How Do I Apply for TennCare?
There are three ways you can apply for TennCare Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). You can apply online, over the phone, or with a paper application.
Online
You can apply for TennCare using our self-service portal called TennCare Connect. With TennCare Connect, you can create an account, apply for benefits, check your status, report changes, read letters, and more!
For more information about what you can do with a TennCare Connect account, go to TennCare Connect Instructional Videos.
Over the Phone
Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701 to apply over the phone.
Do you have a hearing or speech problem and have questions or need help? Call the Tennessee Relay Service (TNRS) at 800-848-0298. Ask them to connect you with TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701.
Paper Application
English Application
Aplicacion en Español
How to send your paper application to TennCare
There are two ways to send in your paper application. You only need to choose one:
Mail it to:
TennCare Connect
P.O. Box 305240
Nashville, TN 37230-5240
Or Fax it to: 1-855-315-0669. Be sure to keep the page that says your fax went through.
Do you need help in person? You can get help from your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Go to the Office Locator – Family Assistance web page to find your local DHS office.
What to Know When You Are Applying:
When applying for coverage, be ready to answer questions about people in your home who are applying, people who live with you, the money you get, and the things you pay for and own. Tell us as much as you can. This will help speed up the process and can get you a decision faster. If we need more information from you to make a decision, we will send you a letter asking for the proof we need.
You will need to tell us about things like your:
- Current address, phone number, and email address if you have one
- Social Security number and dates of birth for everyone applying
- Money from jobs and other sources
- Citizenship and immigration status
- The value of cars and other property
- Other health insurance information
Give yourself enough time. It takes most people 30 to 60 minutes to fill out the application.
For a quick look at the income limits, resources, and groups of people who may be eligible for our Programs, go to our Eligibility Reference Guide.
You have to create a TennCare Connect account and apply online. If you have questions about how to apply for Katie Beckett, here is the FAQ Katie Beckett Information and How to Apply for Coverage.
Do you need help with Medicare costs? You can apply for the Medicare Savings Program like QMB or SLMB. This may help pay your Medicare premiums and cost-sharing.
You can apply online, over the phone, or with a paper application.
For help applying, call 1-877-801-0044.
Do you need help with Long-Term Care? If you have TennCare, you can call your TennCare health plan (MCO). The number is on your TennCare card.
If you do not have TennCare, contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for free at 1-866-836-6678. Even if you do not qualify for Medicaid, they can tell you about other programs that may help. If you have a disability, they will even come to your house to help you apply for TennCare. Or you can call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701 for help over the phone.
If you have an intellectual disability or are helping someone with an intellectual disability apply for long-term care, call the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) for free at 1-800-535-9725.
Do you have resources that are too much to get TennCare Medicaid? You may be able to get temporary coverage called Conditional Assistance.
Click here to download the Conditional Assistance form. If you need help filling out the form, call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701.
Do you need help giving us proof of Life Insurance? Download the Life Insurance Verification Request form. Fill it out and send it back to us. This will give us the OK to ask the insurance company for proof of Life Insurance.