A healthcare task force commissioned by Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell has proposed a plan to expand the state's Medicaid program, TennCare, reports The Tennessean.
Below are five things to know about the proposal.
1. Controlled enrollment. The initial pilot phase would be open to veterans with an honorable discharge and those with a "qualifying diagnosis of a mental illness or substance abuse disorder," according to the article. The task force estimates about 115,000 people would be eligible. The second phase of enrollment would be open to anyone making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
2. Emphasis on mental health. The program would provide incentives to community mental health centers to participate in diagnosis assessment and enrollment for eligible Medicaid recipients.
3. Work program. The program features an employment, training and education component. Medicaid beneficiaries would receive additional credits in their health saving accounts for participating in training and education programs or working.
4. Financing. The cost and financing mechanism of the proposal has yet to be determined. To receive full federal assistance, which would be a 90 percent federal commitment, Tennessee has to fully expand the program to include all residents who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level .
5. Timeline. Chairman of the Medicaid task force Rep. Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) hopes to open the second phase of enrollment in mid- to late 2018, according to The Tennessean.