Senior Long-Term Care in Tennessee: Trends and Options

April 2022

Authors: Kim Potts, Cassie Stinson, and Lance Iverson

Executive Summary
Legislative Brief

The number of Tennessee seniors age 60 and over is expected to increase by 30 percent from 1.6 million in 2020 to 2.1 million in 2040. The number of those age 80 and over in Tennessee is forecast to double during this time. This population change will continue a trend of significant growth in the demand for and potential cost of public long-term services and support programs for low-income Tennessee seniors.

The purpose of this report, which is an update of a 2017 Comptroller report, is to provide information on the projected growth of Tennessee's elderly population; the status of Tennessee's primary long-term care programs; and policy options for policymakers' consideration. The report is intended to provide objective analysis for state legislators to consider related to the state-funded long-term care programs.