MAY 11, 2007
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ENROLLMENT
“We are getting a vital program into the hands of families and children all across Tennessee,” Bredesen said. “I am very pleased with the progress we have made with CoverKids. We know we have many more children in Tennessee who need to take advantage of this comprehensive health insurance program.”
Bredesen launched CoverKids at the end of March. The program emphasizes preventive care and services most needed by children, including vaccinations, well-child visits, healthy babies program, and developmental screenings. In addition, there are no pre-existing condition exclusions. To be eligible, applicants must be a Tennessee resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant.
“We are excited that the addition of this new program provides uninsured children in Tennessee with a viable option for comprehensive health coverage," said Dr. Andrea D. Willis, director of CoverKids.
A family of four with a household income of $51,625 or less is eligible for CoverKids with no monthly premiums, but each participant will pay reduced co-payments for services. There are no copays for well-baby, well-child visits with age appropriate immunizations. Families above the income limit who wish to purchase coverage for their child can “buy in” to the program by paying monthly premiums.
Pregnant women under 250 percent of the federal poverty level who are otherwise eligible may apply for coverage, including pre-natal, delivery and postpartum care.
Governor Phil Bredesen’s Cover Tennessee initiative offers health insurance options to uninsured individuals in Tennessee through three insurance programs. CoverKids provides comprehensive health insurance for uninsured children in Tennessee. CoverTN is an affordable and portable health insurance initiative for uninsured small businesses. AccessTN, a high-risk pool, provides comprehensive coverage for adults who are uninsurable due to their health conditions.
CoverRx, also part of the Cover Tennessee initiative, is a statewide pharmacy assistance program designed to assist those who have no pharmacy coverage, but have a critical need for medication.
More information on all Cover Tennessee programs is available at www.CoverTN.gov or by calling 1-866-COVERTN.
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