Health
This page helps individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals navigate healthcare supports, insurance, disability-related services, and community health resources in Tennessee.
Health services for individuals with disabilities may include:
- Primary care (pediatricians, internal medicine, family medicine)
- Specialists (neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, behavioral health)
- Therapy services (OT, PT, speech-language therapy)
- Behavioral health services (including mental health and counseling)
- TennCare Medicaid & waiver programs
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Assistive technology
- Home health and nursing supports
- Health and wellness programs
- Telehealth
*Families often interact with multiple providers, so coordinated communication and strong advocacy are essential*
What is Included Under Primary & Preventive Care?
- Annual physicals
- Vaccinations
- Developmental screenings
- Routine labs
- Care management
What is Included Under Specialty Care?
Individuals with disabilities may need access to specialists such as:
- Neurologists
- Psychiatric providers
- Gastroenterologists
- Endocrinologists
- Orthopedic specialists
- Behavior analysts
Many Tennessee hospitals (ex, Vanderbilt, Le Bonheur, Erlanger) offer multidisciplinary clinics for individuals with complex support needs.
What is Included Under Behavioral & Mental Health Services?
- Counseling
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Positive behavior support
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (varies by provider)
- Crisis services
- Community-based mental health programs
What is Included Under Therapeutic Services?
Covered through insurance, ECF CHOICES, or school IEPs:
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Feeding therapy
- Vision & hearing services
What is Included Under Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment?
- Communication devices
- Walkers, wheelchairs, orthotics
- Hearing aids
- Vision supports
- Home modifications
- Remote monitoring Funded through:
- TennCare
- ECF CHOICES
- Tennessee Assistive Technology Project (TTAP)
- Private insurance
What is Included Under Home Health & Nursing?
Home-based supports may include:
- Skilled nursing
- Medication management
- Catheter care
- Tube feeding support
- In-home therapies
*Often funded through TennCare or HCBS waivers.*
To learn more about health support, check out this video: Embed ASSIST Video:
| Resources | Descriptions | Eligibility | Contact Information |
| TennCare Medicaid
TennCare Connect is an online tool for Tennesseans toapply for TennCare, Coverkids, and Medicare Savings Programs! After you’re approved, you can also use TennCare Connect to manage your coverage. Tennessee’s Medicaid program provides healthcare coverage, long-term services, home health, behavioral health, pharmacy coverage, and assistive technology. Benefits: Full medical coverage, therapies, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and HCBS waiver services. Note* The application process is complex and requires documentation. Additionally, keep copies of evaluations and request case management if the individual has complex needs. |
Income-based OR disability-based; children with significant disabilities often qualify regardless of income through Katie Beckett or waivers. | What is this link?
https://help.tn.gov/tn?id=kb_category&kb_category=6cf317d513e743801415dc128144
855-259-0701 |
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| Tennessee Disability and Aging
Provides health supports (medical and nursing services in residential models), behavior services (positive behavior supports, crisis intervention), and monitoring (oversight of supported living agencies) |
Not applicable | https://transitiontn.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Supports_DIDD_state-agency_06-20-2018_FINAL.pdf
https://transitiontn.org/vr/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Partner-Overview-DIDD.pdf (615) 532-6530 If you have a question about receiving DIDD services, contact the toll-free number for your region: (866) 372-5709 – West (800) 654-4839 – Middle (888) 531-9876 – East |
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| Tennessee State Health Insurance AssistanceProgram (TN SHIP)
A federally funded program that provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Tennessee’s Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. |
Not applicable | |
| IDD Toolkit
This website provides information for the primary careof adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Toolkit offers health care providers best-practice tools and information regarding specific medical, mental, and behavioral health concerns, including resources for patients and families. |
Not applicable | |
| Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
A statewide directory of disability-related health providers, including specialists, therapy centers, and mental health supports. |
Not applicable |
*All resource descriptions are derived from the respective organizations.
How to apply for Health Supports
Checklist:
- Primary care
- Specialists
- Therapies
- Nursing
- Medication management
- Behavioral health
- Assistive technology
1. Gather Documentation
Most health programs require:
- Medical diagnoses
- Evaluations (psychological, developmental, or medical)
- Therapy reports
- Medications list
2. Apply to the Appropriate Program
Depending on the individual’s age and needs:
- TennCare Medicaid
- Katie Beckett (if under 18)
- Private insurance
- ECF CHOICES
- Provider agencies through Pathfinder
3. Attend the Intake / Assessment
Discuss:
- Health history
- Current needs
- Safety or medical concerns
- Daily living assistance
4. Follow Through with Specialists
Make appointments early; many specialists have long waitlists.
5. Advocate Continuously
- Keep a healthcare
- Request plain-language
- Ask providers to share information across
- Schedule regular care plan
For Self-Advocates
Teach individuals to:
- Say how they feel
- Describe pain or discomfort
- Ask questions like “What does that mean?”
- Request breaks during appointments
- Explain what helps them feel safe and comfortable
When in doubt: If you are looking for more health-related services and programs, check TN Pathfinder at https://www.tnpathfinder.org/guided-journey/topic-of-interest?isSortAlphabetical=false&filteredListingTypes=%5B4%5D¤tFilters=%5B%5D& onlyShowLocal=false
Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start in Pathfinder. If you are struggling to understand how tofind resources related to health, here are some step-by-step directions:
- Start at the main page (link) and click “healthcare.”
- Click next
- Select the stage of life – Transition/Young Adult
- Click next
- Select the diagnosis that you or the individual identifies with/has
- Click next
- Choose the appropriate payment option that fits your needs
- Click next
- Select the appropriate city or search by your city and/or address
- Take time and navigate the resulting resources to further find what fits your specific
