JAN. 17, 2008
(615) 532-1921 OFFICE
(615) 268-1337 MOBILE
CoverTN is now open to Tennessee businesses with 50 and fewer employees, the self-employed and to individuals working at companies that do not offer employer-sponsored health insurance, or CoverTN.
“A core principal of the CoverTN program is to make health insurance accessible to Tennesseans who work hard every day, but simply cannot afford coverage in today’s market,” Bredesen said. “Tennessee really is a model for how a state can build a voluntary health insurance benefit so people can access the basic health care services they need, and I’m very pleased we can announce this expansion of CoverTN to bring even more working adults into the program.”
Small businesses with 50 and fewer employees are eligible if half the workforce earns $43,000 annually or less and the company has not offered health insurance in the last six months or, if offered, the business has not paid 50 percent or more of employee premiums. Employers must also agree to pay at least one-third share of monthly premiums for employees.
Individuals working at companies that do not provide employer-sponsored health insurance can also participate in CoverTN. To participate, individuals must earn $43,000 annually or less, work at least 20 hours per week, on average, and have not stopped health insurance coverage in the last six months. Individuals also must commit to pay the two-thirds share of their monthly premium.
CoverTN provides basic health insurance coverage for doctor’s visits, prescription medications, hospitalization and other medical needs.
The program is affordable, portable and features no deductibles. Individuals can take their CoverTN coverage with them if they change jobs or lose employment.
Total premiums average $165 a month, shared between the state, the employer and employee, and vary based on weight, tobacco use and age.
Enrollment is a two-step process. Once the State confirms that a small business or individual is eligible for CoverTN, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the program’s insurer, sends out enrollment materials. Individuals then have 90 days to decide to participate.
In addition to CoverTN, Bredesen’s Cover Tennessee initiative offers health insurance options to uninsured children through CoverKids and to uninsurable adults through AccessTN. Prescription assistance is also available to individuals without pharmacy coverage through CoverRx.
More information on all Cover Tennessee programs is available at www.CoverTN.gov or by calling 1-866- COVERTN.
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