A newly introduced piece of federal legislation—referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill—proposes to reallocate over $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over the next decade. While the bill is still under review, the potential impact on seniors, caregivers, and families in East Tennessee could be significant.

What happens if an individual is incapacitated and he or she has not appointed a health care decision-making agent to act on his or her behalf? The Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act answers this question by allowing for a health care decision-maker (surrogate) to be designated.

Some seniors who receive TennCare (Medicaid) may be eligible to use those benefits to employ a family member, friend, or other trusted individual to provide them with care in their own home (“Consumer Direction”). There are many criteria an individual must meet to qualify for Consumer Direction care. Consumer Direction care is unlikely to be approved if other forms of care available through TennCare will suit your individual needs.

Creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. However, if you pass away without a Will or a Living Trust in Tennessee, your assets are distributed based on the state’s intestate succession laws. This process may not reflect your personal preferences, and it can lead to outcomes that leave your loved ones with unexpected challenges.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, family, and gratitude. For families with diverse religious or cultural backgrounds, it’s also a time to celebrate the unique blend of traditions that each member brings to the table. When it comes to estate planning, this diversity can create both opportunities and challenges. An estate plan tailored to a family’s beliefs not only protects assets but also ensures that each family member’s values and wishes are respected for future generations.Here, we’ll explore key estate planning steps for families with blended beliefs, with a focus on using Thanksgiving as an opportunity to begin a conversation about protecting your legacy.

People worry that if they end up in an assisted living facility, because family can no longer care for them at home, that their home will be sold to pay for their care and any family members living with them will end up on the street. Thankfully, there are some exceptions to TennCare’s estate recovery rules.