MAY 10, 2007
615.253.5643 (OFFICE)
615.289.9851 (CELL)
"The growing positive response to CoverTN highlights the need among small businesses for health insurance," said Bredesen. "We must continue working to let Tennessee’s small businesses know about the benefits and opportunities that come with enrollment in CoverTN."
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.
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.
In addition to CoverTN, Governor Bredesen’s multi-pronged effort, Cover Tennessee, offers new health insurance options to uninsured individuals in Tennessee. Comprehensive insurance for children is provided through CoverKids and CoverRX provides pharmacy assistance to those without prescription drug coverage. AccessTN, a high-risk pool, provides comprehensive health insurance options for uninsurable Tennesseans. 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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