Renewals

TennCare, like all Medicaid programs, is required by law to check every member's eligibility for health coverage once a year. This is called a renewal. Renewals help TennCare make sure you still qualify for Coverage.

How will the renewal process work?

When it's time for your renewal, TennCare will first try to renew your health care coverage using the information we already have. If you are approved, you will get a letter saying your health coverage will continue.

What to Expect During Your TennCare Renewal

This timeline shows the steps to renew your TennCare each year. Remember, this is just a guide, so your renewal steps and timing may be different for many reasons.

A blue hued timeline graphic showing the steps of a general TennCare renewal over a 12 month period. A full list of the information in the graphic is in the main text that follows this image.

Main Steps shown in the visual Timeline:

  • Application Approval: The timeline starts when your application is first approved or from the date your last renewal was approved.
  • 9 Months After Approval: About 9 months later, TennCare will try to renew your health coverage automatically using information we already have. If we can't do it, we will send you a letter and a renewal form. The letter will say when your renewal information will be due.
  • 40 Days After Notification: Your renewal packet is due 40 days after you get the letter. There are five ways to finish the renewal process. Find out how below.
  • Note: TennCare will let you know if we need more information to make a decision. You have 20 days to send it in. If we don't get it, your coverage may end.
  • If Coverage Is Not Approved: If TennCare can’t renew your coverage after looking at your renewal information, we will send you a letter telling you when your coverage will end. The termination date is the end date of coverage. This happens usually about 12 months after your last approval.
  • Reconsideration Period: If you don't give TennCare the renewal information we need, your coverage will end. But if you get it to us within 90 days of the last day of your coverage, we will check if you can get coverage again. This is called the Reconsideration Period. If approved, the gap in your coverage may be filled. If it is past the 90 days, you will need to start a new application.

What if TennCare can’t renew your coverage with the information we already have?

You will get a letter and renewal packet by mail. If you get your letters from TennCare by email, your message will tell you to log in to your TennCare Connect account. The renewal packet will have the information we already have for you.

To complete your renewal packet, look at the information we have and tell us what has changed or fill in blanks. You must complete and return your TennCare renewal packet by the date listed in your letter. To find your renewal date, see the Renewals: How to Find your Renewal Date in TennCare Connect. Here is what you can do to renew:

  1. Make sure TennCare has your correct contact information (Mailing Address, Phone Number, or Email). You can update it using your TennCare Connect account or by calling us at 855-259-0701.
  2. Complete your renewal by the date listed in your letter. Your renewal is due once a year. Find your renewal date in your TennCare Connect account or call us at 855-259-0701.
  3. Open all mail, emails, or texts from TennCare. You must complete all of the steps by your renewal due date, or your coverage will end.

There are 5 ways to renew your coverage after you get your renewal packet:

1. Use TennCare Connect to complete your renewal online. Go to TennCareConnect.TN.gov and log in to your TennCare Connect account. Then click “Renew my Benefits”. If you do not have an account yet, you can set one up now!

2. Call TennCare Connect for free at 855-259-0701 to renew your coverage over the phone.

3. In-person, you can visit the Department of Human Services (DHS) in your county to submit your documents or use the kiosk to complete your renewal online. Go to the Office Locator – Family Assistance web page or call 866-311-4287 to find a DHS office near you. Or call your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) at 866-836-6678.

4. Mail your completed and signed Renewal Packet to:

TennCare Connect 
P.O. Box 305240 
Nashville, TN 37230-5240

5. Fax your completed and signed Renewal Packet to: 855-315-0669

Be sure to keep the page that says your fax went through.

  • For help you can call TennCare Connect for free at 855-259-0701.
  • Your local DHS office can help you with your renewal packet. To find your local DHS office, go to the Office Locator – Family Assistance web page. Or, call the Family Assistance Service Center at 866-311-4287 to find a DHS office near you.
  • Call your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for in-home support at 866-836-6678.
  • For community events in Tennessee, go to the Rural Health Tennessee web page.
  • Are you getting or do you need Long Term Care in CHOICES, ECF, or an IID/ICD? Or, do you have Medicare? See the Do You Need Help With Your Renewal Packet for steps on how to get help.
  • Are you getting help at a local community mental health center? Call the TennCare Advocacy Program (TCAP) at 800-758-1638 to get help and information about renewing your coverage.