TENNCARE TIMELINE
The complex evolution of TennCare is documented here: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/information-statistics/tenncare-timeline.html
On Sept. 17, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee released a proposal that would convert most of the federal component of funding for TennCare, the state’s version of Medicaid, to a block grant. The General Assembly had earlier mandated submission of a block-grant proposal for federal review by November. If approved, Tennessee would be the first state to adopt such a model.
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation that established Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income Americans not eligible for Medicare and for some low-income seniors who qualify for both programs. These “dual-eligible” individuals, many of whom are dependent upon inpatient or home-based, long-term care, comprise 15% of Medicaid enrollees but account for more than one-third of Medicaid expenditures.
From its inception, Medicaid gave each state broad authority to determine both eligibility and benefits. Some states include dental, vision and expanded mental health services. TennCare is one of the leaner programs. Federal funding covers more than 60% of each state’s Medicaid program.