Tennessee

In Tennessee, various health insurance options are available to help cover the costs of pregnancy and childbirth care. These include state programs, employer-sponsored plans, the Health Insurance Marketplace, private insurance, and additional assistance programs aimed at ensuring expectant parents have access to necessary medical services.

1. State Plans and Programs

a. TennCare (Medicaid): Tennessee's Medicaid program, TennCare, offers health coverage for low-income pregnant individuals. Covered services include prenatal and postpartum care, delivery services, hospital stays, and infant care up to one year after birth. Eligibility is based on income and household size. To apply, click here. For presumptive eligibility, click here. For extended postpartum coverage, click here

b. CoverKids (CHIP): CoverKids provides free health coverage for eligible pregnant individuals and children under 19 who do not qualify for TennCare. It offers comprehensive care, including prenatal visits, ultrasounds, delivery, and postpartum care.

1. Employer-Sponsored Plans

Many employers in Tennessee offer health insurance that includes maternity and newborn care. Coverage typically encompasses prenatal visits, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Pregnant individuals can enroll in coverage through their own employer or a spouse’s job.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, pregnant individuals can explore various health insurance plans that cover pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace insurance plans are required to cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits. Learn More

1. Private/Individual Insurance Plans

Private health insurance purchased outside the marketplace may also provide coverage, though benefits can vary. Additionally, a parent’s health insurance plan (if it offers dependent coverage) can cover pregnant dependents before their 26th birthday. Employer-sponsored coverage for dependents usually ends during the month of the child’s 26th birthday.

1. Other Assistance Programs

a. Indian Health Service (IHS): American Indian and Alaska Native individuals may be eligible for healthcare services through the Indian Health Service or tribal health organizations, which include maternity and childbirth care. Services are typically free or low-cost and available at facilities such as the United South and Eastern Tribes. Learn More

b. Sliding Fee Scale Clinics: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health clinics offer maternity care at reduced costs based on income. Tennessee's local health departments provide family planning services, including pregnancy testing and counseling, with fees based on household income on a sliding fee scale. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Learn More

For assistance navigating insurance options, Tennesseans can contact local health navigators or Certified Application Counselors through organizations like the Tennessee Health Care Campaign.