Tennessee House Bill HJR0134

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION urging the Bureau of TennCare to seek a Section 1115 waiver to provide housing solutions for Tennesseans in need.

Impact

This resolution intends to have a substantial impact on the lives of Tennesseans transitioning out of institutional settings, such as nursing facilities or correctional facilities. It proposes assistance in the form of rent or temporary housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Additionally, it emphasizes the support for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system, thereby directly addressing the intersection of healthcare and housing issues for some of the state's most vulnerable groups.

Summary

HJR0134 is a resolution urging the Bureau of TennCare to seek a Section 1115 waiver aimed at providing housing solutions for vulnerable Tennesseans. The resolution highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the state's Medicaid population regarding housing accessibility, exacerbated by rising inflationary pressures on rental prices and related housing costs. By obtaining this waiver, Tennessee aims to gain more flexibility in its Medicaid program and explore state-specific policy approaches that could improve living conditions for those in need.

Contention

While HJR0134 is largely a supportive measure geared towards enhancing the welfare of needy populations, the execution of its provisions through a Section 1115 waiver may face contention. Stakeholders may differ on the feasibility and implementation strategies for the proposed housing solutions, especially regarding funding and resource allocation. There are concerns about how such waivers will be managed and the extent to which they will effectively address housing needs without affecting other essential services provided under TennCare.