I am a breast cancer patient, had double mastectomy. Can I apply for Medicaid in TN?

Q) I am a breast cancer patient, had double mastectomy 03/22 with expanders now in need to replace expanders permanently. I only have Medicate part A. Can I apply for Medicaid?

A) Yes, you may be able to apply for Medicaid in Tennessee. In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.

The Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides full Medicaid benefits to women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer and are in need of treatment.

To apply for MBCC services, you will need to reach out to a Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) provider in your area, which you can locate online or by calling 2-1-1 for assistance. The BCCS provider will assess your eligibility and submit the application on your behalf.

To apply for TennCare, you can visit the TennCare website or call the TennCare Connect hotline at 1-855-259-0701. You can also apply in person at your local Department of Human Services office.

To qualify for Medicaid in Tennessee, an applicant must meet one of several eligibility criteria. For instance, one group of applicants eligible for Medicaid is children who are younger than 21 years of age. Other categories include pregnant women and women who need treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

To be eligible for TennCare, you must also meet certain income and asset limits. The exact requirements vary based on your individual circumstances, but generally, individuals and families with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may be eligible.

The eligibility criteria for Medicaid in Tennessee also depend on the category of the applicant. For example, the income and asset limits for nursing home Medicaid in 2023 in TN are as follows: ) Have income under $2,742 / month 2) Have assets under $2,000 3) Require the level of care provided in a nursing home facility.

TennCare covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and medical equipment like breast prostheses. However, it’s important to check with TennCare to confirm what services are covered and any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

If you need assistance with the application process or have questions about your eligibility for TennCare, you can contact your local TennCare office or a social worker at your hospital for help.

Some basic requirements for Medicaid in Tennessee apply to all candidates for the program. Eligibility for Medicaid benefits is only extended to applicants who are U.S. citizens or legal non-citizens. Furthermore, applicants must be permanent residents of Tennessee.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.