Tennessee Long-Term Care Insurance: Costs, TennCare CHOICES, and Partnership Policies

What care costs in Tennessee

Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey, July–November 2025. The national median for assisted living was $76,200. Costs vary within the state, often running higher in metro areas.

Medicaid long-term care in Tennessee

Tennessee Medicaid pays for nursing home care and, through TennCare’s CHOICES program, some home and community-based services once you meet income, asset, and care-need rules. Home and community-based programs often have limited slots, so waiting lists can occur. Like most states, Tennessee reviews asset transfers made in the five years before you apply. An elder law attorney can explain current state limits and estate recovery rules.

Family caregiving in Tennessee

Many Tennesseans rely on family members for care, especially early on. Some long-term care policies and Medicaid programs can pay family caregivers or provide respite care, so caregivers get a break. When comparing policies, ask whether informal caregivers can be paid and whether adult day programs are covered.

Partnership policies in Tennessee

Tennessee participates in the long-term care partnership program; nationally, only a handful of states, including Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Utah, and Vermont, don’t (Partnership for Long-Term Care). A partnership-qualified policy lets you keep assets equal to the benefits it paid if you later need Medicaid. Policies must include inflation protection based on your age at purchase. See how partnership programs work.

What Medicare won’t pay

Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care, the everyday help with bathing, dressing, and eating that most people need (Medicare.gov). It can cover a skilled nursing facility stay of up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay, but in 2026 you pay $217 a day for days 21 through 100 (CMS). For longer care, Tennessee residents rely on savings, insurance, or Medicaid.

Protections for a spouse at home

Federal rules protect part of a married couple’s assets and income when one spouse needs Medicaid long-term care. For 2026, states protect between $32,532 and $162,660 in assets for the spouse at home, with a monthly income allowance of at least $2,643.75 and up to $4,066.50 (CMS). Each state chooses where within those ranges to set its limits.

Coverage options for Tennessee residents

• Traditional long-term care insurance: the most care benefit per premium dollar, though premiums can rise.
• Hybrid life and LTC policies: care benefits plus a death benefit if you don’t need care.
• Life insurance riders: use part of a death benefit for care.
• Short-term care insurance: covers a year or less of care, with simpler underwriting.

Premiums for tax-qualified policies can be deductible as medical expenses, up to $4,960 for ages 61 to 70 and $6,200 for 71 and older in 2026 (ElderLawAnswers).

Example: a year at home, then assisted living

Illustrative only: a year of part-time home care costing $30,000, followed by two years of assisted living at the 2025 median ($140,280), would total about $170,280. A policy paying $4,500 a month for three years would provide up to $162,000 toward it.

Checklist for Tennessee residents

1. Estimate care costs in your area; Nashville and Knoxville can cost more.
2. Plan for family caregiving and respite care.
3. Ask whether a policy is partnership-qualified.
4. Talk with an elder law attorney before moving assets.
5. Compare options while you’re healthy.

Tennessee long-term care FAQs

Related guides

• Long-term care insurance
• Long-term care costs
• How to pay for long-term care
• Partnership programs
• Hybrid life and LTC insurance
• Tennessee disability insurance

Your next step

Tell us about your plans, and a licensed agent will compare Tennessee long-term care options.