Support That Works: Callie’s Story
Since 2018, Callie has been receiving TennCare/BlueCare ECF Choices services.
Callie is a vibrant, 28-year-old with an ability to connect with others. Throughout school, Callie was quick to make friends and constantly impressed and inspired her teachers. Callie was such a light at school that when she graduated, several peers from her kindergarten class showed up in support! Now Callie works at McDonald’s, where she maintains her strong work ethic and continues to inspire everyone she meets.
Callie was born with Down Syndrome, heart and stomach conditions, and hearing loss. Despite these challenges, Callie has grown into a determined and hardworking young woman. Focused to reach her goals, she learned to walk by the age of 2 and excelled at schoolwork. She loves spending time with her two dogs Coco and Cindy, watching romantic Hallmark movies, coloring, camping, and attending community theater events.
Since 2018, Callie has been receiving services through the TennCare ECF CHOICES program. With TennCare coverage, Callie receives regular medical attention, including visits to a cardiologist, primary care physician, and dentist.
As Callie’s primary caregiver, Debbie tries to stay on top of her coverage and fill out the necessary forms. Through the support of the Beneficiary Support System (BSS) program at Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT), Debbie has the guidance and resources she needs to stay on top of everything. DRT contracts with TennCare to help people who are enrolled, or would like to enroll, in the CHOICES, ECF CHOICES, and Katie Beckett waiver programs. This is called the Beneficiary Support System. The Beneficiary Support System provides information and support to applicants and/or members of these TennCare programs.
The Beneficiary Support System program has helped Debbie on multiple occasions when she had questions about completing specific forms, and the BSS team patiently walked her through the paperwork and helped her complete them. This support has been a huge help for their family, ensuring that Callie continues to receive the vital services and support she needs.
Callie’s story is a reminder that individuals with disabilities, while they may need extra support, bring amazing value to the community. TennCare coverage helps Tennesseans with disabilities do the things they want to do. They say it takes a village and Callie’s story proves that.
“Everyone deserves a normal, active, fun life… Again, I want to thank Freeman World with DRT and all of the care coordinators with BlueCare ECF CHOICES. Callie is living her best life with their help and support. And I am also blessed by them.” -Debbie, Callie’s mom
Learn more about Disability Rights Tennessee’s Beneficiary Support System work by clicking here.