(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Representative Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) today introduced legislation that will empower Tennessee to lead on healthcare and create a patient-centered system that addresses the unique needs of our citizens, while lowering costs.
House Bill 1280 calls on the Governor, acting through the Commissioner of Finance & Administration to submit a waiver to the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to immediately provide assistance to the state’s TennCare population through the implementation of block grants.
Block grants authorized through House Bill 1280 must convert the federal share of all medical assistance funding for Tennessee into an allotment that is tailored to meet our state’s specific needs. All grant funding must be indexed to take into account both inflation and population growth.
In recent years, Tennessee has become a national leader in innovation — whether it is job creation, or improving our education system. This legislation enables us to once again lead on a critical local and national issue, without federal mandates.
“Tennessee knows and understands better than the federal government what works best for our citizens,” said Representative Hill. “These block grants will enable us to create a patient-centered system, focused on increasing competition and transparency, lowering costs, and improving the quality of care our residents receive. As sponsor of this legislation, I am excited the House will lead on this important issue, and I know it is a major step in ensuring Tennesseans remain in control of their healthcare decisions.”
Timothy Hill is Chairman of the House Commerce Committee. He is also a member of the House Calendar & Rules Committee, as well as the Business, Utilities, Banking & Investments, and Life & Health Insurance Subcommittees. Hill represents Tennessee House District 3, which includes Johnson, and part of Carter and Sullivan Counties. Hill can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-2050.