Assisted Living Tennessee

Tennessee is a popular location for retirees thanks to its mild climate and affordable cost of living. Assisted living costs $4,105 per month, which is $395 lower than the national average. Although the Volunteer State ranks in the lowest quartile for its senior-friendly amenities, it receives more favorable ratings for its health care and affordability, and it’s the 18th-best state for senior living and housing according to our 2022 Senior Living Report. 

Tennessee is home to some excellent hospitals, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a member of U.S. News and World Report’s honor roll. Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga also have top-rated medical facilities. Given these world-class amenities, it’s not surprising that seniors represent 16.7% of the state’s 6.6 million residents. Additionally, the cost of living is about 12% lower than the national average, which benefits retirees who depend on a fixed income.

This guide takes a look at average long-term care costs in Tennessee plus government-sponsored financial assistance programs, such as TennCare CHOICES. It also provides a detailed look at assisted living regulations and free and low-cost resources that can help with long-term care planning and decision-making.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Tennessee

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey lists the average cost of a private one-bedroom unit in an assisted living community in Tennessee as $4,105. Assisted living prices are approximately 10% lower than the national average of $4,500. However, they’re higher than other parts of the Southeast. Seniors in North Carolina pay $95 less per month or about $1,140 less per year. Prices in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia range from $3,500 to $3,535 per month, which saves residents about $600 a month. Average prices in Kentucky are $657 lower based on an average of $3,448.

Assisted living prices in Tennessee’s major cities are close to the state median with minor price fluctuations in some smaller communities. For example, prices in Clarksville are $890 lower than the state average based on average rates of $3,215 per month. Seniors in Memphis, Chattanooga and Jackson pay about $1,000 more per month with average rates between $4,200 and $4,240.

Assisted living prices in Johnson City and the Nashville metropolitan area, which includes Davidson County, Franklin and Murfreesboro, are within $5 of the state median, and with a local average of $3,823, Knoxville residents save about $282 per month compared to seniors in other parts of the Volunteer State.

In most cases, long-term care costs in Tennessee are similar to or slightly lower than the national average. Assisted living costs less than in-home care, which averages $4,576 per month, and the rates are more comprehensive. Seniors who require minimal support may be comfortable with a daytime health care program offered in a community-based setting. This type of care runs $1,733 per month. Seniors who require more advanced care than an assisted living facility can provide will pay a median rate of $7,148 per month to transition to a nursing home.

Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Tennessee?

TennCare covers assisted living through its home- and community-based CHOICES waiver. This program is available to individuals who meet financial requirements and require a nursing home level of care but choose lower-cost alternatives, such as self-directed in-home care or assisted living. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly may cover similar services. However, it’s only available in certain geographic areas.

What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Tennessee? 

Tennessee’s Medicaid program will cover assisted living when these services are medically necessary. Waiver eligibility is based on need and medical criteria. There may be a waiting list. CHOICES includes provisions for self-directed care, so seniors have the freedom to hire their own caregivers and select the services and supports that best fit their needs. Here are a few of the long-term care services that Medicaid covers.

• Personal care
• Attendant care
• Adult day health care
• Companionship
• Adult care homes
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing
• Community living supports
• Residential or institutional respite care
• Emergency response systems
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Meal deliveries
• Pest control 

Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Tennessee 

TennCare CHOICES

TennCare CHOICES supports seniors who want to remain at home, but it will also cover assisted living for individuals who are unable to live safely on their own. The program pays for personal care, one-on-one assistance, homemaker services or housekeeping and medication assistance. Beneficiaries are still responsible for the cost of room and board at their assisted living facility. Applicants must have limited income and assets and require a nursing home level of care as determined by a personal needs assessment. Seniors and disabled adults can contact their Area Aging on Aging and Disability to begin the application process.

How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Tennessee 

Medicaid is a state-funded and federally funded health insurance program available to residents who need help paying for health care. To qualify for long-term care benefits, you must meet financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid benefits for the aged, blind and disabled consider medical criteria, so they have higher income limits than traditional Medicaid. Income is capped at 300% of the monthly Social Security Income benefit rate. For 2022, this is $2,523 per month, per applicant. Although assets are limited to $2,000 per applicant, a house, car and some valuables can be excluded if only one spouse requires long-term care.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Tennessee

Medicaid is available to state residents who are financially needy or require a high level of ongoing care, such as:

• Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income
• Adults with breast cancer or cervical cancer
• Adults who are at risk for nursing home placement

The services TennCare CHOICES covers depend on the applicant’s eligibility category. Learn more about these standards below.

• Group 1 includes individuals who receive care in a skilled nursing facility.
• Group 2 includes adults and seniors who require skilled nursing but receive alternative services at home or in assisted living.
• Group 3 includes adults and seniors who have moderate personal needs and receive SSI.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Tennessee 

The easiest way to apply for TennCare is by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Staff members can make referrals and schedule a personalized needs assessment, which is required to participate in the program. The government offers an online application portal at TennCareConnect.TN.gov, and there are options for seniors who would prefer to submit a paper application. To reach TennCare, seniors can call (855) 259-0701 or dial (866) 836-6678 to speak with a staff member at their AAAD. Those who already have TennCare should call their managed care organization for more information.

Information You Will Need

Applicants should be prepared to provide the following documentation before applying.

• Current address and phone
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Information about income and assets
• Proof of citizenship or legal immigration
• Health insurance details 

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

If you need help applying for TennCare or if you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible for benefits, you can contact the government directly. Free assistance is also available through health insurance assistance hotlines and nonprofit consumer advocates.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Tennessee?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Tennessee. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Tennessee.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Tennessee

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Tennessee

Seniors in Tennessee can take advantage of numerous resources to help with long-term care planning. Free and low-cost programs are available through government agencies and nonprofit groups at the state and local level. Learn more about some of the agencies that can help those who are considering assisted living.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Tennessee

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including The Tennessee Department of Health and Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 03/14/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health, Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities is responsible for regulating the state’s assisted living facilities. State laws require long-term care providers to meet specific standards for resident care and staff training, including the following.

Frequently Asked Questions