Governor Haslam announces Medicaid expansion proposal
JACKSON, Tenn. — Local hospital officials are thrilled about a new plan announced Monday by Governor Bill Haslam. After 17 months of negotiations, the governor announced a proposal to expand Medicaid in Tennessee. Haslam said it is not the traditional way and is unique to the state of Tennessee, which is something he was intentional in saying during his proposal. “After 17 months of hard work, we will be presenting a plan to the General Assembly next year that addresses health outcomes and costs,” Haslam said. “It’s an alternative approach that forges a different path and is a unique Tennessee solution.” This Tennessee solution comes with two plans, according to the governor. The Volunteer Plan comes with a voucher to cover out-of-pocket expenses that a private company would not cover. The ‘Healthy Incentives’ plan would allow Tennesseans to earn their benefits by taking health screenings that could offset co-pays. Bobby Arnold, CEO and President of West Tennessee Healthcare said these plans will help cover the 9 percent of uninsured patients coming through their doors. “Any movement of an uninsured patient to a coverage option under the Insure Tennessee program would be a positive thing not only for patients but for the health system as well,” Arnold said. Arnold also said there are some things that have not been addressed yet, such as the amount of people that will actually sign up. Haslam said this will add no money to taxpayer dollars and will be paid for through federal funding and the Tennessee Hospital Association for the first few years. The program would end without the cooperation of public hospitals. A lack of Medicaid expansion in the past has put a strain on public hospitals since they are not legally allowed to turn patients away. West Tennessee Healthcare was forced to make cuts earlier in the year, saying it was because of the lack of Medicaid expansion, but Arnold says he is looking forward. “Access to care is clearly the first necessary step to improving the health metrics of these 400,000 Tennesseans, so we’re very pleased with that,” Arnold said. Haslam’s plan is in the early stages. It has to be approved by state lawmakers and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
