CHOICES Program Tennessee

The CHOICES Program is a Medicaid-managed care option through TennCare that supports older adults and individuals with disabilities. It provides help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Services are available in a nursing home, assisted living, or the person's own home. The goal is to reduce foster care and institutional placement by offering flexible, home-based support.

Yes. If the person receiving care qualifies for TennCare and chooses the self-directed option under CHOICES, they may hire a family caregiver and pay them using program funds. Caregivers can assist with personal care, respite care, and household tasks. This can be a helpful source of income for family members already providing unpaid support. Paid.Care can help you understand the legal steps, including any requirements for a power of attorney or income trust.

Eligibility is based on income, medical need, and asset limits set by TennCare. Applicants must need the level of care typically provided in a nursing home, yet want to remain in a home or community setting. Individuals must provide documents such as a social security number, proof of insurance or life insurance, and any supplemental security income (SSI) details. Residents of East Tennessee and other regions can apply statewide through their managed care organizations.

CHOICES covers a wide range of long-term services. These include personal care, mental health support, respite care, home modifications for accessibility, and visits from a registered nurse. The program also helps prevent the need for nursing home placement by offering care in familiar settings. Support from an ombudsman or lawyer may also be available to protect your rights as a care recipient or family caregiver. Some services, like pest control, may be covered if medically necessary.

To apply, contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability or your managed care organization under TennCare. You'll need to complete an application and go through a needs assessment. Have documents ready, including your insurance policy, proof of health insurance, and social security number. A legal representative, such as someone with power of attorney, may help. Paid.Care can guide you through every step of the application, help you understand eligibility, and support you in getting paid to care for your loved one.

Yes. One of the main goals of the CHOICES Program is to help people stay in their own homes instead of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility. By covering services like respite care, personal support, and help with activities of daily living, CHOICES gives families a way to care for loved ones at home. This not only reduces the cost of care but also improves quality of life.

To apply for CHOICES through TennCare, you will need documents that prove your identity, financial status, and care needs. These may include your social security number, proof of income, insurance policy, life insurance, health insurance, or Medicare information. You may also need a copy of any power of attorney or legal guardianship paperwork. A lawyer can help prepare these documents if needed.

Yes. CHOICES services are available throughout the state, including in East Tennessee. The program is part of TennCare's managed care system, so benefits may vary slightly depending on your assigned health plan. Services can be provided to any qualifying adult who meets medical and financial criteria. Support is available whether the individual lives at home, in foster care, or in an assisted living setting. In some cases, services like pest control may be covered if they relate to health and safety needs.