State groups speak out about the Governor's proposed changes to the TennCare waiver:

Many state-wide groups, medical professionals and clergy have expressed concerns about the way that the Governor wants to reform TennCare. These groups feel that there are safer ways to reform the program and obtain the savings necessary to save the program. Below are links to their letters of concern:

AARP of Tennessee Letter to Governor, Sept. 16, 2004:

AARP raises many important issues concering the definition of medical necessity, cost sharing, benefits limits, monthly premiums, appeal rights, removal of out-of-pocket maximumx, pharmacy benefit and adds: “AARP is particularly concerned that projections of savings from some of the proposals may fail to fully offset downstream increases in other medical expenses that will result from reducing timely access to necessary medical care.” Helen Wingard, MPA, State Director

Over 200 Clergy from Major Denominations from across Tennessee wrote the Governor on Sept. 16, 2004:

We write to you on behalf of the 1.3 million vulnerable Tennesseans who rely on TennCare, … Through the members of our congregations and our outreach ministries, we know the vulnerable children and adults whom this valuable program serves, and we are keenly aware of TennCare’s vital importance. … We call on both your compassionate and moral sensibilities to continue to work on this proposal to reform TennCare so that our vulnerable brothers and sisters are not forced to carry added medical and financial burden they can ill afford to carry. We call on your fiscal responsibility to all Tennesseans to reform TennCare in a way that ensures savings in both the short term and the long term.

Dr. James Powers Testifies to TennCare Oversight Committee on April 21, 2004:

Dr. Powered researched the definition of Medical Necessity in other states. Powers concludes: "Tennesseeís proposed definition of medical necessity has great potential to harm patients. It gives state officials ultimate power to determine the definition of adequate care and which treatment would be provided, based on cost. "

The Tennessee Justice Center releases statement to the press on November 4,2004:

In August of 2003, the TN Justice Center and the state negotiated a settlement. The state represented that agreement by saying: "(The modifications) are designed to enable the State to achieve substantial savings, thereby obviating other TennCare reductions in benefits and/or eligibility that would be harmful.." Read the complete statement.

Safety Net Providers call for action to save TennCare, November 15, 2004:

On November 15, 2004, four major saftey net providers call for the federal courts to accept the petitions filed by the Tennessee Justice Center to put the consent decrees on hold for 2 years.

Physicians for a Preserved and Improved TennCare (PPIT), November 24, 2004:

On November 24, 2004, physicians from across the state joined together to make an urgent plea for the Governor and the Tennessee Justice Center to find a way to preserve the program.