Credit Blake Farmer / WPLN News (File)
On its way out, the Trump administration is approving Tennessee’s request to completely reshape how it provides health insurance to 1.4 million low-income residents. The so-called block grant takes effect immediately and lasts 10 years, making it more difficult for the incoming Biden administration to undo it.
The proposal submitted more than a year ago commits to maintaining the benefits for everyone currently eligible for TennCare, and the stated intent is to only make changes that are “additive in nature.”
Under the Medicaid waver, TennCare also gets to keep 55% of the savings it generates under an agreed-upon cap, which state health officials have said will go toward covering more people or expanding benefits to those already on the program.