CHIP in Tennessee — children's health insurance for immigrant families

CHIP in Tennessee

Tennessee at a glance

Tennessee is home to about 411,840 foreign-born residents (5.9% of the state’s 6,986,082 people) and 496,457 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.1%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2023 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Tennessee regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Tennessee (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Tennessee

CHIP upper income limit in Tennessee: 255% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 255% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Tennessee

1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
2. Tennessee state application (some states have own portal)
3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

How to apply for CHIP in Tennessee

1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Tennessee’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
3. Tennessee determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Related

• CHIP federal — general rules
• Medicaid in Tennessee
• SNAP in Tennessee

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

Apply for CHIP in Tennessee

Where to apply

• Federal Marketplace: healthcare.gov — combined Medicaid+CHIP application
• Tennessee state application — some states have separate portal
• By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
• In person at FQHCs, schools, Head Start centers

Documents to apply

• Child’s identity: passport, birth certificate, green card
• Parent’s identity: any ID (passport, matrícula consular, license)
• Income: last 2 paystubs, ITIN return, employer letter
• Tennessee residency: utility bill, lease
• If receiving other benefits: approval letters

Approval timeline

• Generally 30-45 days from application
• Urgent cases (child with medical emergency): some states grant “presumptive eligibility” immediately

Annual renewal

CHIP requires renewing coverage every 12 months. DON’T ignore renewal letters — you’ll lose coverage. States send notice 60-90 days before.

CHIP vs Medicaid vs Marketplace

• CHIP: children in families earning more than Medicaid limit
• Medicaid: children + adults below lower limit (varies by state)
• Marketplace plans with subsidies: families above both limits but below 400% FPL

Immigrant families with USC children generally find CHIP the best option.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Related procedural information

• Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
• Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
• ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
• Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
• Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits