Tennessee health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Tennessee, in plain language.
ACA Open Enrollment opens November 1st
Take a look at Tennessee plans, or go ahead and enroll yourself when it opens. Call if you need any help with your application.
Where Tennessee residents shop
Tennessee residents who buy their own coverage shop on HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) at www.healthcare.gov/tennessee/. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Enrollment follows the federal HealthCare.gov calendar.
Tennessee's children's health coverage program has its own distinct name, CoverKids, rather than being folded entirely into the TennCare brand -- worth knowing since a household can qualify for CoverKids even in situations where adult members don't qualify for TennCare.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Tennessee, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
TennCare (Medicaid) and CoverKids (CHIP) can both be applied for at TennCareConnect.tn.gov or by calling 1-800-342-3145 -- that's the right place to start if your Tennessee Medicaid eligibility changed.
Tennessee never built its own ACA exchange, so Tennessee marketplace shopping and subsidy questions go entirely through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Free Medicare counseling is available in Tennessee through the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP) at 1-877-801-0044, separate from Tennessee Medical Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Tennessee?
Tennessee residents shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) (https://www.healthcare.gov/tennessee/). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Tennessee?
Medicaid in Tennessee is run through TennCare (https://www.tn.gov/tenncare.html). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (https://www.tn.gov/commerce.html) regulates insurance companies and agents in Tennessee. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Tennessee?
Yes. TN SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) (1-877-801-0044) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Tennessee Medical Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Tennessee health plans? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.