TennCare Blocks Premier Behavioral Health Systems’ Plan To Dissolve

In response to the planned dissolution of Premier Behavioral Health Systems, officials with TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid managed care program, are considering contracting with other behavioral health organizations, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. Once Premier dissolves, Tennessee Behavioral Health, a plan managed by Magellan Behavioral Health, would be the only behavioral health organization contracting with TennCare. Because of "concerns over Magellan's financial stability" and concerns that the company would have a monopoly on behavioral health services for TennCare beneficiaries, TennCare Director Manny Martins has delayed Premier's dissolution for six months. Martins said, "I just think that we're dealing with a very fragile population, and we have to move forward cautiously and make sure we do the right thing." Magellan spokesperson Erin Somers noted that the insurer faces some "financial ... challenges," but she added that the company plans to address the issues (Park, Chattanooga Times Free Press, 7/16).