TN Health OptionsThe basics
TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program, run by the state for eligible people with limited income, such as many children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, and people who are older or have disabilities. There is usually no monthly premium. You apply through TennCare Connect, or through the HealthCare.gov application, which checks whether you may qualify for Medicaid.
The Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) sells private health insurance. Premium tax credits can lower the cost for people who don't qualify for TennCare or other coverage.
Tennessee has not adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion (KFF), so many adults without children don't qualify for TennCare even with low income.
Quick comparison
| TennCare | Marketplace plan | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Tennessee's Medicaid program | Private health insurance under ACA rules |
| Where to apply | TennCare Connect (or the HealthCare.gov application) | HealthCare.gov or a licensed agent |
| Monthly cost | Usually none | Premium, often lowered by a tax credit |
| When to apply | Any time | Open Enrollment, or a Special Enrollment Period |
In 2026 Open Enrollment, HealthCare.gov found 19,651 Tennessee applicants who may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP (CMS state PUF).
If your TennCare is ending
- Read your TennCare notice and respond to renewal requests on time.
- Losing Medicaid coverage usually gives you a Special Enrollment Period to buy a Marketplace plan, generally 60 days.
- Apply on HealthCare.gov or with an agent; you may qualify for a tax credit.
Chuck doesn't enroll people in TennCare, and you don't need an agent to apply. He can help you compare Marketplace plans if TennCare isn't an option.
Turning 65 in Tennessee? Learn your Medicare options
Turning 65 while on TennCare or a Marketplace plan? Some people qualify for both Medicare and TennCare. A separate licensed agent can explain Medicare options.
Medicare help on this link comes from Renee Huckaby, a separate insurance agent licensed in Tennessee and other states (NPN 20165711), not from Chuck. For information on all Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. See disclosures.
Common questions
Is TennCare the same as Obamacare?
Can I switch from TennCare to a Marketplace plan?
Sources
- TennCare (Tennessee Division of TennCare). https://www.tn.gov/tenncare.html
- TennCare Connect. https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/
- HealthCare.gov, Medicaid & CHIP coverage. https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/
- HealthCare.gov, Special Enrollment Period. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/
- KFF, Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions. https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/
- CMS, 2026 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Public Use Files (state and county level). https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/marketplace-products/2026-marketplace-open-enrollment-period-public-use-files
Checked October 24, 2026.