NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam says he’s reached a deal with federal officials to expand Medicaid in Tennessee.
The Republican governor announced the agreement this morning after months of discussions with federal authorities.
Called Insure Tennessee, the program will provide coverage for the state's uninsured without creating new taxes for Tennesseans. Under the plan, members would receive a voucher to purchase insurance in the private market.
Haslam will have to sell the plan to largely skeptical lawmakers. Last year the Tennessee General Assembly passed a measure requiring the Governor to get their approval of any Medicaid expansion.
Tennessee’s health care advocates and health care industry have been critical of Haslam for last year refusing $1.4 billion in federal funds to expand Medicaid; sufficient funding to provide 180,000 poor Tennesseans with coverage.
Nine other Republican governors have agreed to expanded Medicaid, and at least three more are in discussions with federal officials.