TennCare may have to cut enrollee benefits

Associated Press - November 18, 2009 7:15 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - TennCare officials say they will be forced to cut some enrollee benefits if Gov. Phil Bredesen asks them to make a 9 percent reduction in spending.

Bredesen heard from state departments during budget hearings that continued on Wednesday.

While most agencies have been asked to present plans to cut 6 percent from their spending plans for the budget year that begins July 1, the Bredesen administration has asked them to prepare an additional 3 percent cut in case economic conditions persist.

Officials for TennCare, the state's expanded Medicaid program, said the extra cuts would require changes to benefits, such as a $10,000 annual cap on inpatient care for non-pregnant adults.

TennCare director Darin Gordon said that would affect about 5,100 enrollees and save roughly $51 million.

TennCare has about 1.2 million enrollees.