Tennessee’s TennCare provides healthcare to 1,436,211 residents with varying income limits by category.
Children qualify at 133-195% FPL ($3,562-$5,227 monthly for family of 4), parents at 105% FPL ($2,812), pregnant women at 250% FPL ($6,698), and seniors needing long-term care at $2,901 monthly.
CoverKids covers children up to 250% FPL with small premiums. Tennessee hasn’t expanded Medicaid for healthy adults without children.
Learn how these numbers compare nationwide in our full guide: Medicaid Income Limits by State 2025.
Children’s Coverage – Age Matters!
Tennessee provides healthcare coverage for children, but the income limits vary significantly by age. Unlike what many believe, Tennessee does not have a single income limit for all children.
2025 Monthly Income Limits for Children:
| Family Size | Age 0-1 (195% FPL) | Age 1-6 (142% FPL) | Age 6-19 (133% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,542 | $1,851 | $1,735 |
| 2 people | $3,437 | $2,503 | $2,344 |
| 3 people | $4,332 | $3,155 | $2,953 |
| 4 people | $5,227 | $3,807 | $3,562 |
| 5 people | $6,122 | $4,459 | $4,171 |
| 6 people | $7,017 | $5,111 | $4,780 |
Key Point: Infants have the highest income limits, while school-age children have the most restrictive limits.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives – Recent Expansion
Good news for parents: In mid-2024, Tennessee expanded parent eligibility from 89% to 105% FPL. This eliminated the coverage gap for parents with minor children.
2025 Monthly Income Limits for Parents/Caretakers (105% FPL):
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,371 |
| 2 people | $1,851 |
| 3 people | $2,332 |
| 4 people | $2,812 |
| 5 people | $3,293 |
| 6 people | $3,773 |
Requirements:
- Must be caring for a child under 18 (or 18-year-old full-time student)
- Must meet citizenship/immigration requirements
- Must be Tennessee resident
CoverKids Program – Bridge Coverage
CoverKids provides health insurance for children who don’t qualify for regular TennCare Medicaid. This program covers children in families with income up to 250% FPL.
2025 CoverKids Income Limits (250% FPL):
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,260 |
| 2 people | $4,407 |
| 3 people | $5,553 |
| 4 people | $6,698 |
| 5 people | $7,844 |
| 6 people | $8,990 |
Important: Small monthly premiums may apply for CoverKids coverage.
Pregnant Women – Immediate Coverage Available
Pregnant women receive enhanced benefits in Tennessee with coverage at 250% FPL.
2025 Monthly Income Limits for Pregnant Women (250% FPL):
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $4,407 |
| 3 people | $5,553 |
| 4 people | $6,698 |
| 5 people | $7,844 |
Special Benefits:
- Immediate temporary coverage while application processes
- Full prenatal and delivery care
- 12-month postpartum coverage (extended in 2022)
- Diaper benefit – up to 100 diapers monthly for infants under 2
- Breastfeeding support and supplies
Important: Pregnant women count their unborn baby as a household member, making qualification easier.
Long-Term Care (CHOICES Program)
Tennessee’s long-term care Medicaid has specific income and asset requirements for 2025.
2025 CHOICES Program Limits:
- Individual monthly income limit: $2,901
- Individual asset limit: $2,000
- Married couple asset limits: $2,000 for applicant spouse, $154,140 for non-applicant spouse
- Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $3,948 for community spouse
Programs Available:
How Tennessee Calculates Medicaid Eligibility
Household Size: All people living in your household count toward determining income limits.
Income Counting: Tennessee considers wages, Social Security, pensions, and other benefits. Different programs may count income differently.
Resource Limits: Some categories have limits on assets like bank accounts, cars, and property.
Eligibility Examples (2025)
Example 1: Single Mother with Two Children (ages 5 and 8)
- Household income: $3,500/month
- Result: Children eligible under 142% FPL limit ($3,807 for family of 3), mother eligible under 105% FPL limit ($2,332 for family of 3)
Example 2: Pregnant Woman
- Single, pregnant (counts as household of 2)
- Monthly income: $4,200
- Result: Eligible for immediate TennCare coverage under 250% FPL limit ($4,407 for household of 2)
Example 3: Elderly Individual Needing Long-term Care
- Age 75, living alone
- Monthly income: $2,500
- Assets: $1,800
- Result: Eligible for CHOICES long-term care Medicaid
How to Apply in Tennessee
Online Application: Visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website to apply through the state’s eligibility system.
Phone Application: Call the TennCare Connect helpline for telephone assistance.
In-Person Assistance: Visit local Department of Human Services offices.
Required Documentation:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security statements)
- Identity verification
- Residency documentation
- Citizenship or immigration status proof
- Asset documentation for applicable programs
Application Processing: Standard processing is 90 days for CHOICES applications. Emergency situations may receive expedited review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tennessee Medicaid income limit for children in 2025?
It depends on age: infants (0-1) qualify up to $5,227/month for a family of 4, while school-age children (6-19) qualify up to $3,562/month for a family of 4.
Does Tennessee have Medicaid expansion in 2025?
No, Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid for healthy adults without children. However, parent eligibility expanded to 105% FPL in 2024.
How much money can seniors have for nursing home Medicaid in 2025?
Seniors can earn up to $2,901 monthly and have $2,000 in assets for CHOICES long-term care coverage.
Can pregnant women get Medicaid right away?
Yes, pregnant women can get temporary coverage immediately while their application is processed.
What is the income limit for CoverKids in 2025?
Children in families earning up to $6,698/month (family of 4) can get CoverKids coverage with small monthly premiums.
Key 2024-2025 Updates
- Parent eligibility expansion from 89% to 105% FPL
- Diaper benefit for infants under 2
- 12-month postpartum coverage continuation
- Updated income limits based on 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s 2025 Medicaid (TennCare) program continues to prioritize children, pregnant women, low-income families, and seniors needing care. Although Tennessee hasn’t fully expanded Medicaid, postpartum benefits, diaper support, and tiered eligibility thresholds make coverage more accessible. If you think you qualify, start your application at TennCare Connect or contact your local DHS office.
Trusted Sources
For the most current and official information about Tennessee Medicaid eligibility, consult these trusted resources:
- Tennessee TennCare Eligibility Categories – Official Tennessee government source for all TennCare eligibility requirements and income limits
- Tennessee CoverKids Eligibility Information – State’s official resource for CoverKids program details and application process
- Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment in Tennessee – Comprehensive guide to Tennessee Medicaid programs with updated 2025 information
- Tennessee Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility – Detailed information about CHOICES program requirements and application process
- Understanding Medicaid Eligibility in Tennessee – Elder Law – Expert analysis of Tennessee Medicaid rules with practical application guidance