Tennessee lawmakers rarely debate consequential legislation in the first few days of a session. But the General Assembly is forgoing precedent to alter how the state’s Medicaid program receives federal funding, and in the process will be altering roughly a third of the state budget before the Biden administration takes over.
Trump Administration Approves TennCare Block Grant, Potentially Expanding Coverage While Concerning Health Advocates
On its way out, the Trump administration is approving Tennessee’s request to completely reshape how it provides health insurance to 1.4 million low-income residents. The so-called block grant takes effect immediately and lasts 10 years, making it more difficult for the incoming Biden administration to undo it.
Medicaid’s Future Hinges On Who Wins The White House
It was either put food on the table or drop their health insurance, says Oscar Anchia of Miami. His wife’s coverage was costing $700 a month, and his hours had been cut back because of the coronavirus pandemic. So Anchia made the difficult decision to drop his spouse from his policy, because they needed the […]
TennCare Can Now Accept Middle-Class Families With Special Needs Children
The federal government has given approval for Tennessee to provide Medicaid coverage to some children of middle-class families. To qualify, the children have to have disabilities or other complex medical needs.
Tennessee House Panel Commits To Full Hearing On Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid expansion remains a long shot in Tennessee. But a key lawmaker is pledging to give it a fair hearing this year.
Why Tennessee’s Governor Wants To Help Pregnant Women Go To The Dentist
Tennessee’s governor wants to expand health coverage for pregnant women and new mothers on TennCare. And that includes dental benefits because a mom’s mouth has a surprising connection to the health of a baby.
TennCare Block Grant: Trump Administration Has Its Own Ideas, And They’re Different From Tennessee’s
The Trump administration’s long-awaited guidance on Medicaid block grants looks a lot different from what Tennessee has asked for. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has sent a letter to state directors outlining how to approach future requests.
TennCare Teases Expansion Possibilities While Formally Submitting Block Grant Proposal
Now the block grant ball is in the federal government’s court. Tennessee’s Medicaid agency has spent months redesigning TennCare, after the Trump administration asked for so-called block grant requests. The 50-page proposal, which could reshape a program that serves more than 1.4 million Tennesseans, was officially submitted Wednesday afternoon, though with some last-minute changes.
Provider Bonuses Begin To Pay Off For TennCare
Incentive payments appear to be working for Tennessee’s Medicaid program. TennCare began offering bonuses to doctors and other providers for saving money while giving more appropriate care. In a recently released analytics report, the agency deems the effort a success.
No Love For A Block Grant At TennCare’s First Hearing
Listen TennCare is fielding nothing but pushback to its block grant proposal, which it plans to submit to the federal government next month. The state’s Medicaid program is holding public hearings this week, and the kickoff in Nashville resulted in a unified chorus of resistance.
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