AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to TennCare.
Impact
The bill establishes that minors enrolled in TennCare or CoverKids will not be subject to redetermination of eligibility unless there are specific circumstances indicating that they should be disenrolled, such as a request from a parent or guardian, the death of the minor, relocation outside of Tennessee, exceeding income limits, or initial enrollment errors due to fraud or abuse. This provision is likely to reduce the frequency of disenrollment and ensure that children have stable access to necessary medical services throughout their early years.
Summary
House Bill 2214 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 71, to enhance healthcare access for children under the TennCare Medicaid program and the CoverKids program. The bill aims to ensure that minors enrolled in these programs maintain their eligibility until they reach eighteen years of age, thereby prioritizing continuous access to healthcare coverage for children. This provision is rooted in the understanding that healthcare access significantly impacts children's physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing.
Contention
There may be concerns regarding the implications of such a policy change, particularly regarding the state's financial responsibility for extended coverage. By eliminating frequent checks on eligibility, the state may face increased costs, which could lead to debates over budget allocations for healthcare services. Additionally, questions might arise around the mechanisms that would be in place to manage and monitor eligibility effectively, ensuring that the benefits are reaching those who genuinely qualify without being misused. Thus, while the bill aims to enhance access, it could generate discussions on accountability and resource management within the state's Medicaid programs.