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TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project News
December 2015 | Vol. 1, No. 1
Welcome to TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project News!
Welcome to TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project News!
This newsletter will inform you of the latest developments in the National Health Care for the Homeless Council’s TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project. In this first edition, you will find an introduction to the project and our new coordinator, a personal reminiscence on the importance of child insurance enrollment, and a look at our 2014-15 project outcomes.
Cindy Phillips

Meet the New TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project Coordinator
Cindy Phillips has joined the Council to coordinate its TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project efforts. Cindy has served families in crisis for many years in shelters, clinics, and drug treatment centers in Middle Tennessee. She has extensive experience navigating the healthcare system and helping the uninsured find medical and dental care.  
Why This Project Is Important
Why Is This Project Important?
By Cindy Phillips
As I approached my office door, I noticed something shiny hanging from the frame. As a counselor for children in a domestic violence shelter, I often discovered unusual notes or pictures under my door, but this was a first. Three large sleigh bells hung from a yellow ribbon clumsily taped across the handle. As I unlocked and opened the door, the bells clanged loudly. Suddenly, a sleepy four-year-old boy emerged from the play room next door. 
"It worked! It worked!" he shouted with delight.
"What worked, Caleb?" I asked.  
"My Miss Cindy alarm!" 
"Why do you need a Miss Cindy alarm?" 
He started to whisper and I knelt in front of him. "Because when I know you are here, my tummy does not hurt so much," he said. "You're the only one who can see me." 
As advocates for children and teens who are homeless, part of our responsibility is to truly see and understand their most basic needs. Most of the children experiencing homelessness whom you serve likely qualify for TennCare and affordable, consistent medical and dental care. We are here to serve you and to help these children enroll in and navigate the healthcare system--to make them seen and heard by the medical community in the midst of trauma and chaos.
TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project Outcomes
For Fiscal Year 2015 (July 2014-June 2015)
Outcome
Number / Percentage
Number of shelters reporting
29
Children admitted to participating shelters
1126
Children uninsured at admission
138 (12%)
Uninsured children enrolled in TennCare during shelter stay
135 (99%)
Children uninsured upon exit from shelter
3 (1%)
TennCare children who visited a primary care provider during shelter stay (well visit) 
206
TennCare children who visited a primary care provider during shelter stay (sick child visit)
305
TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project
About This Project
This project exists to ensure that children without homes across the state of Tennessee can have access to medical care and enroll in and enjoy the benefits of TennCare. To meet that goal, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council is under contract with the Bureau of TennCare to provide enrollment support services and TennCare outreach. We offer training, resources, data, and enrollment events to consumers and those who serve them in shelters and schools.
Learn More
Let's Meet
How Can We Help?
We would love the opportunity to visit your site and learn more about how we can help the families you serve enroll in TennCare and overcome barriers to healthcare. To find out more about the project or to schedule a visit, training, or enrollment event, click below to contact Cindy Phillips, TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project Coordinator.
Contact Us
PO Box 60427 | Nashville, TN 37206 US
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