Tennessee officials recently announced the details of the CoverKids and CoverRX state-sponsored health coverage programs for the uninsured and underinsured, the Tennessean reports. Both programs, which will begin in January 2007, are part of Gov. Phil Bredesen's (D) four-part coverage initiative, called Cover Tennessee:
Cover Kids will be available to children younger than age 19 who have been uninsured for at least three months and to pregnant women. Eligible residents will pay premiums on an income-based scale, with no premiums for enrollees with annual incomes lower than 250% of the federal poverty level. Families with annual incomes less than 250% of the poverty level will pay $5 for prescription generic drugs, $20 for prescription brand-name drugs, $15 for physicians' visits, $50 for emergency department visits and $100 for hospital admissions. There will be no copayment for laboratory work, X-rays or ambulance services if the care is considered medically necessary. Tennessee officials hope to enroll 75,000 of the state's 130,000 uninsured children in CoverKids over the next three years. The program is expected to cost the state $60 million over three years, if it reaches its enrollment goal. The state has asked the federal government for matching funds and expects approval within 90 days.

CoverRX will provide prescription drug coverage to state residents who are uninsured or do not have drug coverage under their insurance plans. Participants will contribute income-based copays, with individuals with annual incomes up to 250% of the poverty level paying no more than $10 for generic medications and $15 for brand-name drugs. Coverage will be limited to five prescriptions -- not including insulin, diabetes supplies and some mental health medications -- at one time. The program will offer coverage for about 250 medications. Enrollment for CoverKids and CoverRX will begin in November or December. Details of the other two Cover Tennessee program have yet to be announced (Pinto, Tennessean, 9/16).

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