In-Home Dementia Care in Tennessee

Paying for care in Tennessee: TennCare CHOICES

Medicare does not pay for the long-term help dementia requires. In Tennessee the programme that can is CHOICES, administered by Division of TennCare, delivered through managed care organizations, with Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD) offices assisting with applications.

Who qualifies

Eligibility is based on a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) determination evaluating Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and cognitive/behavioral factors. This can include Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, but a dementia diagnosis alone does not guarantee an NFLOC designation - Tennessee does not use a separate, lower threshold specifically for dementia.

The financial limits

Single applicant

$2,000

Married couple

$3,000 (when both spouses are applying)

Look-back period

Not published on the cited page; standard TennCare transfer-of-asset rules apply, and the current look-back should be confirmed with the programme office.

How to apply

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) if not already enrolled in TennCare, or call 1-866-836-6678 to be directed to your nearest AAAD. Current TennCare members apply for CHOICES through their assigned health plan. TennCare Connect can also be reached at 1-855-259-0701.

What is unusual about Tennessee

CHOICES has three enrollment groups with different services. Group 2 (home- and community-based services) has an active waitlist, so applying as early as possible is recommended.

Rules and figures change. Confirm the current position with the programme itself before making a financial decision.