What is the Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES program?

The Employment and Community First CHOICES program is administered by TennCare through its contracted managed care organizations.  It offers services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Services in the program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community.  

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• ECF CHOICES services help individuals of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities live as independently as possible

• Individuals are supported to live with their families or within the community, not an institution

• Services can also include assisting individuals with pursuing employment

• This includes gaining skills to find a job and keep a job whether work is part-time, full-time, or self-employment

• Services also assist individuals in finding a job that is the “right fit”

  • Individuals are able to try out certain jobs before committing to employment in order to see what the job is like and what skills are needed for the job

• Goals of services are directed towards learning life skills that can be used at home or within the community

• Individuals are supported to be active members of the community 

• Relationships with peers and other social situations can also be goals of the services provided

• Services can include learning how to navigate the community effectively through the use of transportation options

Definitions of ECF CHOICES Services Provided by the STAGES Program:

• Community Integration Support Services (CISS): Helps you do things in the community that you want to do. Take a class, join a club, volunteer, get or stay healthy, do something fun, build relationships, and reach your goals.

• Independent Living Skills Training (ILST): Helps you learn new things so you can live more independently. These skills can help you take care of yourself, your home, or your money.

How to Enroll in ECF CHOICES Services

• To apply for ECF CHOICES Services fill out this self-referral form: https://tcreq.tn.gov/tmtrack/ecf/index.htm

• If you need help filling out the self-referral form please call the entities below:

  • If you already have Medicaid, and therefore have a Managed Care Organization (MCO) then:

    • If your health plan (MCO) is Amerigroup:

      • Applicants who already have Medicaid and are enrolled with Amerigroup should contact their Managed Care Organization with questions or if you need assistance completing the self-referral form. The number is 866-840-4991.

    • If your health plan (MCO) is BlueCare:

      • Applicants who already have Medicaid and are enrolled with BlueCare should contact their Managed Care Organization with questions or if you need assistance completing the self-referral form. The number is 888-747-8955.

    • If your health plan (MCO) is United Health Care:

      • Applicants who already have Medicaid and are enrolled with United HealthCare Community Plan should contact their Managed Care Organization with questions or if you need assistance completing the self-referral form.  The number is 800-690-1606.

  • If you have Medicaid but are not sure who your MCO is:

    • You can call the Tennessee Health Connection line at 1-855-259-0701 to find out who your MCO is. 

  • If you do not have Medicaid:

    • Applicants who do not have Medicaid should contact the Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Regional Intake Offices with questions or for assistance completing the self-referral form for both Employment and Community First CHOICES and applying for Medicaid. The DIDD contact information is below:

      • DIDD Regional Intake Office Contact information:

      • West Tennessee Regional Office: (866) 372-5709

      • Middle Tennessee Regional Office: (800) 654-4839

      • East Tennessee Regional Office: (888) 531-9876

For more information about ECF CHOICES including a complete list of services available on TennCare’s website please visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/employment-and-community-first-choices.html