Bill > SB2167

This bill amends Tennessee law to integrate the bureau of TennCare, which manages the state's Medicaid program, into the Statewide Planning and Policy Council, a body that advises state departments on policy and planning. Specifically, the bill adds the director of long-term care services for TennCare and one representative from each of TennCare's contracted managed care organizations (companies that manage healthcare services for TennCare beneficiaries) to the council's membership. Furthermore, the council's advisory and reporting duties are expanded to include TennCare's director, its services, and the implementation of TennCare waivers (specific programs approved by the federal government that allow states to deviate from standard Medicaid rules), in addition to the department's existing programs. This expansion aims to ensure better coordination and planning between TennCare and the council.