In Tennessee, the state Medicaid plan is known officially as TennCare. It provides health care to low-income residents of the state including children and their families, Supplemental Security Income recipients and senior citizens. Some of the services paid for by the standard state plan include medical care, dental care, prescription medications and nursing home care.
To qualify for TennCare as a senior citizen, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and their income may not exceed $771 per month when single. Married couples may not have an income that exceeds $1,157 per month. The asset limit for single applicants is $2,000, and for married couples, it’s $3,000. Exempt assets include the applicant’s house, household furnishings and one vehicle.
Seniors can apply for TennCare online or by calling (855) 259-0701.
TennCare CHOICES
CHOICES provides senior citizens and disabled adults with access to nursing care and home and community-based services. Its purpose is to help those who need a nursing level of care delay a move into a nursing home by providing the services they require within their home or in an assisted living community. Some of the services provided by CHOICES include nursing care, personal care, assisted living services and transportation.
To qualify, applicants must require assistance with at least two activities of daily living. They also must be either 65 years of age or legally disabled. Financially, applicants are restricted to an income of no more than $2,313 per month. Asset limits are the same as for TennCare.
Seniors can apply for CHOICES by calling (866) 836-6678.