Tennesseans can obtain health care coverage through TennCare and Cover Tennessee programs.
Tennesseans can obtain health care insurance from the state through the TennCare and Cover Tennessee programs. Plans include coverage for children, adults and infants and can help pay for prescription drugs, hospital care, emergency services, dental care and doctor visits. Each program requires participants to meet income limits, and eligibility guidelines vary with each plan. Certain Cover Tennessee and TennCare plans may require monthly premiums and co-payments for services.
TennCare
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) administers TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. According to DHS estimates, TennCare provides medical coverage for more than 1 million Tennesseans, and has an $8 billion annual budget. DHS offers TennCare to low-income residents, newborn babies, pregnant women, institutionalized residents, women with cervical and breast cancer and individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration. TennCare provides comprehensive medical coverage through multiple health care plans. Each plan has different income limits and eligibility requirements, and services can vary. TennCare administers services through managed-care organizations throughout the state. Tennessee residents can apply for TennCare at DHS offices, located in all Tennessee counties.
CoverRx
CoverRx, a Cover Tennessee plan, provides prescription drug benefits for Tennesseans who do not have coverage for pharmacy services. The program offers discount prices on more than 250 generic drugs, for conditions like high blood pressure, depression, asthma and diabetes. Costs for generic drugs range from $3 to $16, as of March 2011, and prices depend on a participant's income level and the amount of supply purchased. The CoverRx program does not charge premiums, but participants must meet income limits to qualify. CoverRx extends eligibility to Tennesseans 19 to 64 years of age. Residents who have prescription drug coverage through an employer, TennCare or Medicare cannot apply for CoverRx.
CoverKids
Cover Tennessee's CoverKids program provides free health coverage for children up to 18 years of age. CoverKids covers doctor visits, dental care, hospital services, vision care, vaccinations, mental health services and developmental health screenings. Certain services require co-payments. The program determines eligibility based on income limits. Families that earn too much to qualify for free benefits can purchase coverage for their children. The CoverKids program extends eligibility to Tennessee residents who do not qualify for TennCare and do not have access to health insurance through the state employee benefits program.
CoverTN
CoverTN, a Cover Tennessee program, provides medical coverage for Tennesseans 19 years of age and older. The program offers coverage for self-employed workers, small businesses and individuals. CoverTN can help pay for doctor visits, emergency services, prescription medications and specialist services. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee administers the CoverTN program, and offers two plans for participants to choose from. As of March 2011, monthly premiums cost from $37 to $109, based on a participant's weight, age and tobacco use. CoverTN provides portable coverage, which participants can continue when they change jobs. Due to budget limitations, Cover Tennessee suspended enrollment for new CoverTN participants in December 2009 and, as of March 2011, has not announced a date for resumption of enrollment.
Tags: Cover Tennessee, income limits, coverage through, doctor visits, health care
