Last Updated: January, 2026
TennCare Income Limits 2026
TennCare income limits for 2026 are based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages. Families with children can earn up to 105-250% FPL and still qualify.
Pregnant women qualify up to 250% FPL. Seniors and disabled individuals have different income rules.
Quick Summary:
- Parents earning up to $16,432/year (1 person) may qualify
- Children qualify at higher income levels than adults
- Pregnant women get coverage up to 250% FPL
- Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid for childless adults
- Income limits will update in Spring 2026 to new FPL amounts
- Long-term care uses different income standards ($2,982/month max)
Current TennCare Income Limits for Families
As of January 2026, Tennessee Medicaid income limits use 2025 poverty guidelines. These will increase in Spring 2026.
Income Limits by Category (Annual)
| Household Size | Parents (105% FPL) | Children 6-18 (138% FPL) | Pregnant Women (195% FPL) | CoverKids (250% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,432 | $21,597 | $30,518 | $39,125 |
| 2 | $22,207 | $29,187 | $41,243 | $52,875 |
| 3 | $27,982 | $36,777 | $51,968 | $66,625 |
| 4 | $33,757 | $44,367 | $62,693 | $80,375 |
| 5 | $39,532 | $51,957 | $73,418 | $94,125 |
Source: Tennessee Division of TennCare Eligibility Guide
Who Qualifies for TennCare?
Understanding Tennessee Medicaid eligibility 2026 starts with knowing which groups can apply.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives
You may qualify if you:
- Care for a child under 18 living with you
- Earn up to 105% FPL ($16,432 for 1 adult)
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Children and Teens
Children qualify at higher income levels:
- Infants (0-1 year): Up to 195% FPL
- Young children (1-5 years): Up to 142% FPL (147% with disregard)
- School-age children (6-18): Up to 138% FPL
- Automatic coverage: Babies born to TennCare mothers get 12 months free
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify with more income:
- Income limit: Up to 250% FPL
- Counts unborn child in household size
- Gets 12 months of coverage after giving birth
- No asset test required
CoverKids (CHIP Program)
For families earning too much for Medicaid:
- Income limit: Up to 250% FPL
- Child must be uninsured
- Covers children and pregnant women
- Small monthly premiums may apply
TennCare for Seniors and Disabled Adults
Elderly and disabled individuals follow different rules.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients
If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for TennCare:
- 2026 SSI limit: $994/month for individuals
- No separate TennCare application needed
- Coverage starts when SSI begins
Long-Term Care (CHOICES Program)
For nursing home care or home health services:
- Income limit: $2,982/month (300% of SSI rate)
- Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals
- Patient liability: You pay excess income toward care costs
- Spousal protection: Spouses can keep up to $162,660 in assets
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Important TennCare Rules to Know
The Coverage Gap
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. This creates a gap:
- Childless adults (19-64) cannot qualify
- Having low income is not enough
- You must fit a category (parent, child, pregnant, disabled)
- Check Medicaid income limits by state 2026 to compare other states
Spend-Down Program
If your income is too high, you may still qualify:
- Available for children and pregnant women
- Subtract medical bills from your income
- Must provide proof of unpaid expenses
- Recalculated every month
5% Income Disregard
TennCare ignores 5% of your income:
- Applies to MAGI categories (families, children, pregnant women)
- Makes limits effectively 5% higher
- Calculated automatically when you apply
Postpartum Coverage Extension
New mothers get extended benefits:
- Full coverage for 12 months after birth
- Continues even if income increases
- Covers pregnancy-related and general health needs
2026 Updates Coming Soon
TennCare is updating to new poverty guidelines:
Current (January 2026):
- Based on 2025 FPL ($15,650/year base)
- Limits shown in tables above
Spring 2026 Update:
- Will use 2026 FPL ($15,960/year base)
- Income limits will increase slightly
- CHOICES already updated to 2026 standards
How to Apply for TennCare
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of Tennessee residency
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Medical bills (for spend-down only)
Step 2: Apply Online
Apply through TennCare Connect:
- Visit TennCare Connect portal
- Create an account
- Complete application (20-30 minutes)
- Upload documents digitally
Step 3: Report Changes
You must report income changes:
- Report within 10 days of any change
- Includes new jobs, raises, or loss of income
- Prevents eligibility problems
- Update through TennCare Connect
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the income limit for TennCare in 2026?
For parents, the limit is $16,432/year (1 person). Children qualify up to $21,597/year. Pregnant women can earn up to $30,518/year. Limits vary by household size and category.
Can adults without children get TennCare?
No. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. Childless adults cannot qualify unless they are pregnant, elderly (65+), or have a disability. Income alone does not make you eligible.
Does TennCare check my bank account?
Only for elderly and disabled categories. Parents, children, and pregnant women have no asset test. Long-term care applicants must have under $2,000 in countable assets.
What happens if I earn too much for TennCare?
You may qualify for subsidized insurance on Healthcare.gov if you earn 100-400% FPL. Children and pregnant women may use the spend-down program to qualify.
How long does TennCare approval take?
Most applications are processed within 30-45 days. Pregnant women and children may get approved faster. Disability cases can take 60-90 days.
Will TennCare income limits increase in 2026?
Yes. When Tennessee adopts the 2026 Federal Poverty Level in Spring 2026, all income limits will increase slightly. The CHOICES program already updated January 1, 2026.
Resources and Next Steps
Official TennCare Resources:
- Apply: TennCare Connect
- Help: Call 1-855-259-0701 (TennCare Connect)
- Eligibility Info: TN.gov/TennCare
Federal Resources:
Need Help Applying? Contact a TennCare navigator or community health center in your area for free assistance.
This article provides general information about Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) income limits. Eligibility rules can be complex. For specific questions about your situation, contact TennCare directly or speak with a qualified enrollment specialist.
