State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Tennessee
Program Overview
Overview
Tennessee has a Katie Beckett program through the TennCare 1115 demonstration waiver for children with disabilities, plus the Employment and Community First CHOICES program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.ts with IDD.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Tennessee has a Katie Beckett program through the TennCare 1115 demonstration waiver — not a TEFRA state plan option. Part A provides full Medicaid plus home and community based services for up to 300 children who don't financially qualify for Medicaid; Part B provides HCBS-only services for up to 2,700 children with lower acuity needs. A parent fee may apply, and the program is not available to children already eligible for Medicaid categorically. Apply through TennCare Connect.
Child-relevant waivers
The Katie Beckett program (TennCare 1115 demonstration) is the primary child route. Employment and Community First CHOICES serves children and adults with I/DD, and the state-funded Family Support Program offers limited supports. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Tennessee's CHOICES program is the primary adult HCBS program. CHOICES covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, respite, and other community supports. CHOICES is administered through managed care organizations and does not require a separate waitlist — eligible adults can enroll directly.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DIDD Comprehensive Waiver serves individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities who meet ICF/ID level of care.
Financial and income rules
Katie Beckett counts only the child's income, but a parent fee may apply and insurance coverage is required. Children already eligible for Medicaid categorically don't qualify for Katie Beckett.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for the Comprehensive Waiver.
Age rules
DIDD waivers serve individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Tennessee DIDD for intake and applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, assessments, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Katie Beckett Part A is capped at 300 children and Part B at 2,700, and a separate waiting list is being created. About 1,750 people with developmental disabilities are waiting for services statewide.
Practical next step
Apply for the Katie Beckett program through TennCare Connect and ask about Part A versus Part B and any parent fee. For I/DD supports, contact Employment and Community First CHOICES.
Services & Support
Services available
DIDD waivers can cover residential services, supported employment, day services, in-home supports, and respite.
Parent caregiver pay
A small group of people served through the Employment and Community First CHOICES waiver can receive a small monthly stipend, which is more like a benefit than true paid parent caregiving. Tennessee does not have a broad paid parent caregiver program, so families should ask DIDD about any self-directed exceptions.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP — tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT funding information statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) covers behavioral health services through managed care organizations (MCOs). Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) oversees the public behavioral health system. The state operates a network of community mental health centers. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Tennessee has invested in mobile crisis services and school-based mental health.
Additional notes
Waitlists for the Comprehensive Waiver can be long. Contacting DIDD early and asking about the Family Support Program is recommended, as the Family Support Program may be available sooner.
Sources
Recent news for Tennessee
USA TODAY · October 8, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
Tennessee's Medicaid program has seen a decrease in enrollment over the past year and a half.
WATE 6 On Your Side on MSN · October 6, 2026 · Education
Knox County Schools is creating a multi-year plan to integrate special education into general classrooms to improve student outcomes.
ETSU News · October 2, 2026 · Education
East Tennessee State University has opened a new center dedicated to providing resources and support for students with disabilities.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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