NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A proposed changed to Tennessee's Medicaid program known as TennCare has some healthcare advocates worried thousands of the state's most vulnerable residents could use their health insurance.
Under the plan, Tennessee would convert to a Block Grant program for federal reimbursement for TennCare funds. Every year the state gets reimbursement for two thirds of TennCare costs.
Last year, the state got $7.2 billion from the federal government to help subsidize the program which gives healthcare coverage to the elderly, poor and children with disabilities.
If Tennessee converts to a Block Grant program, there are no federal mandates that the money be used to help certain groups of people. Some lawmakers are worried those who need coverage the most could lose it.
"There's not other state in the U.S. that does this. They'll be no obligation to provide care to particular groups, ever family with a parent in a nursing home should be deathly afraid of this bill ... it will result in seniors being thrown out of nursing homes," Rep. Mike Stewart, a Democrat said.
The proposed bill is being debated in subcommittees this week. NewsChannel 5 reached out to multiple Republicans for comments on this story, none wanted to answer questions.
