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All kinds of help

Health

Health coverage, doctors, dental care, mental health care and help with drug costs. Your state runs Medicaid and CHIP for people with low income and for children. Medicare covers people 65 and older and some people with disabilities. Veterans can get VA health care.Help in Tennessee and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Tennessee Division of TennCare

    TennCare

    In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.

    TennCare provides health coverage to eligible Tennesseans.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper

  • Tennessee Division of TennCare

    CoverKids

    In Tennessee, CHIP is called CoverKids.

    CoverKids provides health coverage for eligible children and pregnant women.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper

  • Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

    Behavioral Health Services

    The department connects people to mental health and substance use services and supports.

    Ways to apply:Phone

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Medicare

    Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

    Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.

  • Social Security Administration

    Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

    Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA health care

    Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

    Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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