TennCare CHOICES Program:
If
you have TennCare, or could qualify for TennCare, the CHOICES program could be a resource to you if you have a physical
disability, but cannot get into one of the state's HCBS Waivers. CHOICES provides for care in a person's home in some
cases.
To be in CHOICES, you must need
the level of care provided in a nursing home; AND you must qualify for Medicaid long-term
care. To qualify for Medicaid long-term care, your income can't be more than
$2,022 per month. (If it is, you may be able to set up a Qualifying Income Trust.) AND,
the total value of things you own can't be more than $2,000. (The home where you live doesn't count. And, you can't have given
away or sold anything for less than what it's worth in the last five (5) years.)
There
are two (2) groups of people in CHOICES.
CHOICES Group 1
is for people who receive nursing home care.
CHOICES
Group 2 is for certain people who receive home care instead of nursing home care. It's only
for:
- Adults 65 years of age and older;
- OR adults 21 years of age and older who have physical disabilities.
To
enroll in CHOICES and receive home care services:
Your TennCare health plan (or
MCO) must be able to safely meet your needs at home. AND, the cost of your home
care can't be more than the cost of nursing home care. The cost of your home care includes any home health or private duty
nursing that TennCare provides. This doesn't mean you'll receive
services up to the cost of nursing home care. The care you get in CHOICES depends on your needs.
CHOICES services will not take the place of care you get from family and friends. The home care you get through CHOICES
will work together with the help you already receive to help you stay in the community longer. Care in CHOICES will be provided
as cost-effectively as possible so that more people who need care will be able to get help.
To Apply:
If you have TennCare,
call your MCO, The number is on your card. If you do not have TennCare, call your Area Agency on Aging and Disability
(AAAD) toll-free at 1.866.836.6678.
Or for more information
or to apply online, go to: www.tn.gov/tenncare/CHOICES (click this link to go the TennCare website)