How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in the State of Tennessee

Medicaid in the state of Tennessee is called TennCare, and it includes several programs for low-income residents of Tennessee. Medicaid income limits are established at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for pregnant women and children to age one, 133% for children age 1-6, and 100% for children 6 to 19.

Women under 65 with breast or cervical cancer who are uninsured or whose insurance does not provide breast and cervical cancer treatment can apply for an optional Medicaid program to cover these expenses as long as their income does not exceed 250% of FPL. Uninsured children under 19 can apply for medical insurance through the TennCare Standard Program if their incomes fall below 200% of FPL and they are not covered by insurance through their employer or family's insurance plan.

Medicare is available as a cost-sharing program for those who qualify for a Medicaid program and have incomes between 120% and 130% of FPL. Under this program, the state will pay for Medicare Part B premiums. Low-income working disabled individuals under 65 can qualify for help paying for Medicare Part A (hospital) expenses; qualifying income is limited to 200% of FPL. There is also a Special Low-Income Medicare program for those with income levels at 100% to 120% of FPL that pays for Medicare Part B medical expenses.

Children up to 18 who are either uninsured or qualify for Medicaid can generally get vaccinations at no cost through the Tennessee Vaccines For Children(VFC) Program through the Tennessee Department of Health. The Health Department also provides other valuable free medical services such as well child visits and HIV testing.

Tennessee Medicaid Program (TennCare):
www.tn.gov/tenncare

Tennessee Dept of Health:
http://health.state.tn.us

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