Medicaid Application Instructions


Residents of Tennessee can apply for TennCare and Medicaid benefits using different routes. One of the easiest ways to apply is to complete an online application.

You can explore different methods to enroll in Medicaid.

Apply online

To apply for Medicaid online, visit www.healthcare.gov and start Medicaid application online. You may have to create an account with HealthCare website before you can start your application.

Apply through DHS office

You can also apply through any DHS office in Tennessee. Use this tool to find an office closer to your location.

Apply over the phone

You can also start your enrollment application for Tennessee Medicaid over the phone. Dial 1-800-318-2596 to start your application.

For more information about the program, call at 1-866-475-7879 or contact a private group near you. Visit this link to locate a TennCare private group in your area.


Eligibility Requirements

If you are living in Tennessee and you cannot afford private health care and basic medical coverage due to poverty, you can easily enroll for Medicaid. However, you will need to check if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the program.

General eligibility

Medicaid will pay for various long-term health care and medical services for applicants only if they fall into one of the Medicaid categories. Here are some groups covered under TennCare Medicaid.

- Children

- Pregnant women

- Parents and caretakers of dependent children

- Women living with breast and cervical cancer

- Elderly and disabled

Applicants who are enrolled in any long-term TennCare service or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically qualify for TennCare Medicaid.

Income eligibility

TennCare Medicaid pays for long-term health care and basic medical services for the residents of Tennessee who fall into any Medicaid group and meet the corresponding income guidelines.

The income guidelines for the program are based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You can check whether you meet income guidelines for the program by comparing your household size against the annual household income per year. The income limits provided in the table below are maximum limits.

Household sizeIncome limit

1 $15,800

2 $21,307

3 $26,813

4 $32,319

5 $37,825

6 $43,331

7 $48,851

8 $54,384

If there are more than eight members in your household, you can calculate you income limit by simply adding $5,533 for every additional person.