(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Republican lawmakers today unanimously approved Representative Timothy Hill’s (R-Blountville) legislation that will empower Tennessee to lead on healthcare by creating a patient-centered system that addresses the unique needs of our citizens, while lowering overall 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. It is part of the comprehensive Republican-led CARE plan, designed to transform healthcare through Consumerism, increasing Access, improving Rural health systems, and Empowering patients to ensure individuals and families can make all medical decisions instead of insurance companies or the government.
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 Tennessee’s specific needs.. All funding must be indexed to take into account both inflation and population growth.Additionally, our General Assembly will partner with the Governor during the negotiation process and will have oversight on the implementation of federal funding allocated to TennCare.
In recent years, Tennessee has led the nation — whether it is job creation, or improving our education system. This legislation once again makes Tennessee a leader on a critical local and national issue, without federal mandates.
“House Bill 1280 is a major step that allows Governor Lee and his administration to negotiate with the federal government for these block grants so we can create a healthcare system that focuses on the patient,” said Representative Hill. “This funding will create competition, and enhance overall transparency, while lowering costs, and improving the quality of care for Tennesseans. I am pleased this legislation has passed the House with strong support, and I encourage the Senate to act quickly so we can help all citizens receive high-quality healthcare services, which will improve overall outcomes in our state.”
House Bill 1280 now awaits action from the Senate. For more information, please click here.
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.