Does TennCare Pay for Assisted Living in Tennessee?
What is CHOICES?
CHOICES is Tennessee's long-term services and supports program for qualifying older adults age 65+ and adults age 21+ with physical disabilities. The program includes nursing-facility services and qualifying home- and community-based services.
How do you apply if you do not already have TennCare?
TennCare directs people interested in CHOICES who do not already have TennCare to contact their local Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Tennessee publishes the statewide number as 1-866-836-6678.
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Take the Free Care AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
Does TennCare automatically pay the full cost of assisted living?
No. TennCare eligibility and covered long-term services and supports depend on the person, program rules and approved services. Families should verify current CHOICES eligibility and benefits directly with TennCare.
What is TennCare CHOICES?
CHOICES is Tennessee's long-term services and supports program for qualifying older adults and adults with physical disabilities. It can include nursing-facility services and certain home- and community-based services.
Who should I contact about CHOICES eligibility?
TennCare directs people who do not already have TennCare and want to apply for long-term services and supports to their local Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Current contact instructions should be verified on TennCare's website.
Can CHOICES help someone remain at home?
CHOICES includes qualifying home- and community-based services for eligible members. The exact services available depend on the person's assessed needs and program eligibility.
Does CHOICES cover room and board in assisted living?
Coverage rules are specific and can differ from general assisted-living charges. Families should not assume that ordinary room-and-board costs are fully covered. Confirm current benefits directly with TennCare.
Can someone with Medicare qualify for TennCare CHOICES?
Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs. Some people may have both, but CHOICES eligibility is determined under TennCare's own financial and functional rules.
Are CHOICES rules the same for every applicant?
No. Eligibility depends on factors such as age or disability status, financial requirements and level-of-care criteria. Individual circumstances matter.
How long does a CHOICES application take?
Processing times can vary. Families facing an urgent care transition should contact TennCare or the local Area Agency on Aging and Disability for current guidance rather than relying on a fixed timeline.
Should I choose a facility before confirming CHOICES?
It is usually safer to understand both eligibility and whether a provider can accept the relevant program before making a placement decision.
Where can I verify current TennCare information?
Use TennCare's official CHOICES and long-term services and supports pages. Program rules can change, so official state information should take priority over older directory content.
Can this website determine TennCare eligibility?
No. This site can help organize questions, but only TennCare and authorized program representatives can determine eligibility or explain current covered benefits.
What should I prepare before calling TennCare?
Have basic information about the person's care needs, living situation, insurance coverage and financial circumstances available. TennCare or the Area Agency on Aging and Disability can tell you which documents are required.