UPDATE: Obtaining Medicaid care in 2020 will require applicants to meet most of the same requirements and undergo the same process described below.

Medicaid in Tennessee is known as TennCare. Have you ever asked, “Where do you sign up for Medicaid?” If you do not know where to apply for Medicaid, there are many locations with several options available for individuals who find themselves in need of health insurance. In order to apply for Medicaid in Tennessee, one must be a Tennessee resident and have proof of residency. Applicants may also need to provide a social security number, or proof of legal immigration status to receive TennCare benefits.

Tennessee offers two types of Medicaid insurance to its recipients. TennCare is intended for low-income families and individuals who find themselves in need of coverage. TennCare standard is health insurance intended for children who cannot be covered by a caretaker’s employment-based insurance, children who are medically uninsurable, or pregnant women over the age of 19. These programs are meant to ensure all individuals within the state of Tennessee can access medical care.

The Medicaid application process is easy and accessible. There are several ways to apply for coverage through the state. Residents who believe they are eligible for this program can apply online, in person or over the phone. To learn more about the application process for Medicaid, download our comprehensive guide.

Review the details provided in the sections below:

• What Are the Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Tennessee?
• How to Apply for Medicaid Online in Tennessee
• How to Apply for Medicaid In-person in Tennessee
• How to Apply for Medicaid by Phone in Tennessee
• Questions Regarding Medicaid Requirements and Coverage

What Are the Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Tennessee?

In order to apply for Medicaid, otherwise known as TennCare or TennCare Standard in Tennessee, you will need to complete an application and attach any and all required identity verification material. Medicaid Eligibility Requirements state that the Department of Human Services will verify all information submitted during the application process to determine who qualifies for coverage. Residency information, income information, and immigration status information will all be verified prior to the acceptance of your application.

Individuals filling out Medicaid application forms who are not United States citizens will be asked to provide proof of their immigration status at the time of their application. Individuals who have a legal alien residency or permanent residency immigration status are eligible to receive medical benefits in the state of Tennessee but will need to provide paperwork verifying their immigration status.

Parents who are applying for Medicaid for their child or children will need to provide the social security numbers, as well as residency information, for each minor included on the application. Proof of enrollment in school is considered proof of Tennessee residency for minors under the age of 17. Pregnant women who are seeking information about Medicaid benefits will need to provide medical information pertaining to their pregnancy.

Children with disabilities or medical conditions that would make it impossible to privately ensure can utilize TennCare, as well.

How to Apply for Medicaid Online in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee has worked to ensure their website and online benefits portal are easy to navigate. The TennCare website is an online portal that allows residents to access potential benefits 24 hours a day.

To apply for Medicaid online you will need to create a master login username and password. Your social security number and identifying information will be needed to ensure the safety and protection of your identity.

Once you’ve created a login for the online Medicaid portal you will be able to apply for benefits. During the application process, you will be asked for identifying information including work history, address, social security number, immigration status information and household information.

Through a federal verification process, the state will process your information and will ensure your data is correctly entered. Once you submit your Medicaid application it will be reviewed by the Department of Human Services.

You will be able to check the status of your application once you have submitted it. It should be noted, however, that it can take several days for statuses’ to change. Those who are applying for Medicaid based on disability should allow up to 90 for their application to be processed. Disability claims take longer to process due to the need to collect medical information from the applicant and their medical professionals.

If you are approved for TennCare you will receive an insurance card within 30 days of submitting your application, or within one week of your application being approved.

How to Apply for Medicaid In-person in Tennessee

A person who is eligible for Medicaid can apply in person. Those interested in receiving Medicaid can apply in person at their local DHS office. There are DHS offices located throughout the state for ease and convenience. You may find the location of the office closest to you online.

Before you head into a Department of Human Services office, it is important to ensure you have all qualifying material with you. You may print and fill out your application before your appointment. You should also bring all proof of identity documentation with you to your appointment.

If you are applying for Medicaid for a child under the age of 19, you will need to have proof of residency, as well as the applicant’s social security number or immigration status paperwork at the time of your application. Having this information at the ready will help ensure your application is processed quickly.

If you are disabled or unable to leave your home, please contact the Department of the Disabled and Aged. They will help you arrange for a DHS agent to come to your home to help you apply for state-run health programs.

How to Apply for Medicaid by Phone in Tennessee

Residents of Tennessee can choose to apply for Medicaid over the phone, as well. The Department of Human Services and its partners handle all phone applications. Applicants who are interested in applying for Medicaid over the phone should, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Questions Regarding Medicaid Requirements and Coverage

All questions pertaining to TennCare coverage and eligibility should be directed to the Department of Human Services. The hotline is intended for questions regarding eligibility and enrollment. Questions can also be directed to your local DHS branch.

Before calling for questions or concerns, please visit the TennCare website. A great deal of information pertaining to eligibility, enrollment, and benefit status are available directly on the website and may help you avoid long wait times on the phone. Download our in-depth guide to learn more about how to apply for Medicaid.