TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project
The TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project exists to ensure that children who are experiencing homelessness in Tennessee can enroll in and enjoy the benefits of TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid managed care program).
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council initiated the TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project in 1998 with support from a HUD Emergency Shelter Grant provided through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
The project is now supported by a contract with the Bureau of TennCare, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration.
What are the goals of the project?
The primary goal of the project is to improve the health of children experiencing homelessness by increasing their access to health insurance and to primary and preventive health care. We also offer resources, education, and assistance to shelter staff and residents as they navigate the healthcare system.
How does the project accomplish these goals
The project initiatives include educating shelter providers and the families they serve about TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid managed care program) and available community resources while working with a variety of stakeholders in communities across the state to identify and reduce obstacles to care.
What unique challenges do children without homes face when accessing care through TennCare?
Many consumers who are homeless lack awareness of TennCare eligibility criteria, enrollment procedures, and covered benefits through TennCare Connect and have difficulty filling out applications and satisfying documentation requirements. In addition, clients without a stable address often miss communications regarding eligibility, enrollment, changes in benefits, redetermination of benefits, and loss of benefits.
Those who have been uninsured long term may not understand the benefits that come from a primary care provider, a medical home, regular screenings, preventive care, etc. and may struggle to interpret complicated insurance and medical jargon. Transportation, childcare, and finding a provider can also pose challenges.
How does the project help children without homes overcome these challenges?
We provide trainings, resources, and individual assistance to emergency shelter staff and homeless families about TennCare, health risks for children who are homeless, and the importance of preventive care. We teach shelter staff and clients how to enroll and navigate the redetermination of benefits process and we distribute information and updates regarding TennCare, managed care organizations, and community healthcare agencies.
The project also coordinates partnerships between emergency shelters and local community healthcare resources while advocating on behalf of children without homes to public officials, coalitions, and contractors involved in Medicaid.
Important updates regarding TennCare:
Phase II Preparing for Renewals: Congress has set a date of April 1, 2023 for the end of the continuous enrollment requirement and the beginning of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, renewals. As a result, TennCare will be required by state and federal law to check the eligibility status of every TennCare and CoverKids member. This a yearly process but has not occurred in three years due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
Beginning in April, TennCare will review every member’s eligibility over a twelve-month period. For each monthly cohort, TennCare will use existing data sources to attempt to auto-renew members who continue to meet TennCare eligibility requirements. In most cases, members will be selected for review when their renewal dates naturally fall. For example, if a member (or household) was due to renew in June 2020, their renewal date will now occur on June 2023. If TennCare cannot auto-renew a person’s coverage using existing data sources, the member will receive a renewal packet by mail or an email notification to renew on the TennCare Connect portal, depending on their selected preference.
TennCare’s priority is to prevent gaps in every eligible member’s health care coverage. Partner with us today to help Tennesseans by sharing these resources and messages through your various channels.
Attention TennCare and CoverKids members: Renewals are starting soon. Don’t risk a gap in your health insurance! Verify your contact information with TennCare. You can do this online (TennCareConnect. TN.gov) or by phone at 855-259-0701.Resources
Follow the links below to learn more about TennCare and other healthcare resources for children without stable homes in Tennessee:
TennCare Kids
This is the state TennCare site and offers detailed information about TennCare enrollment, benefits, and the renewal process.
The TennCare Advocacy Program
provides information, assistance, and referrals about TennCare.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services
This site offers numerous services to parents or legal guardians trying to obtain financial and medical support for their child or children.
The Tennessee Department of Health
This site can assist you in finding a local health department that provides well-child checkups, including physical exams, screening tests, and immunizations.
Insure Kids Now
This website is operated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and provides information about Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for families and organizations.
Resources for shelter providers:
TennCare Connect Flyer
TennCare Connect is a self-service website where Tennesseans can apply
for TennCare. TennCare members can also use TennCare Connect to renew
and manage their coverage
TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project Regional Trainings
Our 2022-2023 Regional Training series is Severe Mental Illness and Homelessness and covers symptoms of severe mental illness, specific mental health conditions, signs of a mental health crisis, and how to monitor your mental health when serving those who are severely ill. We also have a session on TennCare, The Marketplace, and The Uninsured – how to help your clients navigate the health care system.
Troubleshooting: 1-877-797-2292
If you have a question about TennCare, feel free to call our Toll-Free Number 1- 877-797-2292.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENNCARE SHELTER ENROLLMENT PROJECT, PLEASE CONTACT: