---
title: TennCare & CoverKids screener
url: https://www.tnhealthcoverageexplained.org/tools/tenncare-screener
description: Find out in a minute whether your household may qualify for TennCare or CoverKids, using Tennessee's published income limits. Private, no sign-up.
last_verified: 2026-10-17
publisher: TN Health Coverage Explained (independent; does not sell insurance)
---

# TennCare & CoverKids screener

Tell us your household size, income, and who lives with you. We'll show which members may qualify for TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) or CoverKids (its CHIP program), and who should look at the marketplace instead. Eligibility is decided person by person, so one family can land in several places.

_(Interactive tool; open the web page to use it.)_

## Income limits used

| Group | Program | Income limit (% of poverty level) |
|---|---|---|
| Babies under 1 | TennCare | 195% |
| Children 1–5 | TennCare | 142% |
| Children 6–18 | TennCare | 133% |
| Children under 19 who don't qualify for TennCare | CoverKids | 250% |
| Parents and caretaker relatives | TennCare | 100% |
| Pregnant women | TennCare or CoverKids | 250% |
| Adults without dependent children | Generally not eligible | No Medicaid expansion |

A 5-percentage-point income disregard applies in these determinations, so households slightly above a limit can still qualify. The screener marks those cases "possibly."

## Frequently asked questions

**Does applying for TennCare cost anything?**
No. Applying is free, and you can apply any day of the year at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or 855-259-0701.

**If my kids qualify, do I?**
Not automatically. Children have higher limits than parents. Parents and caretakers qualify up to 100% of the poverty level; above that, the marketplace with a tax credit is usually the path.

**Why doesn't Tennessee cover adults without kids?**
Tennessee hasn't expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Adults without dependent children generally qualify only if they're pregnant, have a disability, are 65 or older, or were in foster care.

**Will TennCare have work requirements in 2027?**
Federal community engagement rules start in 2027, and Tennessee's parent population is in scope. Broad exemptions, including for parents of children under 14 and pregnant women, mean few members are expected to be affected. [Details on our TennCare page](https://www.tnhealthcoverageexplained.org/tenncare).

## Sources

- TennCare Eligibility Reference Guide (tn.gov/tenncare) — income limits by group and the 5-point MAGI disregard
- tn.gov/coverkids — CoverKids eligibility at 250% of the poverty level, pregnant women without immigration documents
- HHS 2026 poverty guidelines