Have TennCare but Still Getting Medical Bills?

TennCare should pay most medical bills.  If you got a bill, first check to see whether it was a mistake.

You should ONLY be getting bills if:

• The bill is a copay.  This is your part of the doctor or hospital bill.  For example, you might pay $5 when you visit the doctor, and TennCare pays the rest, or
• You were told before the treatment that TennCare would not pay for it.  You agreed to the treatment.  Or
• You lied about having TennCare or which health plan you use.

If you get a bill for any other reason, it is probably a mistake.  Don’t pay it without asking the doctor or hospital for a reason.

You should NOT be billed if:

• Your other insurance paid more than TennCare would pay but not the whole bill, or
• The doctor or hospital didn’t bill TennCare correctly, or
• TennCare made a mistake by not paying the bill, or
• TennCare decided treatment was not covered or was not medically necessary, or
• You missed a doctor visit.

If you get a bill, you can appeal. Look at our page on how to appeal. Or, you can read a flyer prepared by Legal Aid that explains what to do if you’re billed. Download Legal Aid’s flyer here.