Medicaid Eligibility Boot Camp

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Early Bird Pricing: $249 per person – Expires October 3rd

Navigating the complexities of TennCare and CoverKids benefits remains a significant challenge for healthcare providers and advocates striving to better serve their patients and clients. To help overcome these obstacles, the Tennessee Justice Center is hosting a two-day virtual training event designed to equip attendees with the essential knowledge, insights, and tools needed to successfully manage the intricacies of Medicaid. Led by TJC's experienced legal team, this informative course includes eligibility instruction, ethical considerations, and a hands-on practice session to help you better understand Tennessee's constantly evolving policies and practices.

REGISTER TODAY and become a certified TJC Medicaid Boot Camp graduate!

For more information or questions about registering for the Medicaid Eligibility Boot Camp, please email Josiah at jmezera@tnjustice.org or call us at 1-877-608-1009.

TRAINING AGENDA

DAY ONE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29

8:00 – 8:20 AM CDT

Welcome

As redetermination efforts intensify, healthcare professionals and advocates are left questioning the future, particularly as many Tennesseans continue to face challenges in accessing affordable healthcare. With TennCare enrollment declining, the Tennessee Justice Center remains steadfast on the frontline, helping individuals secure coverage and advocating for systemic change. To open our two-day event, Michele Johnson, Executive Director of the Tennessee Justice Center, will virtually welcome attendees and offer an inside look at the work we are doing to help individuals and families obtain the coverage they need.

8:20 – 9:30 AM CDT

The 3 Medicaid Methodologies for Counting Households and Income

Most Medicaid categories determine eligibility using a combination of factors, including the applicant's age, health, living situation, and financial resources. To make the process even more complex, each eligibility category applies one of three different methodologies to evaluate these factors. Although the methodologies share some similarities, there are several key differences that advocates need to understand. In this session, we will break down each methodology, guiding you on how to accurately identify household members, calculate countable income, and assess the impact of assets on eligibility.

9:30 – 10 AM CDT - BREAK

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT

Coverage Options for Adults Without a Disability

Medical situations can vary widely, making it challenging to determine the most suitable Medicaid category for adults over 21. In this session, we will outline the available category options for non-disabled adults and provide guidance on navigating the common obstacles advocates face when assisting someone with applying for and enrolling in health coverage.

11AM – 12 PM CDT - BREAK (Lunch)

12:00-1:00 PM CDT

Ethical Dilemmas

Working with patients and clients often presents challenges, particularly when navigating difficult ethical considerations. In this session, we will explore common ethical dilemmas that advocates are likely to encounter and discuss strategies for addressing them. Topics will include managing potentially inaccurate or false information, safeguarding and disclosing personal and financial details, dealing with illegal activities such as "under-the-table" payments, and establishing professional boundaries. Additionally, you will learn how to appropriately terminate a professional relationship, including notifying the relevant parties.

1:30 – 2:30 PM CDT

Coverage Options for Individuals with Disabilities

In this session, you will learn about the TennCare categories that provide coverage for individuals with disabilities, with a particular focus on the lesser-known categories available to former SSI recipients. We will also cover the Katie Beckett waiver program, Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, and the DIDD waiver programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each program will be explained in detail, and we’ll share best practices for successfully enrolling applicants.

2:30 – 3 PM CDT - BREAK

3:00 – 4:00 PM CDT

Applying for CHOICES Part 1: Understanding the Financial Requirements

Navigating the CHOICES program and its complexities can be overwhelming for many advocates. In this session, Pam Wright, a certified elder law attorney, will offer a comprehensive overview of the financial requirements for securing long-term care for adults, whether in a nursing facility or at home. Pam will discuss the treatment of resources, the creation of a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), the state's recovery process, and how to apply for hardship waivers.

DAY TWO: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30

8:00 – 9:00 AM CDT

Applying for CHOICES Part 2: The Medical Requirements

Day two kicks off with a continued focus on adults applying for long-term services and support, featuring an overview of the Pre-Admission Evaluation (PAE) process. Pam will explain how the acuity scale is used to assess the need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and what qualifies as a passing score. Additionally, she will discuss how a safety determination can be utilized to qualify for CHOICES when an applicant doesn’t score high enough on the PAE.

9 – 9:30 AM CDT - BREAK

9:30 – 10:30 AM CDT

Coverage Options for Kids & Pregnant Women

Ensuring that children have access to healthcare from the womb to adulthood is crucial for their happiness and well-being. In this session, we will discuss the various coverage options and common barriers that affect children under 21 and pregnant women. This includes addressing the issue of children losing coverage due to the annual renewal process, also known as redetermination. Additionally, we will explain how the TennCare III waiver has expanded coverage for both children and pregnant women.

10:30 – 11 AM CDT - BREAK

11 AM - 12 PM CDT

Immigration and TennCare Eligibility

Securing health coverage for immigrant families can be challenging due to the complex rules governing eligibility and the difficulties in navigating the process. During this session, we will discuss the Medicaid programs designed to provide coverage to immigrants, including those who are undocumented. Attendees will learn how an immigrant can qualify for coverage as if they were US citizens, as well as the options available for those who do not qualify.

12 – 1 PM CDT - BREAK (Lunch)

1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT

Navigating the TennCare Portal and Application

During this session, we will explore the TennCare Connect portal, teaching attendees how to use this consumer-facing tool to assist with applications and manage the renewal process. The training aims to help advocates understand how responses to specific questions about income, resources, and expenses can impact eligibility for different categories. Equipped with this knowledge, users will be better prepared to identify and avoid potential pitfalls with the TennCare Connect portal, especially when dealing with more complex TennCare categories that have specific expense allowances and resource limitations.

2 PM – 2:30 PM CDT - BREAK

2:30 – 3:30 PM CDT

Practice Time: Applying What You Have Learned

During this session, attendees will get to practice what they have learned during the previous sessions. Using a set of increasingly challenging practice scenarios, we will work together to solve application and enrollment problems that advocates are most likely to encounter in the coming year.