3-Star Healthy Task Force is hopeful about flexibility and block grant funding.
How Will a Trump Presidency Affect TennCare Pilot Program?
In the wake of
the election, Tennessee’s healthcare task force is grappling with how plans to
establish an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective TennCare expansion pilot
program using federal Medicaid funds will look under a Trump administration.
The Tennessean
reported that the 3-Star Healthy Task Force is hoping for more flexibility with
President-elect Donald Trump in office. Although Trump has spoken about his
intention to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act—under which the
Medicaid expansion program was initiated—one option for Medicaid funding could
include the use of block grants. This type of funding mechanism typically
offers states more control. The Tennessean
also reported that the state’s congressional delegation will be closely
involved in the effort now as well.
Task force
members were in the midst of refining their final recommendations for the pilot
expansion program when Trump got elected. The recommendations were to be sent
to federal officials in December, but are now in a holding pattern until there
is more direction on Trump’s plans.
