House Bill 18 aims to establish a new "temporary TennCare benefits program" to provide medical assistance to individuals who are otherwise ineligible for existing medical assistance programs due to income limitations. The program is designed to offer temporary healthcare coverage for eligible individuals under the age of 21 for up to 60 months and for those aged 21 and older for a similar duration, with specific income criteria set at no more than 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill mandates the bureau of TennCare to submit a waiver application to federal authorities by December 31, 2025, to facilitate this program, which will be funded with 90% federal and 10% state funds.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that the temporary benefits do not replace existing medical assistance programs and allows individuals to apply for those programs while receiving temporary benefits. It also stipulates that if an individual becomes eligible for other programs while enrolled in the temporary benefits program, their temporary benefits will be paused. The legislation emphasizes that the program is not an entitlement and is subject to annual appropriations. Furthermore, it modifies existing law to clarify that certain actions by the governor necessary for establishing this program are exempt from previous restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5-126