Illegal sale of prescriptions could get enrollees banned for life

The provision was grafted on to Gov. Phil Bredesen’s legislation stiffening penalties for defrauding TennCare, the $7.3 billion federal-health insurance program for 1.3 million poor, uninsured and medically uninsurable citizens.

With the amendment offered by Rep. Joey Hensley, a Hohenwald physician and Republican, the bill was approved by the House Health and Human Resources Committee.

Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz said the administration has no problem with Hensley’s amendment as long as it doesn’t cause problems with the federal government, which funds two-thirds of TennCare.

The bill also requires citizens and doctors to report people suspected of fraudulently obtaining TennCare coverage.

The companion bill is scheduled for debate Thursday in the Senate. It’s part of Bredesen’s effort to overhaul TennCare and save an estimated $2.5 billion during the next four years.
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On the Net:
Read SB3394/HB3512 at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us