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Our Party BlogHave your say about all things democraticJune 21, 2008GOV. BREDESEN, SEN. BERKE, REP. FAVORS, AND TN-ALFA CHAIR BAILES PROMOTE LONG-TERM CARE COMMUNITY CHOICES ACT
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen visited Chattanooga's PACE Program Center for a ceremonial signing of the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008 on Wednesday, June 18. This act will offer Tennesseans alternatives to nursing home care. State Senator Andy Berke, State Representative JoAnne Favors, and Tennessee Assisted Living Federation of America Chair Dinah Bailes were present for the signing.According to the Cleveland Daily Banner: State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, said the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008 "enhanced opportunities to offer assisted living and in-home care for our citizens without putting an additional burden on taxpayers." Berke emphasized that the new law shifts money from nursing homes to community and home care options for the elderly and disabled. According to a press release from the governor's office, the law changes the TennCare program so it more evenly distributes $1.2 billion between nursing homes and home- and community-based service providers. Before the new law, nursing homes received 98 percent of long-term care funds in Tennessee. "The effect of this legislation is truly significant, and I appreciate the bipartisan support of the General Assembly in making these changes," Bredesen said. "This is a wholesale approach to improving the way we handle long-term care in our Medicaid system. This legislation fundamentally restructures the way care is delivered in our state and will create positive changes for families in every county in Tennessee." House Bill 4144 passed 97-0. The Senate version, SB 4181, passed in the Senate by a vote of 32-0. According to a press release, these changes to the TennCare program, the state's largest single payer of long-term care services, allows $1.2 billion in TennCare funds to be more evenly divided between traditional nursing homes and home- and community-based service providers. Prior to the new law, nursing homes received 98 percent of long-term care funds in Tennessee. Post a Reply... Most Recent Posts: 08/16: Senator Andy Berke Asks, "Are Kids Ready to Learn?" 08/12: Join us today for JFK Club & Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club 08/08: Thanks to Democrats for Helping on Election Day 08/07: Vote Today, Then Join us for Election Results at IBEW Union Hall tonight 08/06: OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE TO TIMES FREE PRESS ENDORSEMENTS FOR SHERIFF 08/06: Get Out the Vote Thursday for Andy Berke, JoAnne Favors, Tommie Brown, and Greg Beck 08/04: Radio Ads reflect candidate with high negatives 08/01: Listen to the "Greg Beck for Sheriff" Radio Ads 08/01: Join Greg Beck for a GOTV Rally & BBQ Tomorrow 07/31: Today's Times Free Press: Hammond continues to show poor ethical judgment in Lonnie Hood Case 07/31: Meet U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Padgett at Party Headquarters on Aug.1 07/29: HEAR TWO NEW RADIO ADS on Jim Hammond: Flip-Flop Jim & Cadillac Jim 07/28: Three RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS ENDORSE BECK FOR SHERIFF 07/25: COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO BECK EVENT WITH MARILYN LLOYD 07/25: GERMANS LOVE OBAMA; CHATTANOOGANS LOVE VOLKSWAGEN~GREAT YEAR FOR DEMOCRATS! 07/24: Restore Integrity in Sheriff's Department~Elect Greg Beck 07/18: EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY! 07/17: ANNIE HALL and Dr. Brent Staton named to direct "Padgett for U.S. Senate" Campaign in Chattanooga 07/16: Corruption & Poor Judgment: Hammond insists on Keeping Corrupt Cop 07/15: Support Greg Beck this week for canvassing and early vote |
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