AccessTN Board Decides To Extend Coverage For All Current Members

Today the AccessTN Board of Directors convened to discuss the options available to the state of Tennessee in extending coverage for current members who were previously notified their coverage would end December 31, 2013.

AccessTN, which currently has approximately 2,600 members, is the state’s high risk pool offering coverage to individuals who are uninsurable due to pre-existing conditions. Members pay monthly premiums for this comprehensive coverage. Some members receive assistance to help pay for those premiums.

Given that individuals should have been able to access lower cost coverage in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, the AccessTN board previously decided to close the program for members above the federal poverty level and/or not receiving premium assistance. However, recent problems with the implementation of the Health Insurance Marketplace have created difficulties for people attempting to transition to the Marketplace.

As a result of these issues, the board has voted to extend coverage to current members who were previously advised that their coverage would end. This extension will allow AccessTN members to keep their current coverage until April 30, 2014, which provides coverage for 30 days following the end of the Marketplace open enrollment period. The state will use AccessTN reserve funds to cover the cost of extending coverage which the state estimates will be nearly $7 million.

Notification letters will be sent to current AccessTN members in the coming days. If members have questions they can call 1-866-636-0080.