Tennessee Medicaid
Medicaid is an important health program for people with lower incomes, elderly people, people with disabilities, and some families with children. Across the USA, Medicaid is funded by both the federal and state governments.
In Tennessee, the state Medicaid program, TennCare, serves about 1.2 million people, and recipients must be American citizens or legal permanent residents living in Tennessee who fall into certain qualifying categories.
TennCare is an entirely managed-care program for eligible Tennesseans including:
- the elderly
- the physically disabled
- the mentally disabled
- severely disabled children
- pregnant women
- low income adults
- low income children
By 2014, most adults across the country who are under age 65 and have incomes under $15,000 will qualify for Medicaid. Income limits for various TennCare programs vary, however, and general guidelines can be found at the TennCare website. Simply select any of the TennCare programs listed to learn more about income and other guidelines.
If it appears you meet eligibility requirements, it is easy to apply for TennCare online or at your local Tennessee Department of Health Services (DHS) office.
Medicaid in Tennessee covers a wide range of medical services including:
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Health screenings for children and treatment of detected medical problems
- Comprehensive dental services for children
- Adult medical and surgical dental services
- Nursing facility services for adults
- Health clinic services
- Prescription drugs
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy for children
- Eye doctor visits and eyeglasses for children
- Medically-necessary transportation services
Dual Eligibility
Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In such cases, Medicare is the primary payer.
If you are eligible for both Medicare and TennCare, looking into Medicare Advantage plans may be a wise move. Medicare Advantage can offer increased coverage and security to dual eligible individuals, and some Medicare Advantage plans are available premium-free.
TennCare also administers cost-sharing assistance programs to Medicare recipients who may not necessarily qualify for Medicaid.
For further information about Medicaid services in Tennessee, call TennCare at 1-800-342-3145. If you have any further questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage, contact a licensed, bonded MedicareMall representative and let us lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!
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