How to Renew Tennessee Medicaid
Updated August 2026
TennCare redetermines eligibility once per year. Like other states, Tennessee first attempts an ex parte renewal — using electronic data from SSA, the IRS, Tennessee's state wage database, and other sources to confirm eligibility without requiring member action. If ex parte is successful, TennCare renews coverage automatically and notifies the member.
Annual
Renewal frequency
TennCare Connect
Online renewal portal
30 days
Deadline to request a fair hearing
TennCare renews annually — respond to your renewal notice to avoid losing coverage
TennCare sends annual renewal (redetermination) notices through TennCare Connect (tenncareconnect.tn.gov) and by mail. Members who miss their renewal notice or do not respond by the deadline will have coverage terminated. Log in at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 1-855-259-0701 to check your renewal date and status.
How TennCare renews your coverage
When electronic data does not confirm eligibility, TennCare sends a renewal packet through TennCare Connect and by mail. Members must respond within the stated deadline. Failure to respond results in coverage termination. Members can reapply at any time through TennCare Connect, by phone, or at a local DHS office.
How to complete your TennCare renewal
Here's how the renewal process typically unfolds.
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1
Log in to TennCare Connect and check your account
Visit tenncareconnect.tn.gov and check your profile for renewal notices and action items. TennCare also sends renewal notices to the address and email on file. You can also download the TennCare Connect mobile app.
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2
Review and update your information
Confirm your current address, income, household size, and eligibility category. If your circumstances have changed — new job, marriage, new child — update your information and provide the appropriate documentation.
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3
Provide documentation if requested
TennCare may request pay stubs, a letter from your employer, Social Security documents, or proof of Tennessee residency. Upload documents directly in TennCare Connect or bring them to a DHS office.
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4
Submit your renewal by the deadline
Complete renewal online through TennCare Connect, by calling 1-855-259-0701, or in person at a local DHS office. DHS has offices in all 95 Tennessee counties; call 1-866-311-4287 to locate your nearest office.
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5
Confirm your renewal outcome
TennCare will notify you of its decision. Check TennCare Connect after submitting — the application tracking feature shows four stages: Received, In Review, Decision, and Enrolled/Not Enrolled.
Documents you may need for TennCare renewal
Gather these before your deadline in case electronic verification isn't sufficient.
- Recent pay stubs (one or two months) or employer letter
- Self-employment income records or tax return
- Social Security, SSI, or SSDI award letter
- Proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
- Updated household size and income information
- Documentation of any recent changes (new child, change in employment status)
If your TennCare coverage was terminated
If TennCare terminates your coverage and you believe you are still eligible, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 30 days of the notice. If you request a hearing before the termination date, TennCare may continue your coverage while the hearing is pending.
To request a hearing, contact the Bureau of TennCare through TennCare Connect or call 1-855-259-0701. Free legal assistance for TennCare appeals may be available through Tennessee Justice Center at (615) 255-0331, which has a strong track record representing TennCare members in coverage disputes.
Report changes in your eligibility category during the year
TennCare's non-expansion structure means that changes in household composition or income can significantly affect eligibility. If you gain a dependent child, become pregnant, or receive SSI, notify TennCare Connect promptly — these changes may open or close eligibility for different coverage groups.
If your renewal is denied
A denial must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing. File the appeal quickly — if you appeal before your coverage ends, you may be able to continue coverage during the appeal period, though this depends on timing and the reason for denial.
Common renewal denials include: income that increased above the threshold, failure to respond to the renewal packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Some of these can be addressed by reapplying with updated information rather than appealing.
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)
- Bureau of TennCare member services: 1-855-259-0701
- TennCare Connect online portal: tenncareconnect.tn.gov
- DHS county office locator: 1-866-311-4287
- Tennessee Justice Center (legal aid): (615) 255-0331