Tennessee’s TennCare program was one of the first state Medicaid managed care programs in the nation, operating since 1994 with three statewide MCOs that integrate physical health, behavioral health, and pharmacy under a single contract.
What Is TennCare Connect?
TennCare Connect is Tennessee’s centralized provider enrollment portal operated by the Division of TennCare.
Step-by-Step TennCare Enrollment
Register on TennCare Connect
Create account with NPI, Tax ID, TN license, practice info.
Complete Application
Demographics, TN license, specialties, locations, ownership disclosures, billing config.
Upload Documents
TN license, NPI, W-9, EIN, liability insurance, DEA, voided check, ownership forms.
Complete Screening
OIG/SAM checks, TN Board verification, TBI background for high-risk, site visits for facilities.
Submit
Processing: 30–45 days.
Credential with TennCare MCOs
After portal approval, credential with all three TennCare managed care organizations.
TennCare: Three-MCO Integrated Model
| MCO | Parent | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| BlueCare Tennessee | BCBS of TN | Statewide; largest market share; strong brand |
| TennCare Select (Amerigroup) | Elevance Health | Statewide; strong in urban areas |
| UnitedHealthcare Community Plan | UnitedHealth | Statewide |
TennCare integrates physical health, behavioral health, and pharmacy under each MCO contract. No separate BH carve-out enrollment needed.
✔ Advantage: TennCare’s integrated model means one MCO credential covers all service categories. Three MCOs statewide = credential with all three for full access. Total onboarding: 60–90 days.
Tennessee: No Medicaid Expansion
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. This means:
- TennCare covers traditional Medicaid populations only (children, pregnant women, disabled, elderly)
- No expansion adult population
- The enrolled population is smaller than expansion states but has higher acuity
⚠ No Expansion: Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. The TennCare population skews toward higher-acuity patients (children with special needs, disabled, elderly). Plan service mix accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does TennCare enrollment take?
Portal: 30–45 days. MCO: 30–60 days. Total: 60–105 days.
Does TennCare integrate behavioral health?
Yes. Physical, BH, and pharmacy under single MCO contracts. No BH carve-out.
Has Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
No. TennCare covers traditional populations only.
Need Help With Tennessee Medicaid Enrollment?
Our team handles Tennessee Medicaid enrollment end-to-end including portal submissions, MCO credentialing, and follow-up.
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