TennCare and the ACA are Lifelines for Victims of Interpersonal Violence

In 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Nearly 43.5 million women and 20.7 million men are victims of interpersonal violence at some point in their lives in this country alone. This abuse can come in many different forms. Interpersonal violence can happen anywhere, across any age, race, or socioeconomic status. Victims of interpersonal violence may not be aware that their situation could be defined as abusive, as they may not know what signs to look for. 

One way abusive partners assert control is by limiting the victims’ access to healthcare. In fact, a study done in 2022 found that 53% of participants reported partners controlling or restricting their access to health care. Only 42% of this same sample population said that their provider talks with them without their abusive partner present. Healthcare should never be taken or used to manipulate a person, but the reality is most people don’t know where to turn with their healthcare if their partner has been in control of it.

In terms of TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid), there is open enrollment year-round. This means that survivors can apply for TennCare at any point. The benefit of this is that survivors don’t have to worry about the timing of getting insurance. Many survivors have been victims of financial abuse and may be afraid they will not qualify for TennCare. If someone is unsure of their current coverage or their TennCare eligibility, they can call the Tennessee Justice Center at 615-255-0331.

Another option for survivors is to apply for Marketplace coverage. There is no income limit for this insurance, and it has many benefits for survivors. Normally, Marketplace’s open enrollment is from November 1^st to January 15^th. For survivors of interpersonal violence and their dependents, they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows the survivor and their children to access this insurance whenever they may need it. Survivors do NOT need to prove abuse, through medical records, documentation, etc., to apply for a SEP. To see if you qualify for a Marketplace SEP or benefits call the healthcare.gov hotline (800) 318-2596.

Insurance coverage for survivors may also be affected by the income claimed on tax forms based on the figures given by the abusive partner. Due to this, survivors may feel that they won’t qualify for most healthcare insurance. In reality, survivors do not have to file their taxes with their abusive spouse, even if they are still married.

Healthcare should not be something earned or taken away. There are options to help survivors when they are able to leave an abusive situation.

If you or a loved one is in need of help, don’t be afraid to reach out to the number listed below.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

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Amanda Myers is a Master of Social Work student at University of Tennessee School of Social Work. She is a graduate of Belmont University where she studied sociology and psychology. Myers served as a Domestic Violence Specialist at YWCA and was a caseworker for trafficking victims at Advocating Opportunity.