Governor: Extra money to go to TennCare safety net

The governor has set aside about $105 million for his so-called “safety net” program, but a portion of the windfall from a boost in car sales and business taxes could be added to that.

“One of the things I want to do now is see if there’s some places in the safety net that we can put some of this additional money,” Bredesen said.

The governor has said he’s cutting about 190,000 adults from TennCare and reducing benefits for thousands of others because the state cannot afford the $8.7 billion program in its current form.

He’s tried to soften the blow with the safety net program, which he recently expanded to provide four months of coverage for the disenrolled who need insulin, as well as allow local pharmacies to provide free generic drugs to people being cut.

In particular, he would like to provide rejection drugs for people who have had transplants.

“I feel good about that,” said Bredesen of being able to use the revenue money.

According to state law, he said about $40 million of the money can be used without consulting the Legislature, and any funds going to the safety net will probably come from that.