TennCare · Updated August 22, 2026

Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Tennessee (2026)

Income LimitsEligibilityAsset LimitsHow to ApplyRenewalMedicare Savings ProgramsSeniors & Long-Term Care

To qualify for TennCare in 2026 you must be a Tennessee resident, a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant, and fit into a covered group with income under that group's limit. Because Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, working-age adults without children generally do not qualify.

Who is covered

Adults 19–64

Not available
Single
Not available/mo
Family of 3
Not available/mo

State has not expanded Medicaid; childless adults generally not eligible

Parents & caretakers

87% of FPL
Single
$1,157/mo
Family of 3
$1,981/mo

Parent/caretaker limit; confirm with state agency

Children (Medicaid/CHIP)

255% of FPL
Single
$3,392/mo
Family of 3
$5,806/mo

Upper limit incl. CHIP; younger age bands may differ. KFF 2025 survey - confirm with state

Pregnant women

200% of FPL
Single
$2,660/mo
Family of 3
$4,553/mo

Includes CHIP pregnancy/unborn-child coverage where offered. KFF 2025 survey - confirm with state

Seniors, blind & disabled

100% of FPL
Single
$1,330/mo
Family of 3
$2,277/mo

SSI-related; most states use SSI limit (~74% FPL) or 100% FPL. CA, AZ and a few others have no asset test

Requirements checklist

  1. Residency. You live in Tennessee and intend to stay. No minimum length of residence.
  2. Citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (usually after 5 years), refugees, asylees and certain other categories. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of status.
  3. Income. Under the limit for your group; see Tennessee income limits.
  4. Assets (seniors and disabled only). Under $2,000 for an individual; see asset limits.
  5. Social Security number for each applicant (not required for non-applicant household members).

Groups with special rules

  • Former foster youth are covered to age 26 regardless of income.
  • Women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a screening program.
  • People receiving SSI are automatically eligible in most states.
  • Medically needy. If offered, lets people with high medical bills qualify after a spend-down.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Medicaid in Tennessee if I work?
Yes. Employment does not disqualify you; only income does. Many workers, especially part-time and hourly, fall under the Not available/month single-adult limit.
Do I qualify for Tennessee Medicaid if I have no income?
Only if you are in a covered category: parent of a minor, pregnant, age 65+, or disabled. Tennessee does not cover childless adults even with no income.
Can non-citizens get Tennessee Medicaid?
Lawful permanent residents generally qualify after five years; refugees and asylees qualify immediately. Undocumented immigrants qualify only for emergency services, though some states cover children regardless of status.
How do I check if I qualify?
Use the eligibility calculator on this site for a quick estimate, then apply through the official state link; the agency makes the final determination.

Sources

Limits are calculated from the federal poverty guidelines using the percentage Tennessee applies to each group, and rounded to the nearest dollar. Your state agency makes the final determination.