MAY 1, 2007
615.253.5643 (OFFICE)
615.289.9851 (CELL)
"Since coverage started for CoverTN 30 days ago, I'm pleased to report that we have put health care coverage in the hands of 2,000 working Tennesseans," said Bredesen. "This positive response from small businesses underscores their desire and need for insurance for their families and employees. I'm pleased with the progress we've made in CoverTN's first month. We must keep working to make sure all Tennessee's small businesses know about this program and its benefits so we can see that number continue to grow."
Enrollment is a two-step process. Once a business is confirmed as eligible, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the program’s insurer, sends out enrollment materials, and individuals have 90 days to make a decision.
CoverTN creates a partnership between the state, small businesses and their employees to provide coverage for the most needed medical services. It’s not a mandated program or an entitlement program; it is a voluntary initiative for uninsured Tennesseans to obtain private insurance. The individual owns the plan, not the state or the company.
CoverTN is affordable. CoverTN features no deductibles and pricing is simple and straightforward: $20 copayment for a doctor’s office visit and $10 for most prescription drugs. There is also coverage for hospitalization and other medical needs. To promote personal responsibility, premiums vary based on weight, tobacco use and age and average $150 per month, which is shared between the state, the employer and employee so the monthly premium is $50 for each payer.
In addition to CoverTN, Governor Bredesen’s multi-pronged effort, Cover Tennessee, offers new health insurance options to uninsured individuals in Tennessee. AccessTN, a high-risk pool, provides comprehensive health insurance options for uninsurable Tennesseans. Comprehensive insurance for children is provided through CoverKids and CoverRX provides pharmacy assistance to those without prescription drug coverage. 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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