State guide

Tennessee

Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Tennessee. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.

Tennessee overview

Tennessee's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) administers Employment and Community First CHOICES — Tennessee's integrated Medicaid HCBS waiver that combines the DD and physical disability waivers. Tennessee's waitlists are long; apply through DIDD the day of diagnosis. For early intervention, contact Tennessee's Early Intervention System (TEIS). Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP) is Tennessee's PTI center. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is one of the country's leading UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) programs.

Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Tennessee Medicaid HCBS Waiver (DIDD)

Typical wait: varies — waitlists exist; apply as early as possible

Apply through Tennessee DIDD (Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) the day of diagnosis — DIDD manages waiver intake statewide.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

State Autism Organization

Autism Tennessee

State-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Tennessee.

Tennessee requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

TCA §56-7-2365 · effective 2011

Through age 12$40,000/year capDiagnosis required

One of the weaker mandates — covers ABA only through age 12 with a $40,000/year cap. Families with older children or intensive therapy needs will likely hit coverage limits. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt.

Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are typically exempt — ask your HR department which type of plan you have.

Medicaid Waiver

Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Tennessee.

DIDD Waivers: Solutions, Supported Living, and Family Model

Tennessee Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

3-7 years (varies by waiver type)

Coverage highlights

  • ✓Respite
  • ✓Supported Living
  • ✗Therapy
  • ✓Employment Supports

Tennessee DIDD manages three waiver levels: the Solutions Waiver for lower-intensity community supports, the Supported Living Waiver for residential options, and the Family Model Waiver for family-based care. Waitlists vary by waiver type and region. Tennessee also has a TennCare (Medicaid) ABA benefit for children under 21.

How to apply

Apply online →615-532-6530

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Tennessee.

TennCare

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit tenncare.tn.gov or call 1-800-342-3145. Your TennCare plan name is on your TennCare ID card.

Major plans in this state

  • BlueCare Tennessee
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee

Tennessee TennCare uses two managed care organizations covering different geographic regions. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required and must be submitted through your TennCare MCO. Contact your plan's behavioral health team to find in-network ABA providers.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

95 counties