Feds Order Changes to Tenncare Block Grant Program - Articles

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Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 18, 2022

The federal government is ordering TennCare to change its modified block grant program a year and a half after the Trump administration approved it, Tennessee Lookout reports. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has directed the state to end a closed formulary for pharmaceuticals that would have reduced coverage for expensive drugs and therapies. It also is asking the state to submit a new budget model based on the number of enrollees each month. Under the revisions, the state also will not be allowed to cut benefits or coverage in effect Dec. 31 without federal approval. Finally, the state is being encouraged to expand adult dental treatment, postpartum coverage and home and community-based care. Tenncare says it is reviewing the directive.