennCare CHOICES benefits you have to qualify both medically and financially. The medical qualification is established through a process called a Pre-Admission Evaluation (PAE). This evaluation looks at whether or not you can do certain everyday activities without help.

What's the difference between TennCare Standard and TennCare Medicaid?

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 parent's employer, or. Their time of eligibility is ending and they do not qualify anymore for TennCare Medicaid.

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 does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

How Does Tennessee Medicaid Help Its Residents?

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What is Tennessee Medicaid called?

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.

How often does Medicaid check your income?

Yes, income and assets have to be verified again for Medicaid Redetermination. After initial acceptance into the Medicaid program, redetermination is generally every 12 months. The redetermination process is meant to ensure the senior Medicaid beneficiary still meets the eligibility criteria, such as income and assets.

At what age does TennCare stop?

TennCare is the state of Tennessee's Medicaid program which provides health insurance coverage for people who qualify for the program. Part of the TennCare program is called TennCare Kids which is a full program of check ups and health care services for children from birth to age 21.

How easy is it to get Medicaid in Tennessee?

You can enroll online at HealthCare.gov. You can also enroll by phone at 1-800-318-2596 (HealthCare.gov phone support). Or you can apply in person or by mail at your local County Social Services Office. Eligibility: Parents with dependent children are eligible for Medicaid with household incomes up to 105% of poverty.

How much does Medicaid cost per month?

Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.

Can you have TennCare and Medicare at the same time?

Certain TennCare members who are dually eligible for both TennCare and Medicare may be enrolled in Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (or FIDE SNPs). FIDE SNPs are operated by the MCOs and are responsible for coordinating a member's Medicare and TennCare benefits in a seamless manner.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

How do you check if you have Medicaid?

If you can't find confirmation of your Medicaid status online or in your records, you can call your state's Medicaid office. By providing some personal information, like your Social Security number or application ID, they can look up your current eligibility status and let you know if you have active coverage.

Does Medicaid monitor your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances at any financial institutions you use during the month you apply or during a 60-month look-back period.

When to tell Medicaid I got a job?

You do not need to report or verify any income changes resulting from new employment until your renewal application. The increase in earnings only becomes relevant when Medicaid looks at eligibility again at renewal time.

Does TennCare check your income?

To get TennCare, you must meet certain income and resource limits. These limits are different for each group of people who qualify.

How do I check my Medicaid status in Tennessee?

You can use the TennCare Connect app to check the status of your case, review your health plan information, view your letters, or send us a photo of required documents. If eligible, you can update your contact information, household information, add/update pregnancy records, and add/update your assisting person.

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.

What is Medicare called in Tennessee?

Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans in Tennessee provide everything in Original Medicare, plus additional coverage and benefits. Offered by private insurance companies, Medicare Advantage plans are all-in-one plans that may include: Prescription drug (Part D) coverage.

What are the downsides of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

One of the primary reasons for this is that Medicaid reimbursements are lower than those of commercial insurers for most procedures and treatments.

Is everything free with Medicaid?

States can impose copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other similar charges on most Medicaid-covered benefits, both inpatient and outpatient services, and the amounts that can be charged vary with income. All out of pocket charges are based on the individual state's payment for that service.

What is exempt from Medicaid?

Certain types of income, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veteran's benefits, and some forms of child support, are exempted from the spend down calculation. These exemptions ensure that individuals with limited income sources can still qualify for Medicaid.