The Tennessee Medicaid phone number for most application, renewal, and eligibility questions is TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701. Tennessee administers Medicaid through TennCare, but the right contact can depend on whether you need help with eligibility, a medical appeal, your health plan, or another case issue.
This guide explains which TennCare number to call, how to speak with a representative, other ways to contact Medicaid in Tennessee, and where to check current income limits before applying or renewing coverage.
1. What Is the Tennessee Medicaid Phone Number?
The primary Tennessee Medicaid phone number for applicants and members who need eligibility assistance is TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701. According to the official TennCare Contact Us page, the call center is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
This is generally the best number to call for help with applications, renewals, eligibility questions, case updates, or reporting changes in income and household circumstances.
If you are searching for the Medicaid in Tennessee phone number because you have not received an application decision or need help understanding an eligibility notice, TennCare Connect is also a good starting point.
Free language assistance is available for callers who need it. For general TennCare information rather than application or eligibility support, you can call TennCare’s main line at 1-800-342-3145.
TennCare also provides dedicated numbers for certain needs. TTY/TDD assistance is available at 1-800-848-0298, while questions about medical appeals can be directed to 1-800-878-3192.
If you need help locating a Tennessee Department of Human Services office, call 1-866-311-4287. Choosing the contact that matches your issue can help you avoid unnecessary transfers and reach the appropriate support more quickly.
2. Is Tennessee Medicaid the Same as TennCare?
Tennessee Medicaid is administered through TennCare, but the terms are not completely identical. TennCare is the broader state program, and Tennessee officially distinguishes between TennCare Medicaid and TennCare Standard.
For most people looking for Medicaid coverage in Tennessee, TennCare Medicaid is the program they mean when they refer to “Tennessee Medicaid.” TennCare Standard is a separate coverage category for certain children who are losing Medicaid and meet specific eligibility requirements.
TennCare vs. TennCare Connect
TennCare is the healthcare program, while TennCare Connect is the system applicants and members use to manage many eligibility-related tasks.
Through TennCare Connect, you can apply, review your case, report changes, upload documents, read notices, and complete renewals.
3. How Do I Contact Medicaid in Tennessee? Ways to Get Help
TennCare provides several digital and in-person channels that can be more convenient when you need to upload paperwork, review a notice, report a change, or check a case without waiting on the phone.
Before relying only on the Tennessee Medicaid phone number, consider which method best fits the task you need to complete.
Manage Your Case Online
The TennCare Connect online portal allows applicants and members to apply for coverage, check case information, report changes, read letters, upload documents, and manage submissions. It is especially useful when you want a written record of information submitted to TennCare.
Use the TennCare Connect Mobile App
The TennCare Connect mobile app provides many of the same case-management tools from a smartphone. Members can view case information and letters, report certain changes, and photograph documents that need to be submitted.
Use TennCare Connect Chat
After signing in to TennCare Connect, members can use its chat feature for case assistance. TennCare states that account chat is available 24 hours a day and can be used for tasks such as checking benefit status or updating contact information.
Get Help Applying in Person
People who need face-to-face assistance can visit a local Tennessee Department of Human Services office, where trained staff can help with the application process and provide access to a TennCare kiosk. TennCare also provides other application-assistance resources for people who need additional support.
>>> Read More: How to Protect Assets from Medicaid: 6 Legal Planning Strategies
4. How Do I Speak to a Person at Medicaid?
Call TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701 during its published Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CST hours, then follow the current phone prompts for your issue. Because menus can change, listen to the available options instead of relying on an older sequence found online.
Before calling the Tennessee Medicaid phone number, have your case or identifying information available, along with any notice you received and a short description of what you need resolved.
If you require language assistance, ask for it during the call; TennCare states that language assistance is available at no cost. People who need TTY/TDD support can use 1-800-848-0298.
Finally, write down any documents TennCare requests, the deadline for submitting them, and the next action you need to take. Keeping a simple record makes follow-up easier if your issue cannot be resolved in one call.
5. What Is the Monthly Income Limit for Medicaid in Tennessee?
There is no single monthly income limit for Medicaid in Tennessee. TennCare uses different financial standards based on the applicant’s eligibility category, household size, and, for some programs, resources or additional medical requirements.
For example, under TennCare’s current eligibility guidelines:
- A parent or caretaker relative in a one-person household has a monthly income limit of $1,330.
- A child under age 1 in a one-person household has a monthly limit of $2,594.
- A pregnant applicant is generally counted as at least a two-person household, with a current monthly limit of $4,509 for household size 2.
- Institutional Medicaid uses a separate monthly income limit of $2,982, along with a resource limit.
Other categories, including SSI-related coverage, medically needy Medicaid, TennCare Standard, and Medicare Savings Programs, follow different financial rules.
Because these figures can change, use TennCare’s current Eligibility Reference Guide or call TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701 to determine which category and limit apply to your situation.
6. After the Call: Keep Your Phone Ready for the Next Step
Calling TennCare may just be the first step. Expect more to follow, whether that’s document requests, renewal reminders, case updates, or calls tied to other healthcare services down the line.
That makes a reliable phone connection worth having while you manage Medicaid, and it’s worth knowing that eligible households may qualify for a separate federal program built to lower connectivity costs.
Lifeline offers eligible households a discount of up to $9.25 per month on qualifying internet or bundled service, while those living on Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 per month toward qualifying service.
Medicaid participation is one path to qualifying, though a household can also get there through programs like SNAP or SSI, or by falling at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in household income. Lifeline allows only one benefit per household, and it cannot be transferred.
Lifeline-supported service doesn’t come from the program directly. It’s delivered through participating Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs), and Cintex Wireless has served as one of these carriers, offering Lifeline-supported service, and it is merging into AirTalk Wireless.
That merger opened up a broader range of current service and device options for eligible customers, while making the overall experience with AirTalk more streamlined.
After confirming service availability, eligible applicants can review current options, provide the required information and documentation, submit their application, and wait for the eligibility decision.
Available service, plans, devices, and promotional offers can vary by location, eligibility, and inventory.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless and Cintex Wireless as part of the promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Medicaid phone number to remember for most application, renewal, and eligibility needs is TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701. Depending on your situation, the online portal, mobile app, chat support, health plan, or in-person assistance may be more convenient.
Before calling, identify the issue and gather relevant case information so you can make the conversation more productive. Staying reachable afterward can also help you respond promptly when TennCare requests information or sends an important update.
