The state released detailed plans recently for how it would deal with potential cuts in federal funding of up to 30% that , if fully implemented, would slash 5,132 employees and $4.5 billion out of the state’s $31 billion budget.

TennCare, the federal and state health insurance program for low-income and disabled people, would bear the brunt at just over $2.25 billion. If fully implemented, the program would reduce reimbursement rates to health providers, eliminate optional benefits and reduce other services — including medicine and dental — to recipients.

2012-2013 Federal Revenue Loss Contingency Plan Detail (excerpt)

Possible TennCare Cuts

Total Tier 1 - 15% Federal Revenue Loss of $1,107,814,000

Total Tier 2 – Additional 15% Federal Revenue Loss of $ 1,145,873,900

Federal Revenue Loss Contingency Plan – Outlines cuts by department and programs

Visit the TMHCA website to read more.

*Information provided by Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association.

The Tennessee Peer Specialist State Conference is coming up October 10, 2011. The Conference, which is being presented by the Consumer Advisory Board in partnership with the TCPS Advisory Committee, will include awards for notable Peer Specialists and Agencies in our community.

This is a chance to let your voice be heard. Do you know of someone who goes above and beyond in their job? Who helps people with mental illness no matter what? An agency that “gets” the concept of recovery and works to spread the word?

To nominate someone today visit www.tn-cps.org/?page_id=60 The deadline for submissions is September 21st, 2011

Visit the TMHCA website for more information.

 

*Information provided by Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association.