Available Programs
Tennessee — Health & Insurance Programs 2025
4 active programs with income limits, eligibility details, and direct application links.
🏥
Accepting Applications
Free or low-cost health insurance for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities. This state did NOT expand Medicaid. Income limits are stricter — mainly covers children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Income Limit (adult)
~50% FPL (limited)
Coverage
Free or $0 premium
Expansion State?
✗ No
📋 Details, How to Apply & Income Table
▾
What Medicaid Covers
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Doctor visits | $0 or low copay |
| Hospital stays | Fully covered |
| Prescription drugs | $0–$3 copay |
| Mental health | Covered |
| Dental (adults) | Varies by state |
| Vision | Covered for children |
1
Apply at TN DHS (tn.gov/humanservices) or at healthcare.gov.
2
Documents: Photo ID, proof of income, Social Security number, proof of state residency.
3
If approved, coverage often starts the first day of the month you apply.
4
Renew every year — update your income information to keep coverage.
👶
Accepting Applications
Low-cost or free health coverage for uninsured children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. Covers doctor visits, immunizations, prescriptions, and emergency care.
Age Range
Under 19
Income Limit
~200% FPL
Monthly Premium
$0–$50/mo
📋 Details, How to Apply & Income Table
▾
1
Apply at TN DHS (tn.gov/humanservices) or call 1-866-311-4287.
2
Documents: Child's birth certificate, proof of income, proof of residency.
3
Processing time: 2–4 weeks. Retroactive coverage sometimes available.
🏪
Accepting Applications
Subsidized private health insurance through the federal or state marketplace. Tax credits can reduce premiums to $0/month for many low-income households. Open enrollment is November 1 – January 15 each year.
Subsidy Eligibility
Up to 400% FPL
Enrollment Period
Nov 1 – Jan 15
Avg Subsidy
~$536/mo
📋 Details, How to Apply & Income Table
▾
1
Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and see your subsidy amount.
2
Create a free account, enter your household income and size.
3
Compare plans by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll before January 15.
4
If you lose job-based insurance, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (60 days).
🏨
Accepting Applications
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide medical, dental, and mental health services on a sliding fee scale based on income. No insurance required. All immigration statuses welcome in Tennessee.
Cost
Sliding scale $0–$40
Insurance Needed?
No ✓
Locations in State
100+ FQHCs
📋 Details, How to Apply & Income Table
▾
1
Find your nearest FQHC: Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and enter your ZIP code.
2
No appointment needed at many FQHCs. Call ahead if possible.
3
Bring what you have — no documentation is required to be seen. Fees are set based on your income.
🌐
All Immigration Statuses Welcome: FQHCs serve everyone regardless of immigration status, insurance, or ability to pay. Services are confidential.
Free Tool
Check Your Eligibility — Tennessee
Enter your household info to see which programs you qualify for and estimated benefits.
🧮 Tennessee Benefits Calculator
Anonymous · Not stored · Takes 2 minutes
Live Data
Tennessee Economic Snapshot
Real-time data from BLS and Census Bureau — updated automatically.
Unemployment Rate
BLS API · Live
Fetching…
Loading from Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Median Household Income
Census ACS · 2022
Fetching…
Loading from Census ACS…
People in Poverty
Census ACS · 2022
Fetching…
Loading poverty stats…
SNAP Max Benefit (4-person)
USDA FNS
$973
Updated Oct 2024 — Tennessee income limit: $3,250/mo for 4-person household.
↑ +$10 vs 2024
Application Guide
How to Apply in Tennessee
Apply online at TN DHS (tn.gov/humanservices) or call 1-866-311-4287.
Option A — Online
2
Create account, complete application (~20 min)
3
Upload documents — phone camera works fine
4
Complete phone/in-person interview within 3–5 days
5
EBT or benefit card arrives within 7–10 days if approved
Option B — Phone / In Person
📞
Call 1-866-311-4287 — multilingual, apply by phone or find local office
🏛
Walk in to your county social services office. Emergency same-day processing available.
📋
Documents: Photo ID · Proof of address · Proof of income or zero-income declaration
Common Questions
Tennessee Health & Insurance FAQ
What is the difference between Medicaid and the ACA marketplace?
Medicaid is free government health insurance for low-income individuals (income under ~138% FPL in expansion states). The ACA marketplace offers subsidized private insurance for people who earn too much for Medicaid but still qualify for premium tax credits (up to 400% FPL).
Can undocumented immigrants get health insurance?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency care, and community health centers (FQHCs) serve everyone regardless of status on a sliding fee scale. Some states have state-funded health programs for undocumented residents.
What is a FQHC?
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is a community health clinic that receives federal funding to provide care on a sliding fee scale based on income. No insurance is required. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Does receiving Medicaid affect a green card application?
Under the current 2025 public charge rule, Medicaid does NOT count against most green card applicants. The exception is institutionalized care for long-term conditions. Consult an immigration attorney if you are in an active immigration process.
How do I keep my Medicaid coverage?
You must complete an annual renewal/redetermination. Your state will contact you — respond promptly. Update your income, household size, and address to avoid losing coverage.
Recommended Services
Services That Help
Vetted services our readers use alongside their benefits.
🩺
eHealth Insurance
✓ ACA plans, $0 premium options
Compare ACA marketplace plans side-by-side. Many low-income households qualify for $0/month premiums.
Compare Plans Free →🧾
TurboTax — Claim EITC
✓ Up to $7,830 tax credit
If you receive SNAP or have children, you likely qualify for EITC. File free and get your full refund.
File Free & Claim EITC →🏦
Chime — Free Banking
✓ No fees, no credit check
Get benefit payments 2 days early. No fees, no SSN required to open an account.
Open Free Account →⚖️
CitizenPath — Immigration
✓ DACA, Green Card, Work Permits
Attorney-reviewed immigration forms for DACA renewal, family petitions, and work authorization.
Start Application →