Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living in Tennessee?
What does CHOICES cover in principle?
TennCare describes CHOICES as providing long-term services and supports to eligible older adults and adults with physical disabilities. Groups 2 and 3 can receive qualifying home- and community-based services instead of or to delay nursing-facility care.
What should a family verify before choosing assisted living?
- Whether the person qualifies financially and medically for CHOICES.
- Whether the specific service is covered for the member's CHOICES group.
- Whether the provider participates in the relevant TennCare arrangement.
- Which room, board, or community charges remain the resident's responsibility.
Where do you start?
If the person already has TennCare, contact the TennCare health plan. If not, TennCare directs CHOICES applicants to the local Area Agency on Aging and Disability at 1-866-836-6678.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this page official TennCare guidance about Medicaid coverage for assisted living?
No. This is an independent summary. Use TennCare's official website or TennCare Connect for eligibility decisions and current program rules.
What is CHOICES in Tennessee?
CHOICES is TennCare's long-term services and supports program for qualifying older adults and adults with physical disabilities. It includes nursing-facility services and qualifying home- and community-based services.
What is the 2026 long-term care income limit in Tennessee?
TennCare's CHOICES page states that financial eligibility for Medicaid long-term services and supports generally uses a $2,982 monthly income limit for 2026. Other eligibility categories can use different limits.
What is the resource limit for Medicaid long-term services and supports?
TennCare's CHOICES guidance states a $2,000 countable-resource limit for the individual, subject to program rules and exclusions.
Does a home always count as a Medicaid resource?
No. TennCare has a homestead exclusion subject to conditions, but a separate home-equity limit can apply to institutional long-term services and supports.
Does TennCare use a five-year look-back?
TennCare's CHOICES guidance states that an applicant cannot have given away or sold assets for less than fair value during the prior five years, subject to Medicaid transfer rules and exceptions.
Can income above the limit ever be handled differently?
TennCare states that an applicant over the long-term care income limit may be able to use a Qualifying Income Trust. Individual eligibility should be confirmed with TennCare.
How long can a TennCare eligibility decision take?
TennCare says an online application may sometimes produce an immediate decision, but a standard decision can take up to 45 days and long-term services and supports can take up to 90 days because medical eligibility must also be verified.
How do I apply for CHOICES if I do not already have TennCare?
TennCare directs people who do not have TennCare to contact their local Area Agency on Aging and Disability. The statewide number published by TennCare is 1-866-836-6678.
How do I apply if I already have TennCare?
TennCare says current members interested in CHOICES should contact their TennCare health plan using the number on their TennCare card.
Does Medicaid automatically pay the full assisted-living bill?
No. CHOICES can pay for qualifying long-term services and supports, but families should not assume that every assisted-living room, board, service, or fee is covered.
Where should I verify current Tennessee Medicaid rules?
Use TennCare's official CHOICES, Eligibility Reference Guide, application, and policy-manual pages. For an individual case, contact TennCare or an authorized program representative.
Verification: This page summarizes current official Tennessee guidance. TennCare makes eligibility decisions. Program limits and procedures can change.