Tennessee Medicaid Autism Coverage
Tennessee's Katie Beckett Program (relaunched 2020) provides Medicaid access to children with significant disabilities regardless of family income through Parts A and B. TennCare covers ABA under EPSDT, and ECF CHOICES funds long-term community supports for individuals with IDD.
Quick Answer
Tennessee's Katie Beckett Program (relaunched 2020) provides Medicaid access to children with significant disabilities regardless of family income through Parts A and B. TennCare covers ABA under EPSDT, and ECF CHOICES funds long-term community supports for individuals with IDD.
- ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
- HCBS waivers: 3 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
- Commercial insurance: Tennessee has a state autism insurance mandate.
Medicaid ABA Coverage
Yes — EPSDT
Under 21 (via EPSDT)
Insurance Mandate
Yes
HCBS Waivers
3 available
Editorial Review
This page summarizes public Medicaid, waiver, and insurance-mandate information reviewed by the Autism Hearts editorial team.
Medicaid benefits, managed-care rules, and waiver waitlists can change quickly, so families should verify eligibility, prior authorization, and enrollment steps with the administering agency before relying on this page.
Last reviewed 2026-04-21 by Autism Hearts Editorial Team
Tennessee Commercial Insurance Mandate
- Year enacted
- 2016
- Age limit
- Varies by plan
Covered services
Self-funded employer plans (often from large employers) are regulated by federal ERISA law, not state mandates, and may be exempt. Always confirm your plan type on your Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
Medicaid ABA Therapy Benefit
TennCare covers ABA as a medically-necessary service under EPSDT. Services are delivered through TennCare MCOs (Amerigroup, BlueCare, UnitedHealthcare).
Tennessee HCBS Waivers
Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF CHOICES)
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD, all ages
Self-Determination Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing lower-intensity support
Comprehensive Aggregate Cap (CAC) Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing intensive supports
Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option
Available — Tennessee Katie Beckett Program (Parts A and B)
Relaunched in 2020. Part A provides full TennCare with long-term supports for children meeting institutional level of care (limited slots). Part B is a premium buy-in with a smaller wraparound benefit package open to a broader group of children with disabilities.
Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) — Tennessee's IDEA Part C program. Children under 3 with developmental delays can access services without a formal autism diagnosis.
Official Sources
Use these primary sources when you need to confirm current Medicaid rules, waiver access, or state-agency guidance in Tennessee.