Tennessee Medicaid Look-Back Period

Quick answer: TennCare reviews asset transfers made in the 60 months (5 years) before the look-back date. Transfers for less than fair market value can cause a period of ineligibility for long-term care.

TennCare's transfer policy, current as of January 5, 2026, applies a 60-month look-back to resource transfers made on or after February 8, 2006. The look-back date gets fixed at the point someone first applies while institutionalized, or first meets home- and community-based-services requirements — and it doesn't reset just because there's a later application or a new eligibility period.

What TennCare is actually looking for is any transfer made for less than fair-market value. The state defines the uncompensated value as the asset's equity value minus whatever the individual received in return, and finding an uncompensated transfer can make an otherwise-eligible person ineligible for payment of long-term services and supports.

Questions and answers

How long is the Tennessee Medicaid look-back period?

60 months, for transfers made on or after February 8, 2006.

When does the look-back start?

It's set when a person first applies while in an institution, or first meets home- and community-based services requirements. A later application doesn't reset it.

What is TennCare looking for?

Transfers for less than fair market value. The uncompensated value is the asset's equity value minus what the person got in return.