Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 28, 2007	CONTACT:	EMILY RICHARD 615.253.5643 (OFFICE) 615.289.9851 (CELL)

ACCESSTN PROVIDES STATUS UPDATE COVERAGE SET TO BEGIN APRIL 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AccessTN, the component of Governor Phil Bredesen’s Cover Tennessee initiative that provides comprehensive health insurance options for uninsurable Tennesseans, begins coverage April 1 with the first 596 individuals approved. Each day, the program is receiving on average between 100 and 200 applications to add to that total. A total of 6,000 spaces are available. The state has provided $13 million a year for premium assistance. AccessTN, a high-risk pool, was created for persons with one of 55 specified medical conditions, or those who are unable to get insurance in the commercial market because of their health status. Call 1-866-COVERTN for an application or more information or for help completing the application. In addition to AccessTN, Governor Bredesen’s multi-pronged effort, Cover Tennessee, extends health insurance to uninsured individuals in Tennessee. CoverTN is an affordable and portable health insurance initiative for working Tennesseans who are uninsured. Comprehensive coverage for children is provided through CoverKids. The Cover Tennessee initiative also targets the growing prevalence of diabetes through ProjectDiabetes and focuses on improved lifestyle choices through GetFitTN. The programs were overwhelmingly endorsed by the General Assembly in 2006. More information on all Cover Tennessee programs is available at www.CoverTN.gov or by calling 1-866-COVERTN.
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