January 2018   Vol. 1, No. 7
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council is under contract with the Bureau of TennCare to provide enrollment support services and TennCare outreach through the TennCare Shelter Enrollment 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 that end, we provide training, resources, data, and enrollment events to both consumers and those who serve them in communities throughout Tennessee.

Greetings from the TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project!

We are so glad to be your partner in helping children without homes in Tennessee access quality health care!  In this issue, we address flu season and it's impact on your shelter, the necessity of updating your address with TennCare, and the re-determination process. Let us know how we can help your shelter with healthcare! 
What is the TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project?

Is your shelter ready for flu season?

Flu is a dreaded diagnosis even for the heartiest among us, but for those who are young, elderly, or with weakened immune systems due to chronic illness, exposure, or substance abuse disorder - flu can be deadly.  Last week, I met with Karen at a women's mission in rural Tennessee.  With COPD, chronic asthma, and four young children, Karen was frantic to apply for TennCare and find a primary care provider after learning that her daughter's bunkmate was hospitalized with flu and pnuemonia.  Karen's fear and even paranoia prevented her from focusing on housing and employment and encouraged stress and chaos throughout the shelter.  Illness can result in so much more than just physical symptoms in a community living environment!
Do you have clients who have lost TennCare or who need help to apply?  
Does your staff have a solid understanding of communicable disease control and how to prevent flu from spreading?
Do your clients know how to keep their children healthy and provide preventive care?
If not, we can help!  We can come to your facility and answer questions about TennCare and assist clients with enrollment or re-determination.  We can conduct staff trainings on Shelter Health and lead trainings for residents on healthy practices in community living.  Email Cindy to let us know how we can help your program thrive during flu season.
How Can the Project Help My Program?

Re-Determination and Loss of Coverage

Last year, TennCare began the process of mailing renewal packets to clients whose coverage was not automatically renewed through their EBT application (it's a complicated process!)  These packets have been sent alphabetically - and it is diffcult to tell when or if your clients should expect to receive a packet.  If your clients receive a renewal packet, it MUST be completed and returned within 90 days or coverage will be dropped!  If you have clients who need assistance with this process or who have lost coverage, let us know ASAP.  We can help!

Can TennCare Find your Clients?

Every week I hear from families experiencing homelessless who have unexpectedly lost their insurance coverage because TennCare did not have their correct address.  Do your clients know how to update their contact information with TennCare when they move?  The required change of address form can be found here.  Simply complete the form and fax it to TennCare.  Two weeks later, call TennCare to ensure that the form was received and contact information updated.  Need help?  Contact our project!

Second Quarter Reports due January 15th!

We are looking for more shelters to join the TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project.  Partnering shelters report aggregate data related to children's insurance status and access to primary care visits.  Complete the form found here and return it to Cindy Manginelli via email or fax (615-226-1656) today. 

We would love the opportunity to visit your site and to help the families you serve enroll in TennCare. To find out more about the project or to schedule a visit, training, or enrollment event, email Cindy at cmanginelli@nhchc.org.
 
www.nhchc.org
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