Tennessee Medicaid Nursing Home Coverage
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) pays for nursing home care for income-eligible Tennessee seniors. This guide covers eligibility rules, income and asset limits, the application process, required documents, and important rules families need to understand before applying.
Eligibility at a Glance
Income Limit
$2,742/mo
300% of SSI · Individual
Asset Limit
$2,000
Countable assets · Individual
Look-Back Period
5 Years
Asset transfer review
Spousal Assets Protected
$154,140
Community Spouse Resource Allowance
Spousal Income Protected
$3,853/mo
Min. Monthly Maintenance Allowance
Avg. Nursing Home Cost
$7,400/mo
Medicaid rate: ~$210/day
Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid Income Limit
300% of SSI ($2,742/month for individuals in 2026). Tennessee seniors above this income limit may qualify using a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust). TennCare uses mandatory managed care through contractor MCOs (BlueCare Tennessee, UHCCP, Amerigroup) for long-term care.
Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid Asset Limit
Countable asset limit is $2,000 for an individual. Exempt assets: primary residence (if intent to return or qualified person lives there), one vehicle, burial insurance up to $10,000 in face value, prepaid burial contract, and household goods. Tennessee follows standard Medicaid asset rules.
Tennessee 5-Year Look-Back Rule
Tennessee Medicaid reviews all asset transfers made within 5 years (60 months) of the application date. Transfers for less than fair market value during this period may result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for nursing home care. Consult a Tennessee elder law attorney before transferring any assets.
Important Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid Rules
TennCare CHOICES Program — Alternative to Nursing Home
Tennessee's CHOICES program provides home and community-based services as an alternative to nursing home care for eligible TennCare members. CHOICES Group 1 serves nursing home residents; CHOICES Group 2 covers in-home care. Seniors in nursing homes can apply for CHOICES transition services to return home if medically appropriate. CHOICES has a waitlist in some areas.
Managed Care Structure
Tennessee's TennCare program operates entirely through managed care organizations (MCOs). Nursing home residents are enrolled in one of three MCOs: BlueCare Tennessee (BCBS), United Healthcare Community Plan, or Amerigroup Tennessee. Each MCO has a care coordinator who assists with care planning and transitions.
Patient Pay / Cost of Care
Tennessee TennCare nursing home residents keep $50/month as a Personal Needs Allowance. All other income (Social Security, pension, etc.) is applied to the nursing home's cost — the Patient Pay Amount (PPA). TennCare pays the difference between the PPA and the facility's approved daily rate (approximately $210/day).
Estate Recovery
Tennessee participates in the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. After a TennCare nursing home recipient's death, the state may file claims against the probate estate for Medicaid costs paid for nursing home care (age 55+). A surviving spouse's presence delays recovery. Tennessee elder law attorneys can help develop a plan that minimizes estate recovery exposure.
How to Apply for Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid
Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of TennCare
Phone: 855-259-0701 · Website: tn.gov/tenncare
- 1Apply for TennCare nursing home coverage through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TN DHS) — call 855-259-0701 or visit tn.gov/humanservices
- 2Once approved for TennCare, nursing home coverage is provided through one of three managed care organizations: BlueCare Tennessee, United Healthcare Community Plan, or Amerigroup Tennessee
- 3A Level of Care assessment is required to confirm nursing home level of care is needed
- 4Submit documentation of income, assets (5-year look-back), and identification to TN DHS
- 5Processing typically takes 45–90 days. Tennessee nursing homes commonly accept 'TennCare pending' admissions.
- 6Seniors above the income limit should consult an elder law attorney about a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust)
Documents Required for Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid
Gather these documents before starting your application. Missing documents are the #1 cause of application delays.
- Social Security card and Medicare card
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Proof of Tennessee residency
- Social Security award letter and all income documentation
- Bank statements for 5 years (all accounts)
- Life insurance documentation
- Property deeds or tax records
- Vehicle titles
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Any trust documents
* Gather 5 full years (60 months) of bank statements for ALL accounts. This is the single most common documentation gap in Medicaid nursing home applications.
Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid by the Numbers
316
Licensed Nursing Homes
32,000
Medicaid Beds
64%
Medicaid Bed %
$7,400
Avg Monthly Cost
Sources: CMS, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of TennCare, 2026 data.
Is There a Waitlist for Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid?
Tennessee does not have a statewide waitlist for nursing facility TennCare. Nursing homes accept TennCare patients based on bed availability. Tennessee's CHOICES program (HCBS waiver alternative to nursing home care) does maintain a waitlist in some areas.
Find Medicaid-Accepting Nursing Homes in Tennessee
Our care advisors can identify nursing homes in Tennessee with open Medicaid beds and help you start the application process — no phone call required.
Tennessee Nursing Home Medicaid FAQs
Does TennCare cover nursing home care in Tennessee?▾
Yes — TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) covers skilled nursing facility care for income and asset-eligible seniors. The income limit is $2,742/month (300% of SSI) and the asset limit is $2,000. Seniors above the income limit may qualify using a Qualified Income Trust. Apply through Tennessee DHS at 855-259-0701 or tn.gov/humanservices.
What is the average cost of nursing home care in Tennessee?▾
The average cost of nursing home care in Tennessee is approximately $7,400/month ($247/day) for a semi-private room in 2026 — near the national average. Nashville and Memphis metro areas average $8,000–$9,500/month, while rural East and West Tennessee average $6,500–$7,500/month.
What is the TennCare CHOICES program?▾
CHOICES is Tennessee's Medicaid program that provides home and community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement. CHOICES Group 2 provides in-home personal care, adult day care, and other services for eligible seniors living at home. CHOICES Group 1 serves nursing home residents with enhanced care coordination and transition support. A waitlist exists in some Tennessee counties.
Which TennCare MCO covers nursing home care in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee's TennCare nursing home coverage is delivered through three managed care organizations: BlueCare Tennessee (Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate), United Healthcare Community Plan (UHCCP), and Amerigroup Tennessee. When approved for TennCare nursing home coverage, seniors are enrolled in one of these MCOs which coordinates their care and benefits.
How long does TennCare nursing home approval take in Tennessee?▾
TennCare nursing home applications typically take 45–90 days to process. Most Tennessee nursing homes accept 'TennCare pending' admissions during review. If approved, coverage typically backdates to the application date. Seniors who need immediate placement should ask facilities specifically about their TennCare pending policy.
Can I transfer my home or assets to my children before applying for TennCare?▾
Tennessee enforces a 5-year (60-month) look-back period for asset transfers. Transferring assets for less than fair market value within 5 years of applying for TennCare nursing home coverage will trigger a penalty period during which TennCare will not pay for care. The penalty is calculated based on Tennessee's average private nursing home daily rate. Consult a Tennessee elder law attorney before any transfers.
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