Tennessee Health Care Campaign

Community Shares

Giving Matters


Beth Uselton
Executive Director
THCC
1103 Chapel Ave.
Nashville, TN 37206
615-227-7500
877-431-7083
Fax 615-846-1946
Email

Welcome to THCC


New marketplce for heath insurance with more choices and better coverage

In 2014, small-business owners and uninsured individuals will shop for health insurance through a new health insurance marketplace. Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

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Standard TennCare Spend Down for Adults: Click here to download a copy of the PowerPoint Presentation.

TennCare opened enrollment on September 12, 2011, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, 7 pm to 9:30 pm Eastern Time. If you were able to get through on the call and need help, please give us a call at 877-431-7083. The application process is complicated, but not impossible.

Additional Resources:
    1. Tennessee Justice Center - English
    2. Tennessee Justice Center - Spanish
    3. Health Assist Tennessee

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Yesterday, because of Dan Ramey and THCC's staff, Hank from Congressman Cohen's office says that we saved a life. Listen to Hank's voice message.

"Having TennCare Matters," says Sandy.
Tennessee's Medicaid Program Matters

"The doctor told me that I had lung cancer and was dying," says Sandy Hepler of Jackson County, Tennessee. "With the help of the Tennessee Health Care Campaign, I was able to qualify for SSI and get TennCare and treatment. Months and maybe years have been added to my life. There is more work that I must do before I die. To me, TennCare is the embodiment of compassion. I am so grateful that TennCare would help an old man like me. TennCare has saved my life," says Sandy.

Calls are needed daily!

Ask your members of Congress to protect low-income seniors, people who are disabled, and children as they move forward to fix the country's debt problem. It took years to create this debt problem and it will take just as long and longer to fix it. Call toll-free 1-866-922-4970 to talk with a capitol operator and ask to be connected with your U.S. Senator and Congressperson.

Thirty-four prominent Tennessee organizations (34) have signed on as Partners to the Coalition to Control Spending with Care. These organization either represent or care for millions of Tennesseans. Click here for a complete list of the 34 Partners.

You will need to make three calls to talk with U.S. Senator Alexander, Senator Corker, and your member of Congress. Click here for the email explaining why it is important for you to make the call. Click here for talking points, and click here for a copy of the newspaper AD that will appear in major newspapers on Thursday.

The Tennessee Health Care Campaign with the Tennessee Hospital Association has led the effort to create the Coalition to Control Spending With Care (CCSC). You can also click here to see how THCC is working with the CCSC.

We have come together around a brief, yet important, statement:

"Controlling healthcare spending over the long run is critical in securing our country’s financial future. However, a narrow focus on just federal health spending will cause serious harm to Medicare and Medicaid patients and their families, while placing tremendous financial pressure on states and providers. Instead, the patient must be at the center of the discussion, and the focus must be on the drivers of healthcare spending.

Public policy should be aimed directly at:

  • reducing clinically avoidable spending in public insurance programs;
  • increasing patient-centered, integrated and coordinated care;
  • aligning provider incentives to achieve the best long term outcomes for patients; and
  • improving administrative efficiency and ensuring adequate coverage across the board for patients.

These policies would yield powerful cost reductions at all levels of care. It is critical that we all work together to produce a sensible solution to the issue."

Call your two U.S. Senators and your member of congress today: 1-866-922-4970

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THCC 2011 Annual Conference

Moving Forward: Making Health Reform Work for Tennessee: Options and Opportunities for 2012

Saturday, June 11, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Meharry Medical College, S. S. Kresge Learning Resource Center, 1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208

Click here for the full program, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and fact sheets.

Featured Speakers:

  • Wendell Potter, Former Communication Director for Corporate America and author of Deadly Spin
  • Anton Gunn, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director
  • Claire McAndrew, Health Policy Analyst for Families USA
  • Dave Chandra, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • Janet King , eHealth Director for Middle Tennessee
  • Brian Haile, TN Department of Finance and Administration, Director, Insurance Exchange Planning Initiative
  • Chris Coleman, TN Justice Center, Staff Attorney, Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

Click here: We have a great program lined up!

Registration: $20 per person or $30 for couple - Registration included continental breakfast that begins at 8 a.m., breaks, and lunch. Click here to register.

Sponsorships are at different levels: Help support this event with your name, logo, and commitment to provide high quality health care for all Tennesseans. Click here to sign up as a sponsor.

Click here to watch our video about this Annual Conference.

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Happy Birthday Affordable Care Act March 23, 2011

Janet Moore and thousands of other Tennesseans who have already benefited from the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Click here for details on how you have benefited and what you can do.

Call 1-615-227-7500 or toll free 877-431-7083
Join us at Legislative Plaza on March 23 and help us distribute birthday favors to 133 state legislators and the Governor on March 23, 2011. Tell us your story. It is easy. Check out the other stories for ACA birthday.

Janet Moore - After ACA, my lifetime rider was eliminated.

HEALTH REFORM HUB

THCC Events Calendar

 

"Health Reform Hits Main Street."

Confused about how the new health care reform law really works? This short, animated movie -- featuring the "YouToons" -- explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014. Written and produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Narrated by Cokie Roberts, a news commentator for ABC News and NPR. Click here to watch.

Trainings for Health Reforms Hit Tennessee

Trainings in Cookeville on 2/26, Nashville on 3/5, Knoxville on 3/12, & Memphis on March 26. Find out more about the new health law, how it will help your family, and what you can do to keep the law from being repealed. Click here for more information and to register on line.

Creating a Health Insurance Exchange in Tennessee

Sign the Guiding Principles for Establishing a Health Insurance Exchange in Tennessee

The Challenge

Much of the health law's success or failure will be determined at the state level. Even with federal guidelines, states will have lots of flexibility. Tennessee's reform will be different than Mississippi's. Will you still have your protections?

Governance

States will have four options for structuring its exchange: an existing state government agency, a new agency, a nonprofit entity, or a multi-state exchange.

Model Legislation

This model legislation lists options that the state will have in governance, certifying health plans, determining eligibility, participation of brokers and agents, role of navigators, and much more.

2 million Tennesseans have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
On January 1, 2014,the insurance industry will not be able to deny you coverage or make you pay more because of a medical condition. If ACA is repealed, you lose your right to care. Go to Stop Repeal of the Affordable Care Act to see what you must do.

Implementation Work Groups

The Affordable Care Act has many revolving parts. Join other volunteers in understanding the options that we have in Tennessee. Click one of the work groups to found out more. Click on one of the names and let them know that you want to participate on one of the work groups. You can live anywhere in Tennessee. They will participate via toll free conference calls.

Medicaid Expansion - Dan Ramey

Insurance Exchange - Tony Garr

Behavioral Health - Beth Uselton

Health Equity - Yolonda McClain

Prevention - Brad Palmertree

Waste Reduction & Safety Assurance - Tony Garr

Health Information Technology - Tony Garr

Big things happened on Sept. 23 for the people of Tennessee

  1. 115,000 children in TN cannot be denied coverage by a health insurance company and the premiums cannot be raised because of the medical condition
  2. 6.2 million Tennesseans cannot be dropped by your insurance company because you get sick.
  3. 3 million Tennesseans with private insurance plans will have preventive care coverage with no co-payment when their plans are renewed.
  4. 1.2 million Tennesseans will not have to worry about insurance companies imposing a life time limit and annual limits will begin to go away.
  5. 600,000 young adults can stay on their parents plan until they turn 26, even if they are not in school and do not live at home.

 

It's Time Again for
Workplace Giving

Do you work for the state or federal government, Nashville government or public schools, Vanderbilt University, or a public university or technology center?

If so, the annual employee (workplace) giving campaign will soon be happening. Now is the time for you to choose your charity giving for the coming year via automatic payroll deduction.

THCC is a member of Community Shares, which is a federation of Tennessee-based community groups who have joined together to raise funds for social change. We are asking that you please consider giving to us through Community Shares during the workplace giving campaign.

We know that times are tough for individuals, families, and nonprofit groups. However, if you are able to give at this time, it makes a lot of sense to give to us through Community Shares, so you can stretch your giving dollars while supporting both THCC and the progressive community.

Thank you!

Giving to THCC through your workplace giving campaign is easy!

You simply:
1) decide how much you want to give us per paycheck;
2) put our code on your workplace giving (designation) form; and
3) give your form to your human resources person.
That's it!

For just a few dollars each paycheck, you can help support THCC and the important work we do. For instance, $2 per week = $104 annual gift!

Workplace giving campaigns and THCC's Codes:

Metro Nashville Govt., Nashville Electric Service (NES), and Nashville Metro & Davidson Co. Schools, and Vanderbilt University and VU Medical Center
THCC Code: 11019

State Employees and TECC
THCC Code: CS320

Federal Employees and CFC
THCC Code: 16063

TN Board of Regents
THCC Code: C02-019

 

 

 

What the Health Care Law Means to You

6:30-8:30 pm -- Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Toyota Auditorium, The Baker Center, Knoxville

Knoxville LOG volunteer and health policy expert Dr. Carole Myers and THCC Organizer Beth Uselton will be panelists for this discussion.

If you are unable to attend, the event will be webcast @ http://tinyurl.com/292scne.

For more details, contact Beth Uselton.


 

THCC Speakers’ Network
Tennesseans Educating Tennesseans About Health Care Reform

Celebrate the historic health care law that is part of our American continuum of justice! Be part of our Speakers' Network and help schedule and make presentations about what's in the new health reform law and why it's good for Tennessee and America!


Health Care Justice Organizations Unite to
Celebrate... Educate... Motivate... Activate!

From Memphis to Knoxville, Clarksville to Chattanooga and places in between, 100 Tennesseans gathered in Nashville on June 12 to celebrate the historic health reform victory and to kick-off THCC's new public education initiative: Health Reform: What's in It for Me & Tennessee?

THCC executive director Tony Garr begins the day by congratulating the audience on their efforts that resulted in the recent health care reform victory ... but reminded them that the work is far from over!

Nationally recognized health policy expert Gordon Bonnyman (who hails from Knoxville and lives in Nashville) Wowed! the crowd with his knowledge and dry wit as he discussed where we go from here.

Jessica Larochelle, Field Director with Families USA, complimented THCC and its supporters as some of the best and most dedicated groups in the country, and credited us as being an important part of the health care justice movement.

The all-day Saturday event was wall-to-wall discussion and learning, with nationally recognized health policy experts, including pictured above: Larry Goldberg, CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Jessica Larochelle of Families USA; and U.S. Representative Jim Cooper.

 

In addition to very special thanks to the guests mentioned above, THCC extends special appreciation to the following people, who generously gave their time and talents as guest speakers and workshop presenters:

Jim Duffett, Executive Director Campaign for Better Health Care - Illinios
Dwight Lewis, Editor, The Tennessean
David Hilley, Director Access TN (high-risk pool)
Tobi Johnson, Tobi Johnson & Associates - Knoxville
Lucy Utt, Commission on Aging
Raphael Smith, Health Care Delivery Consultant & Youth Advisor NAACP
Dave Buchanan, Hospital Quality & Efficiency Expert

5/28 MEDICARE SCAM ALERT: ATTN Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for $250 prescription drug rebate (new benefit of health reform), YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING to get the rebate check. Checks will be mailed to qualifying beneficiaries throughout the year. IF anyone phones, emails, comes to your door, or by mail claiming they represent Medicare, the government or any entity, and help you get a rebate or give you a rebate--report them to CMS. HHS Secretary Sebelius stated on May 27 that her office has been alerted that seniors and others are being asked to give personal and confidential info in order to get their rebate checks. This is a lie...a trick... a crime. Report any concerns to CMS.

Federal Investment is an Outstanding Deal for Tennessee!

A $21.5 BILLION DEAL!


Tennesseans will receive security and peace of mind from the new health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The guarantee of affordable, quality coverage is essential, yet some worry about the costs.

The state of Tennessee has determined helping Tennessee families and small businesses will cost the state $1.1 billion over 5 years, or $220 million per year. This is a very modest investment given that:

  1. All 6.1 million Tennesseans will benefit from the reform, including 650,000 who will gain coverage through the Exchange and expansion of TennCare; and
  2. The federal government is paying for 95 percent of the expansion—to the tune of $21.5 billion over 5 years ($4.3 billion per year for 5 years). Put another way: for each $1 of expansion cost, the federal government pays 95 cents and the state pays 5 cents.

    WE DID IT!

    The first major civil rights legislation of the 21st century happens with the passage of national health care reform!

    Patient "Protection & Affordability Care Act" Hub

 

 

 

 

 


Are you losing SSI/Daniels or other TennCare coverage? Or fear that you might be? Contact Dan Ramey, our new TennCare Specialist.

 

 

 

 

 

THCC's Top 10

This year we have come to know just how tough it is to forge a new reality whilst powerful forces defend a broken reality. Despite the deeply entrenched status quo, our combined efforts have resulted in reform that is not insignificant and reaffirms that the moral arc of the universe does indeed bend toward justice.

We have prevailed in the most important of ways: We have come to know the power of standing together and of blending each splendid voice to harmonize a diverse yet common song.

Remember 2009 with these moments in mind

 

 

For more pics and news links of these activities, visit "THCC in the News" section.

"I hope for an America where we can all contend freely & vigorously, but where we will treasure & guard those standards of civility which alone make this nation safe for both democracy & diversity."
- Sen. Ted Kennedy, "Truth & Tolerance in America" speech, 1983

Ted Kennedy's visionary speech on health care from 1978

 

Takin' It To The Streets - 450+ Pro Reformers
Nashville, TN Aug. 13

 

THCC volunteers and staff at the Families USA Health Action conference in DC in January of this year.

 

If you reach an error page, find a broken link, or run into any other problems with this site, please contact Susan at smckay@thcc2.org.
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