Tennessee Medicaid Waiver Guide

Understanding Tennessee Medicaid

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.

Types of Waiver Programs

Katie Beckett

• Description: Part A is a TEFRA-like program providing Medicaid coverage with additional home and community based services for those who do not financially qualify for Medicaid. Part B is an additional diversion program providing HCBS services only without Medicaid coverage.
• Online State Information: Katie Beckett and Katie Beckett detailed info as well as this Katie Beckett information from Family Voices of TN
• Official Federal Information
• How to Apply: Apply through TennCare Connect. Additional application information is available here.

Employment and Community First Choices

• Description: Integrated Employment Path Services, Community Integration Support Services, Independent Living Skills Training, Community Transportation, Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment and Supplies, Minor Home Modifications, Respite, Supportive Home Care, Family Caregiver Stipend, Family Caregiver Education and Training
• Online State Information: Employment and Community First CHOICES
• Official Federal Information
• How to Apply: Follow the instructions based on your program on this page.

Other online resources for Tennessee:

• Tennessee Technology Access Program has funding for parents to get assistive technology like Goally
• Autism Tennessee has job postings, family events, and parent to parent coaching opportunities
• Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a database that connects parents to the autism resources in their area.
• Employment and Community First CHOICES

Telephone Resources:

• TennCare general information line — 1-800-342-3145

Ordering Goally with a Medicaid Waiver

Talk with your case manager to see if the waiver program you have will cover Goally. If so, have your case manager email us at: [email protected] to place an order on your behalf.