
Tennessee has a “Katie Beckett”-like program as part of its TennCare Demonstration Waiver, which grants Medicaid coverage and additional services to a small number of children who do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid based on income. This program also provides home and community based services only (without Medicaid) to a second group of lower acuity children. These programs may require a parent fee and insurance coverage and unfortunately are not available to low-income or foster children who qualify for Medicaid categorically.
Tennessee also has a unified program for people of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the Employment and Community First CHOICES program, which is part of its 1115 demonstration waiver, TennCare.
Tennessee previously had three HCBS waivers that stopped enrolling participants in 2016. However, some individuals still remain in these programs, though they expect to be transitioned by 2024. These include: Comprehensive Aggregate Cap Home and Community Based Services, Self-Determination Waiver Program, and Statewide Home and Community Based Services Waiver.
Advocacy Organizations in Tennessee:
- Family Voices of Tennessee
- Tennessee Disability Coalition
- The Arc of Tennessee
- Disability Rights Tennessee
Last updated 10/25/23