Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Tennessee, the potential for the state to recover costs from a recipient’s estate after their death is a pertinent concern, particularly regarding real property.
Estate recovery programs are authorized by federal law, allowing states to recoup expenses paid for certain Medicaid benefits, such as nursing facility care, home and community-based services, and related hospital and prescription drug services. This recovery is generally pursued through the deceased recipient’s estate, which may include a house.
