Bill > HB0018

This bill establishes a temporary TennCare benefits program in Tennessee designed to provide medical assistance to individuals who do not currently qualify for existing healthcare programs. The program would offer medical coverage for up to 12 months within a 24-month period, with a lifetime maximum of 60 months, for two distinct groups: individuals under 21 years old and those 21 and older. Both groups must have family incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level and be ineligible for standard TennCare, CoverKids, or similar programs. The program will be funded through 90% federal funds and 10% state funds, and will not impact the existing TennCare block grant financing agreement. The Bureau of TennCare is required to submit a waiver application to federal Medicare and Medicaid services by December 31, 2025, and develop administrative rules for implementing the program, including application processes and beneficiary tracking. Importantly, the program is not an entitlement and is subject to annual appropriations, with enrollment beginning six months after federal waiver approval. The bill aims to provide temporary medical assistance to low-income individuals who fall through gaps in current healthcare coverage.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0018&ga=114