TN HB0018

Bureau of TennCare must submit a federal waiver application by December 31, 2025, to establish a temporary TennCare benefits program for individuals ineligible for existing Medicaid or CoverKids coverage due to income

Eligible individuals with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level can receive medical assistance for up to 12 months per 24-month period, with a 60-month lifetime maximum (limit resets at age 21 for those who used benefits as minors)

Program enrollment begins 6 months after federal waiver approval and is funded with 90% federal funds and 10% state funds

Temporary benefits pause if an individual becomes eligible for regular TennCare or CoverKids, and the program must not alter Tennessee's existing TennCare block grant financing agreement

Program does not constitute an entitlement and is subject to annual appropriations; Bureau must promulgate rules including application systems and time-tracking for beneficiaries