Katie Beckett Program for Families of Disabled Kids Struggling in Tennessee
In an article published by Channel 5 TV in Nashville, TN, it was reported that the Katie Beckett program for families of disabled kids is struggling in Tennessee.
According to Sarah Sampson, of Tennessee Disability Coalition, it's created frustration for parents looking for relief from medical debt. Sampson believes that bureaucracy has gotten in the way. Parents are reporting they can't get money for their child's needs, or that the services just aren't available they need.
"The problem is, the state legislature was expecting to enroll about 3,000 kids in this program," Sampson said. "We've only enrolled about 1,000 so far. So, there's more need out there that isn't being met."
Sampson also said the program sign up process can prove difficult for parents, there's just not services available in the community right now, and there's a staffing crisis that is just dramatic in Tennessee.”
The Katie Beckett Program is for children under age 18 with disabilities and/or complex medical needs who are not Medicaid eligible because of their parents’ income or assets. On September 20, 2019, TennCare submitted a demonstration amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish the Katie Beckett Program. On November 2nd, CMS approved Parts A and B of the program.
Part A should provide up to 300 children with significant severe disabilities full TennCare benefits and up to $15,000 in home and community- based services.
Part B should provide up to 2,700 children with severe disabilities a stipend of up to $10,000 to help cover services not covered by their insurance. Part B does not provide full TennCare benefits.
Updates on the TN Katie Beckett Program can be found at TNKatieBeckett.
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