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TennHealth CHOICES in Long-Term Care
Overview of the Tennessee CHOICES in Long-Term Care
This program, also referred to TennCare Choices, is a Medicaid program for elderly and / or disabled Tennessee residents that require the level of care typically provided in a nursing home. A wide range of personal care assistance and support services can be paid for by this program. Some of the services are “consumer directed” meaning they are offered based on the Medicaid Cash and Counseling model in which participants are provided with the flexibility and choice to self-select their care providers.
The CHOICES program has options for individuals in nursing homes or for those that wish to receive care at home. One component of the program that is of particular interest for those whose receive care at home is that friends, neighbors and certain family members can be hired to provide care. Family members, with the exception of spouses and legal guardians, can be paid to be caregivers.
Qualifications for the TennCare Choice Program
To be eligible for this program, individuals must require a nursing home level of care and be eligible to receive Medicaid (also referred to as TennCare).
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change frequently but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,022 and “countable asset” limits, excluding the car and home, range from $2,000 to $8,000.
It is worth noting that there are many exceptions to the income and assets limits and working with a professional Medicaid Planner can individuals structure the income and assets using trusts to ensure their eligibility for the TennCare program. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. Rules change frequently but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,022 and “countable asset” limits, excluding the car and home, range from $2,000 to $8,000.
It is worth noting that there are many exceptions to the income and assets limits and working with a professional Medicaid Planner can individuals structure the income and assets using trusts to ensure their eligibility for the TennCare program. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
Benefits / Services Covered by the TennCare Choice Program
-Personal care assistance with the activities of daily living sometimes also called attendant care
-Homemaker services sometimes also referred to assistance with the instrumental activities of daily living
-Personal Emergency Response services
-Adult day care
-Respite care
-Assistive technology and home modifications
-Homemaker services sometimes also referred to assistance with the instrumental activities of daily living
-Personal Emergency Response services
-Adult day care
-Respite care
-Assistive technology and home modifications
How to Apply for the TennCare Choice Program
Interested individuals should contact their local Area Agency on Aging or visit the TennCare Choice website to learn more about the program. Alternatively, one can call their toll-free number at 1-866-836-6678 or visit a local Medicaid office.
Use our Eldercare Financial Resource Locator Tool to find other public and private programs that can help pay for or reduce the costs of long term care for the elderly.
Use our Eldercare Financial Resource Locator Tool to find other public and private programs that can help pay for or reduce the costs of long term care for the elderly.
