When the program was created, the federally funded Medicare system was folded into it. Some see TennCare as a savior for Tennessee families. Critics say the program, which has a third of the population on its rolls, is bloated and unmanageable. The program has been beset with bureaucratic woes. Since its creation, it has had five directors and several interim directors.
Supporters say it just needs more funding and that staff turnover is common for such programs.
But even with TennCare, those most in need face hurdles, Herron said. Those of us blessed with the means, we can travel to another county or to a specialist in a city if need be, but many citizens don't have the financial resources and cannot afford to take the time away from their jobs to make those trips. Al Grant, president of the Nashville-based Rural Health Association, said improving health care in rural areas is linked to improving the economy. If you don't have a good health care system, you're not going to get good industry to move into your area. Conversely, if you don't attract businesses to the community, he said, you'll have a tough time building up a quality health care system.