Can you get paid to care for a family member in Tennessee?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Tennessee, TennCare CHOICES members can use consumer direction to hire their own workers, including family members other than a spouse. A family member who lives with the member cannot be paid for personal care visits, attendant care or in-home respite, and family cannot be paid for care they would give anyway. People with intellectual or developmental disabilities can also use consumer direction through ECF CHOICES.

Which Tennessee programs pay family caregivers?

TennCare CHOICES - Consumer Direction

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Consumer-directed workers the member hires, including friends, neighbors and family members other than a spouse. A family member cannot be paid for care they would otherwise give without pay, and anyone who lives with the member cannot be paid for personal care visits, attendant care or in-home respite.
• Who qualifies for care: TennCare members enrolled in CHOICES home and community-based services who choose consumer direction for eligible services.

Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES - Consumer Direction

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Consumer-directed workers hired by the member or their representative. Family hiring rules specific to ECF CHOICES were not confirmed.
• Who qualifies for care: TennCare members with intellectual or developmental disabilities enrolled in ECF CHOICES, including family-support groups for children who live at home.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

What should you confirm with the state?

Because relatives who live with the member cannot be paid for personal care in CHOICES, families should check with their TennCare health plan about which services a live-in relative can provide.