CoverTN is open to uninsured Tennesseans, at least 19 years old, who work for a qualifying small business, who are self-employed or individuals working for a company that does not offer employer-sponsored health insurance or CoverTN. The spouse of a CoverTN participant is also eligible for coverage under CoverTN.
Employer
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Business is located and operates in Tennessee as its principle place of business |
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Business has 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees |
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At least half of the workforce earn $43,000 or less per year |
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Business offers plan to all employees |
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Business must pay at least one-third share of premiums |
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Business has not offered employer-sponsored insurance for six months or, if offered, has not paid 50% or more of employee premiums |
Employees at Participating Employers
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Works 20 hours or more per week, on average |
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U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien |
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19 years old or older |
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No health insurance for the last six months (individual or group coverage) |
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Non-Tennessee residents working at participating employers may enroll in CoverTN but will not receive state subsidy |
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Must agree to pay one-third of the premium |
Employee at Non-Participating Employers
Individuals who work for a company that does not offer employer-sponsored health insurance or CoverTN will be able to enroll in coverage if they meet the following requirements.
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Must live in Tennessee (six months) |
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U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien |
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19 years old or older |
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Earns $43,000 or less per year |
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Works 20 hours or more per week, on average |
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No health insurance for the last six months (individual or group coverage) |
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Must agree to pay two-thirds of the premium |
Self-Employed Eligibility
Self-employed individuals are eligible to apply for CoverTN. Self-employed means that you are in business for yourself or are an independent contractor and your business does not have any employees. Self-employed applicants, to be eligible for CoverTN, must be able to show income from the business equal to at least 20 hours per week at minimum wage, or about $6,100 per year.
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Must live in Tennessee (six months) |
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U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien |
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19 years old or older |
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Works 20 hours or more per week, on average |
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Earns $43,000 or less per year |
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No health insurance for the last six months (individual or group coverage) |
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Must agree to pay two-thirds of the premium |
Coverage for Spouses
Spouses of CoverTN participants may be eligible for coverage if they meet the following eligibility requirements. The employer is not obligated to contribute to the spouse's premium. The employee must pay whatever portion of the spouse's premium the employer does not cover. An employee must enroll in CoverTN in order for the spouse to be eligible to enroll for coverage.
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Live in Tennessee or a bordering state |
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U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien |
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19 years old or older |
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Cannot have access to employer-sponsored health insurance |
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No health insurance for the last six months |
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Must agree to pay two-thirds of the premium |
Coverage for Children
Children of CoverTN participants are not eligible for coverage under this program. All CoverTN policies are individual policies and are not considered family coverage. Employees with children 18 years or younger may be eligible for coverage under CoverKids, another Cover Tennessee program. Please visit the
CoverKids section of this website for more information.