TN Healthcare Advocates Call for Passage of Build Back Better Plan

Plan Includes Funding for Key Health Policy Initiatives

Tennessee groups focused on healthcare outcomes are calling on the state’s congressional delegation to support President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, which includes funding for a number of health initiatives.

The Tennessee Justice Center (TJC)has emailed supporters urging support for Build Back Better. TJC notes:

The Build Back Better Act includes relatively low-cost, proven policies that will greatly improve maternal and child health, including continuous coverage for children with Medicaid and CHIP health insurance, requiring states to extend postpartum coverage to 12 months following pregnancy, and permanently funding CHIP. As Congress keeps debating on the reconciliation package this week, they must keep these provisions intact — our kids and families are counting on it.

Additionally, TJC notes:

45,000 children and pregnant women in Tennessee have CHIP as there primary health insurance. They would all lose coverage if their was a lapse in CHIP funding. To ensure they stay covered, Congress must permanently fund CHIP.

Moral Imperative

Pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition say the plan helps meet a moral imperative to care for others.