Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Tennessee

Q: Can Tenncare estate recovery take part of my mother’s house proceeds if she wants to sell?

My dad had a stroke 4 years ago and had lived in a nursing home until the the day he died. We recently received an estate recovery letter from Tenncare. Since my mother is the spouse, she can live in the house without fearing collection from Tenncare. However, if she wants to sell the house, will Tenncare be able to get part of the profit?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Absolutely.... There is probably a TennCare Lien filed at the Register of Deeds. The State will get paid before anyone else. The Mother may be able to Homestead part of it, but it is doubtful. Before she thinks about selling, hire a competent attorney to conduct a title search, and look at the potential equities, even with the possible adjusting of the Lien.

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