Haslam calls Tenn. lawmakers into special session on Feb. 2
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has issued a call for a special legislative session to take up his proposal to offer medical coverage to more than 200,000 low-income Tennesseans.
The governor’s proclamation Thursday sets the start of the special session for Feb. 2. Haslam calls the proposal Insure Tennessee and says it would be a two-year pilot program using federal funds available under President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Haslam stresses that his proposal is different than a straight expansion of Medicaid, as it would include what he calls a market-based approach that includes incentives for healthier living.
Still, the governor has acknowledged that the proposal will be a tough sell in the GOP-controlled Legislature, and that he will likely need the votes of all Democrats to give it a chance.
