What Is TennCare?

Tennessee offers a Medicaid program called TennCare to its residents. According to the state, Tenncare provides health care to 1.2 million Tennessee residents.

History

• Tenncare started on Jan. 1, 1994, and enrolls all Medicaid eligible people under managed care. The program enrollment is structured to save Tennessee money and so more people can receive coverage who are otherwise ineligible. This is the only Medicaid program of its kind in the United States.

Eligibility

• Tenncare is available to a wide range of people. Anyone under age 21 is eligible to apply, as are pregnant women or single parents with a related child under age 21 living with them. If one parent of a two-parent household with a minor child loses his job or has his hours reduced, the family can apply for Tenncare. Women can apply who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer and need treatment.

Stipulations

• While many are eligible to apply, Tennessee factors in income and a family's possessions, cars and land before approval. Tenncare offers an eligibility screening online to see if you qualify for coverage.