Need help?

TCCN Members provide free or low-cost healthcare to uninsured Tennesseans. Click HERE to find a clinic near you!

​Looking for other types of help?

Apply for TennCare / CoverKids/ Marketplace Insurance (Medicaid & CHIP in Tennessee)
What: State Medicaid (TennCare) and CHIP (CoverKids) — primary route to free/low-cost insurance for eligible adults, children, and pregnant people. Marketplace - insurance options for those who don't qualify for Tenncare. 
How to access: Apply or manage cases at TennCare Connect (create an account → apply online). Phone: TennCare Connect phone numbers vary by service — general help is available on the website. https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/
Apply for marketplace coverage: https://www.healthcare.gov/ 

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Help Enrolling in Tenncare, CoverKids, Medicare, and More: 
What: Free certified navigators who help people apply for TennCare, CoverKids, Medicare, and Marketplace plans — useful for renewals, renewals help, and navigating redeterminations.
How to access: Phone and online appointment scheduling for in-person or virtual help; good for those who need application support, have questions about redetermination packets, or want to go over multiple options with an agent: Get Covered TN, TN SHIP Program, Insure All TN


Tennessee Justice Center (benefits enrollment, appeals, medical debt guidance)
What: Nonprofit that provides free help with TennCare and CoverKids enrollment and appeals, and guides about hospital financial assistance/medical debt (how to request charity care, appeal denials, or reduce bills). Good first stop for complex appeals or medical-debt  questions. 
How to access: Call their intake numbers or fill out their case inquiry form; they also have tips for dealing with hospital bills (see below). www.tnjustice.org/freehelp


Rural Health Association of Tennessee — TennCare /ACA Marketplace enrollment help 
What: Provides assistance enrolling in ACA Marketplace insurance as well as Tenncare
How to access: ​www.tnruralhealth.org/insurance-enrollment


Project Access Programs (local specialty-care referral networks - part of the Tennessee Charitable Care Network)
What: Regional Project Access programs coordinate donated specialty care and specialty referrals for low-income, uninsured patients. These programs connect qualifying patients to volunteer specialists.
How to access: Some Project Access programs require referral from a participating primary care or free clinic — contact the local Project Access to learn referral steps. Find the program in your region


Hospital financial assistance / charity care (how to approach medical bills)
What: Many hospitals have “financial assistance” policies (charity care) that can reduce or eliminate bills for eligible patients. TN Justice Center has practical steps for applying and negotiating medical debt.
How to access: Instruct patients to request a hospital’s financial assistance policy in writing, complete the charity-care application, and keep records of all communications. If denied, contact Tennessee Justice Center for guidance on appeals and next steps. www.tnjustice.org/medical-debt


Prescription / specialty drug Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
What: Pharmaceutical companies and independent foundations often offer free/low-cost medications for uninsured patients who meet income and clinical criteria. This can be critical for specialty meds.
How to access: Look up manufacturer PAPs (via each drug manufacturer’s patient assistance page) and national portals (e.g., NeedyMeds.org, RxAssist​, Rx Outreach, GoodRx). Clinics/case managers can help complete PAP applications and collect supporting clinical documentation.


Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) / Community Health Centers
What: FQHCs offer primary care (and often behavioral health, dental, care management) on a sliding-fee scale regardless of  insurance status; many partner with Project Access and safety-net programs for specialty referrals.
How to access: Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool or TN Primary Care Association member listing to locate the nearest FQHC; call to ask about sliding-scale fees, charity programs, and referral pathways to specialists. 


2-1-1 Tennessee and other local helplines
What: 2-1-1 can quickly point callers to local free clinics, enrollment assistance, transportation, and other social supports that affect health access (transport to appointments, financial/legal aid referrals).
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the Tennessee 2-1-1 website to search services by county.


Community Compass TN - Additional Local Resources
What: Search for free or reduced cost services like food, job training, and more.
How to access: Visit the Community Compass website to search for resources by type & zip code