CoverKids: Tennessee's Health Coverage for Kids and Pregnant Women

The short answer: CoverKids is Tennessee's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If your kids are under 19, live in Tennessee, and your household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, they can get comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premium and only low copays. Pregnant women up to 250% of poverty qualify too, with no immigration documents required.

Who qualifies

Children qualify if they: - Are under 19 years old - Live in Tennessee - Are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens - Are not eligible for or enrolled in TennCare - Live in a household at or below 250% of the federal poverty level - Have no other health insurance — CoverKids must be the child's only health plan

Pregnant women qualify if they: - Are not eligible for TennCare - Live in a household at or below 250% of the federal poverty level - Have no other health insurance - No immigration documents are required for pregnant women

The income limits in plain dollars

At 250% of the federal poverty level (per tn.gov): - Family of 2: up to $54,100 per year - Family of 4: up to $82,500 per year

What it covers

For children: free preventive care and well-child visits, vaccinations, doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, vision care, and dental care. For more on children's dental care, see Tennessee Dental Authority's kids' dental care guide, an independent resource.

For pregnant women: prenatal care, delivery, and 60 days of postpartum care.

What it costs

There is no monthly premium. Families pay only low copays when they use services.

How to apply

• Online: tenncareconnect.tn.gov
• Phone: 855-259-0701
• Mail: request a paper application and send it to P.O. Box 305240, Nashville, TN 37230-5240
• Fax: 855-315-0669
• In person: visit your local health department

Free enrollment help is also available statewide through GetCoveredTenn navigators — phone and virtual appointments at 1-866-475-7879, plus in-person help in Cheatham, Davidson, Fayette, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton, Williamson, and Wilson counties.

Related guides

• TennCare — if your household income is lower, TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) may cover the whole family
• Enrollment calendar — when you can sign up for marketplace plans

FAQ

Does CoverKids have a monthly premium?

No. CoverKids has no monthly premium. Families only pay low copays for some services, and all preventive care is free.

What if my child is eligible for TennCare?

Then they should enroll in TennCare, not CoverKids. CoverKids is specifically for children who do not qualify for TennCare. If you're not sure which one fits, apply — the application will route your child to the right program.

Can my child have other insurance and CoverKids?

No. CoverKids must be your child's only health plan. If your child gains other coverage, let CoverKids know.

Do pregnant women need immigration documents to qualify?

No. Pregnant women do not need to provide immigration documents to qualify for CoverKids.

What happens when my child turns 19?

CoverKids coverage ends at 19. If your young adult still needs coverage, they can enroll in a marketplace plan — turning 19 and losing CoverKids triggers a special enrollment period.

Sources

• Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration — CoverKids program (tn.gov)
• TennCare Connect — tenncareconnect.tn.gov (application portal)

Your next step: Gather proof of income and household size, then apply online at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 855-259-0701. If your whole household may qualify for TennCare instead, start with our TennCare guide.