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What is the Katie Beckett Program?
Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program is for children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs. This program is for children who are not Medicaid eligible because of their parent’s income or assets.
This program will provide services and/or help pay for medical care that private insurance does not cover. Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program has two parts.
Katie Beckett Part A
Will serve up to 300 children with the most significant disabilities or complex medical needs.
Children would receive full Medicaid benefits, which could include services like home health, private duty nursing, durable medical equipment and supplies, and occupational, physical, and speech therapies, among other services.
Children in Part A would also receive up to $15,000 a year in-home and community-based services. These are non-medical services that help families care for children in their homes. Some of these services include respite, supportive home care, and home and vehicle modifications.
Katie Beckett Program Part B
Will serve up to 2,700 children with disabilities or complex medical needs.
Children in Part B will not be enrolled in Medicaid. They would receive up to $10,000 a year in services for their child.
Families will have the flexibility to choose any or all of the following services within their budget: premium assistance, a health-care savings type account, reimbursement for services that would benefit the child but can’t be covered under a health-care savings account, self-directed respite, and supportive home care services, or an array of services from a community-based provider.
When Will the Program Start?
DIDD and TennCare are happy to announce that the Katie Beckett Program has been approved by the federal government. Starting Monday, November 23, 2020, you can apply for the program.
When and how can people sign up for the new program?
To apply for Tennessee’s Katie Beckett Program, follow the steps below:
1. The application will start with a self-referral online at TennCare Connect. To begin a self-referral, you must create a TennCare Connect account. You can DO THIS NOW so you’ll be ready to apply. You can find the TennCare Connect site and instructions on how to create an account here: https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/services/homepage
2. Filling out the self-referral online is the fastest way to apply for the program. But if you don’t have a computer, a DIDD case manager can help you complete the self-referral. To get help, call the DIDD office in your region:
• West Tennessee Regional Office: (866) 372-5709
• Middle Tennessee Regional Office: (800) 654-4839
• East Tennessee Regional Office: (888) 531-9876
3. Once you complete the self-referral, a DIDD case manager will contact you to conduct an assessment. Be ready to provide medical documents that clearly identify your child’s condition and/or proof of intellectual disability at the time of the assessment. Please note: your child’s enrollment could be denied or delayed if you are unable to provide these supporting documents when we meet.
We expect many people will apply for the program right away. We will work as fast as we can to process the applications. Thank you for being patient.
Where can I find updates about the program?
To stay up to date on the Katie Beckett Program as we move forward, go to: