Medicaid Income Limits in Tennessee
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. A parent or caretaker is measured against roughly 95% of the federal poverty level — about $2,044 a month for a household of three — and an adult with no dependent children generally cannot qualify at any income.
2026 TennCare Income Limits in Tennessee
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid
Adults under 65 with no dependent children generally cannot get TennCare in Tennessee at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or receiving Medicare. Parents are measured against a much lower limit than the 138% used in expansion states. Below 100% of poverty there is also no Marketplace subsidy — this is the coverage gap.
Monthly and annual income limits in Tennessee at 95% of the federal poverty level, the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Medicaid counts modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for this group, so pre-tax retirement contributions and some deductions reduce the income that counts.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,192 | $14,307 |
| 2 people | $1,618 | $19,418 |
| 3 people | $2,044 | $24,529 |
| 4 people | $2,470 | $29,640 |
| 5 people | $2,896 | $34,751 |
| 6 people | $3,322 | $39,862 |
| 7 people | $3,748 | $44,973 |
| 8 people | $4,174 | $50,084 |
Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women, people who are 65+, blind or disabled, and people needing long-term care are measured against different rules — usually higher income limits, and for the last group an asset test as well.
Where to Apply in Tennessee
- Agency: Division of TennCare
- Online: One DHS Customer Portal
- Phone: 866-311-4287
- Program name in Tennessee: TennCare
Agency details change; confirm on the state website before you call or apply.
Understanding These Limits
- Annual Limit: Your total household income for the year must be at or below this amount.
- Monthly Limit: Your monthly income (annual divided by 12) must be at or below this amount.
- Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and all dependents living with you.
- Income Counted: Generally includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, and other regular income before taxes.
- MAGI household: Medicaid counts your tax household — you, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent — not simply the people living with you.
Medicaid in Tennessee: Common Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Tennessee in 2026?
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, so the limit is far lower than the 138% of poverty used by expansion states. A parent or caretaker in Tennessee is measured against roughly 95% of the federal poverty level — about $2,044 a month for a household of three. An adult with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for TennCare at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or 65+. That is the coverage gap.
Can I get Medicaid in Tennessee if I have no children?
Usually not. Tennessee did not expand Medicaid, so a non-disabled adult under 65 with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for TennCare regardless of how low their income is. If your income is at least 100% of the federal poverty level you can instead buy a heavily subsidised Marketplace plan; below that, ask a local community health centre about sliding-scale care.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Tennessee?
Apply for TennCare online through One DHS Customer Portal at tenncareconnect.tn.gov, run by the Division of TennCare, or by phone at 866-311-4287. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Tennessee take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Tennessee 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Tennessee?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Tennessee covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid Income Limits in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.