Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you need health coverage or care in Tennessee, start with TennCare Connect for TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids. Pregnant mothers should also contact a local health department because temporary pregnancy coverage may start before the full application is finished.
Children often have more coverage options than adults. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid to all low-income adults, so an adult may be denied even when her child qualifies. If that happens, use clinics, Marketplace coverage, prescription help, and appeals as backup paths.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Urgent help first
- Medical emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988. In Tennessee, ask for local crisis help if you or your child may need mobile crisis support. Start with Tennessee crisis help before the situation gets worse.
- Pregnant with no coverage: Call or visit your county health department and ask about temporary pregnancy coverage. You still need to finish the full TennCare or CoverKids application.
- No ride to care: If you already have TennCare, call your health plan ride line at least two business days before the visit when possible.
- Need nearby help today: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 through Tennessee 211 for local clinics, food, housing, and crisis referrals.
Where to start
If you are pregnant
Call TennCare Connect and your county health department. Ask about temporary coverage, then finish the full application. Also read ASMOM’s Tennessee postpartum coverage guide.
If your child needs coverage
Apply through TennCare Connect. If your child is over the TennCare limit, CoverKids may still help. For food support, see SNAP help.
If you were denied
Read the letter, check the reason, and file an appeal if the facts are wrong or the case took too long.
Quick reference: what to do first
| Your situation | Best first step | Why it matters | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| You are pregnant | Ask a health department about temporary coverage and apply through TennCare Connect. | Pregnancy coverage can start faster while the full case is reviewed. | Temporary coverage is not the same as a full approval. |
| Your child is uninsured | Apply for TennCare. If denied for income, check CoverKids. | Children may qualify at higher limits than some adults. | CoverKids cannot be used as a second health plan for a child. |
| You need care now | Call a community clinic, charitable clinic, or county health department. | Clinics may use sliding fees or charity care. | Some clinics have wait times or service limits. |
| You missed a ride | Call your TennCare plan ride vendor and ask what can still be done. | Rides are usually scheduled before the appointment. | Urgent rides may need provider confirmation. |
| You got a denial letter | File the right appeal and keep proof. | An appeal is the official way to challenge the decision. | Deadlines matter. Do not wait. |
2026 income limits to check first
Tennessee uses different income limits for different groups. The official income guide lists the 2026 monthly and yearly limits. The state still checks household details, other coverage, and program category.
| Program or group | Who it may help | Income level | Examples for 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TennCare pregnancy | Pregnant Tennessee residents who meet rules | Up to 250% FPL | Family of 2: $4,509 monthly. Family of 4: $6,875 monthly. |
| TennCare child age 0 to 1 | Low-income babies before the first birthday | Up to 195% FPL | Family of 2: $3,517 monthly. Family of 4: $5,363 monthly. |
| TennCare child age 1 to 5 | Low-income children before the sixth birthday | Up to 142% FPL | Family of 2: $2,561 monthly. Family of 4: $3,905 monthly. |
| TennCare child age 6 to 18 | Low-income school-age children | Up to 133% FPL | Family of 2: $2,399 monthly. Family of 4: $3,658 monthly. |
| Parent or caretaker | Some parents and caretaker relatives | Up to 100% FPL | Family of 2: $1,804 monthly. Family of 4: $2,750 monthly. |
| CoverKids | Eligible children and pregnant women not eligible for TennCare | Up to 250% FPL | Family of 2: $54,100 yearly. Family of 4: $82,500 yearly. |
Important reality check
Income is only one part of eligibility. Tennessee also checks which category you are in. A mother may be too high for parent coverage but still have a baby or child who qualifies. A pregnant mother may have a different limit from a non-pregnant adult.
TennCare Medicaid
TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It can help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, pregnancy care, prescriptions, mental health care, dental care, rides, and other covered services when a person qualifies. Start with the state page for eligibility categories.
Apply for yourself and your children at the same time. The result may be different for each person in the home.
For a plain national overview, ASMOM’s Medicaid guide can help you understand how Medicaid works before you call Tennessee.
- Children: Limits change by age.
- Pregnant mothers: The pregnancy limit is higher than the parent limit.
- Parents and caretakers: Adult parent coverage is limited and usually has a lower income limit.
- Special cases: Some people may qualify through SSI, disability-related groups, breast or cervical cancer treatment, long-term care, or Katie Beckett for children with serious medical needs.
CoverKids for children and pregnant women
CoverKids is Tennessee’s CHIP program. It can cover eligible children age 18 and younger and eligible pregnant women who are not eligible for or enrolled in TennCare. The official CoverKids eligibility page lists the rules.
CoverKids must be the child’s only health plan. Pregnant women may qualify if they meet income rules and are not eligible for TennCare. The state says no immigration documents are required for pregnant CoverKids applicants.
Apply through the same TennCare system. If your child’s TennCare result says income is too high, ask whether CoverKids was reviewed or whether you need to add information.
Pregnancy and postpartum coverage
If you are pregnant and uninsured, do not wait until birth. Tennessee has a pregnant page explaining coverage and how to apply. A county health department may screen you for temporary coverage while your full case is reviewed.
You still need to complete the full TennCare or CoverKids application, because temporary coverage alone does not finish the case.
After birth, call TennCare Connect and report the baby. A child born to a mother with Medicaid can often be covered for the first year under deemed newborn rules, but you still need to follow the state’s reporting steps. For related help, see Tennessee Tennessee WIC and food support during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding and postpartum support
WIC can help with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals, and food benefits for eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers. The state WIC program lists county health departments and clinics as common access points.
TennCare Kids
TennCare Kids is the checkup and care program for TennCare members from birth through age 20. The official TennCare Kids page lists well-child checkups, dental care, medical care, behavioral health care, and screenings.
Use checkups even if your child seems healthy. If your child has a disability or serious condition, also review ASMOM’s Tennessee disability help page.
Rides, dental care, and diapers
Rides to covered TennCare care
TennCare transportation can help members who do not have a way to get to a covered service. The state transportation page says rides should be scheduled at least two business days ahead when possible.
| Plan | Ride vendor | Phone | Helpful note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlueCare | Verida | 1-855-735-4660 | Where’s My Ride: option 3. Spanish: option 9. |
| TennCare Select | Verida | 1-866-473-7565 | Where’s My Ride: option 3. Spanish: option 9. |
| UnitedHealthcare | Tennessee Carriers | 1-866-405-0238 | Where’s My Ride: option 1. Spanish: option 2. |
| Wellpoint | Tennessee Carriers | 1-866-680-0633 | Where’s My Ride: option 1. Spanish: option 2. |
Dental care
TennCare dental benefits are now handled by Renaissance, not DentaQuest. The state dental page lists Renaissance at 866-864-2526. Adults have covered medically necessary dental benefits, and children have dental care through TennCare Kids. ASMOM’s Tennessee dental help page has more options.
Diaper benefit
TennCare and CoverKids members under age 2 may get up to 100 diapers per month from participating pharmacies. The state diaper benefit page says no prescription is required. Questions go to OptumRx at 888-816-1680.
If you do not qualify for TennCare
A denial may only mean TennCare is not the right path for your adult coverage. You may still have options.
- Community health centers: Use the HRSA health center locator for clinics that may use sliding fees based on income.
- Tennessee clinics: The Tennessee Primary Care Association lists community health centers across the state.
- Charitable clinics: The Tennessee Charitable Care Network lists charitable clinics that may help uninsured and underinsured people.
- Marketplace plans: In HealthCare.gov states, Open Enrollment usually runs November 1 through January 15. Check Marketplace dates and, outside that period, check for a Special Enrollment Period after events like losing coverage, birth, adoption, or moving.
- Rural help: If travel is a barrier, ASMOM’s Tennessee rural help page can help you think through nearby supports.
Prescription help through CoverRx
CoverRx is not health insurance. It does not pay for doctor visits or hospital care. It is a Tennessee prescription drug program for people ages 18 to 64 who meet income rules and have no pharmacy coverage. The state CoverRx page says OptumRx handles questions at 800-424-5815.
Check CoverRx benefits before you count on it for a medicine, because covered drugs and copays can change.
How to apply for TennCare or CoverKids
The state explains how to apply online, by phone, or with a paper application. The same system can screen many TennCare and CoverKids cases.
- Online: Create or use a TennCare Connect account. You can apply, check status, report changes, and read letters.
- Phone: Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701. The Tennessee Relay Service can connect callers with hearing or speech needs at 800-848-0298.
- Paper: Mail the application to TennCare Connect, P.O. Box 305240, Nashville, TN 37230-5240, or fax it to 1-855-315-0669.
- In person: Ask your local Department of Health office for application help.
The application can take 30 to 60 minutes. Keep your phone charged and papers nearby. For appointments, see Tennessee child care help.
Documents and information checklist
| What to gather | Examples | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, school records, birth certificate, or other ID documents | Helps confirm who is applying. |
| Social Security details | SSNs for people applying, if they have one | TennCare asks for this for many applicants. |
| Household list | Names, dates of birth, who lives with you, and who you claim or support | Household size affects limits. |
| Income proof | Pay stubs, employer letter, unemployment, child support, self-employment notes | Clear proof can prevent delays. |
| Pregnancy proof | Clinic confirmation, health department screening, expected due date | May be needed for pregnancy coverage. |
| Other insurance | Employer plan, Marketplace plan, COBRA, private insurance, or no coverage | The state checks other coverage. |
| Contact details | Current mailing address, phone, email, safe message option | Missing mail can lead to closure or denial. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using old income numbers. Check the current state guide before you decide you are over or under the limit.
- Ignoring mail. TennCare letters may ask for proof or explain appeal rights.
- Assuming the mother and child match. A child may qualify even when the mother does not.
- Waiting to report a newborn. Call soon after birth so the baby is added correctly.
- Calling too late for rides. Schedule rides at least two business days ahead when possible.
- Entering private data on random sites. Use official state pages, clinics, or trusted local help.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or ignored
First, read the letter. Look for the reason, the date, the deadline, and the type of decision. Then choose the right appeal path.
Eligibility appeal
Use an eligibility appeal if the state denied you, ended coverage, used the wrong income or family size, or took more than 45 days to decide a regular application.
Medical appeal
Use a medical appeal if TennCare or CoverKids denied, delayed, stopped, or changed a covered health service. Medical appeals can be taken by phone at 1-800-878-3192.
Keep copies of forms, fax confirmations, letters, screenshots, and names. If you need help with a hearing notice, check Tennessee legal help and ask a qualified legal aid office.
Backup options while you wait
- Call a clinic and ask if they have a sliding fee scale or charity care.
- Use WIC for nutrition and breastfeeding help if you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child under 5 and qualify.
- Use 211 for nearby health, food, diaper, utility, and housing referrals.
- Check ASMOM’s emergency help page if the medical problem is tied to rent, food, safety, transportation, or utilities.
- If stress, depression, anxiety, or trauma feels unsafe, use crisis care and Tennessee mental health resources.
Local and statewide resource finders
| Need | Where to start | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| County health services | Local health department | Ask about pregnancy coverage, WIC, immunizations, family planning, testing, and local clinics. |
| Food and nutrition | WIC and SNAP | Ask if your pregnancy, infant, or child qualifies. Use ASMOM’s Tennessee WIC and SNAP pages for next steps. |
| Clinic care | Health centers and charitable clinics | Ask about sliding fees, uninsured visits, dental care, behavioral health, and proof needed. |
| Other bills | 211 and local agencies | Ask for medical transportation, utility help, rent help, diapers, and case management. |
If bills are blocking care, start with Tennessee utility assistance or housing resources.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling TennCare Connect
Hi, my name is [name]. I need to apply for health coverage for myself and my child, or check an application I sent. Can you tell me what is missing and how I can send proof?
Calling the health department while pregnant
Hi, I am pregnant and uninsured. I need to ask about temporary pregnancy coverage and the full TennCare or CoverKids application. What should I bring?
Calling for a TennCare ride
Hi, I have a TennCare-covered appointment on [date] at [time]. I do not have a ride. My plan is [plan name]. Can I schedule transportation?
Calling a clinic
Hi, I am uninsured or waiting on TennCare. Do you take patients on a sliding fee scale? What proof should I bring?
Resumen en espanol
Si eres madre soltera en Tennessee y necesitas seguro medico, empieza con TennCare Connect. Si estas embarazada, llama tambien al departamento de salud de tu condado y pregunta por cobertura temporal de embarazo. Tus hijos pueden calificar para TennCare o CoverKids aunque tu no califiques.
Si tienes una emergencia medica, llama al 911. Si hay una crisis de salud mental, llama o manda texto al 988. Si necesitas ayuda local con clinicas, comida, vivienda, transporte o panales, marca 211 o manda tu codigo postal al 898-211.
Guarda cartas, copias, fechas y nombres de las personas con quien hablaste. Si te niegan beneficios o el caso tarda mucho, pregunta por una apelacion.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single mother in Tennessee get TennCare?
Maybe. Tennessee checks category and income. Pregnancy, child, very low-income parent, disability-related, and other covered groups may qualify. Low income alone does not always qualify an adult.
What is the 2026 income limit for pregnant women?
The pregnancy limit is up to 250% FPL. For 2026, Tennessee lists $4,509 monthly for a family of 2 and $6,875 monthly for a family of 4. Check the official guide.
Can my child get CoverKids if we are over TennCare limits?
Possibly. CoverKids can help eligible Tennessee children under 19 who are not eligible for TennCare and are at or below 250% FPL. The child generally cannot have another health plan.
Does TennCare cover dental care for adults?
Yes. Adult TennCare members have covered medically necessary dental benefits. Renaissance handles Tennessee dental benefits and can be reached at 866-864-2526.
Can TennCare help with rides to appointments?
Yes. TennCare transportation can help members without a ride to covered services. Schedule at least two business days ahead when possible.
What if I applied and have not heard back?
Check your TennCare Connect account and mail first. If a regular application is pending more than 45 days, you can ask for a delayed application hearing.
What can I use if I do not qualify for TennCare?
Check CoverKids for children or pregnancy, HealthCare.gov plans, community health centers, charitable clinics, county health departments, CoverRx for prescriptions, and 211 for local referrals.
Can I get help in Spanish or another language?
Ask TennCare, your health plan, clinic, or ride vendor for language help. Some ride lines list Spanish options. For emergencies, use 911 or 988 and ask for an interpreter if needed.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.