How to Apply for Tennessee Medicaid
Updated August 2026
The Bureau of TennCare accepts applications online, by phone, on paper, and in person at any DHS office across Tennessee's 95 counties. Per the TennCare FAQ (last updated August 2025), there are three official application channels for TennCare Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs.
Check eligibility before applying — most adults without children or disabilities do not qualify
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. Most adults ages 19–64 without children and without a qualifying disability do not meet TennCare eligibility criteria, regardless of income. Use the TennCare Connect screening tool at tenncareconnect.tn.gov to check whether you likely qualify before submitting a full application.
How to apply for TennCare in Tennessee
- Online — TennCare Connect: Apply at tenncareconnect.tn.gov. Create an account to apply, check status, read letters, renew coverage, and report changes. A free TennCare Connect mobile app is available for iOS and Android. Online applicants may receive a same-day eligibility decision in straightforward cases.
- By phone — TennCare Connect: Call 1-855-259-0701 (toll-free). TTY/TDD users call the Tennessee Relay Service at 1-800-848-0298 and ask to be connected to 1-855-259-0701. Language interpretation services are available at no cost.
- In person — DHS office: Visit a Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Assistance office. DHS has offices in all 95 Tennessee counties. Call 1-866-311-4287 to find your nearest office. DHS kiosks also allow online applications at the office.
- By mail or fax — paper application: Download the paper application in English or Spanish from tn.gov/tenncare. Mail to: TennCare Connect, P.O. Box 305240, Nashville, TN 37230-5240. Fax to: 1-855-315-0669. Keep the confirmation page from any fax you send.
What you need to apply for TennCare
TennCare verifies identity, residency, income, citizenship or qualifying immigration status, and family relationships. Gather the following before submitting your application.
- Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
- Social Security numbers for all applicants — required for all TennCare categories
- Proof of Tennessee residency — utility bill, lease, or official mail with current address
- Income documentation — pay stubs from the last 30 days, employer letter, or benefit award letters
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants — green card, visa, or I-94
- For children: proof of relationship (birth certificate or legal guardianship document)
- For disability-based applications: Social Security award letter or physician documentation
- Medicare card if applying for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI)
How long does a TennCare application take?
Under 42 CFR 435.912, Tennessee must process most TennCare applications within 45 days. Applications for long-term services and supports (CHOICES program) may take up to 90 days because they require both financial and medical eligibility review.
Online applicants who submit complete information may receive a determination immediately or within a few days. Applicants can track their application status in real time through TennCare Connect's "Manage My Submissions" tile — four status stages are shown: Submitted, Information Needed, Review in Progress, and Processed.
Report any address change within 10 days of moving. TennCare sends notices to the address on file, and missed notices are treated as received. A change of state residence cancels TennCare eligibility immediately — if you move out of Tennessee, apply for Medicaid in your new state as soon as possible.
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)
Visit the official Tennessee Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →