Further Proposed Changes to TennCare Program Could Take Months to Implement

Some planned changes to TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid managed care plan, have been implemented, but "[m]ajor reforms" suggested by the Commission on the Future of TennCare "are still more than six months from becoming reality," the Chattanooga Times & Free Press reports. TennCare spokesperson Lola Potter said, "There is no set timetable. The federal government is not going to allow us to make sweeping changes overnight." Changes that have taken place include splitting TennCare into three regional divisions, the exit of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in Middle and West Tennessee and the entry of two new insurers. In addition, premiums and cost-sharing have been increased and beneficiaries now contribute co-payments instead of meeting deductibles. Further, BlueCross BlueShield began a new TennCare program that covers children with special needs. But further proposals from the Commission on the Future of TennCare likely will not go into effect until 2002, the Times & Free Press reports. In a report released last November, the commission recommended a two-tier benefits package for Medicaid and non-Medicaid eligible beneficiaries, a TennCare Assist program to help low-income residents purchase employer-based coverage, a restructuring of the bureau that oversees TennCare and "careful and consistent verification of applicants' eligibility and income." The TennCare Oversight Committee and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly HCFA) must approve the proposals before they can be implemented. Once those groups approve any changes, the state must inform beneficiaries six months prior to implementation. State Rep. Gene Caldwell (D), chair of the oversight committee, said his panel will consider various factors and "gather more input" before recommending changes (Park, Chattanooga Times & Free Press, 7/23).