Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen announced the launch of the CoverTN program. The program provides insurance for low-income employees and is administered by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee starting April 1.

The goal of CoverTN is to expand coverage options for uninsured, low-income working adults who are not eligible for Medicaid. Average premiums for CoverTN will be $150 per month, with employers, employees and the state paying equal portions. To be eligible for the program employers must have 25 employees or less, at least 50% of whom have earn less than $41,000 per year. They need to have not offered health benefits for at least six months.

Typical copays for the CoverTN members will not exceed $25 for a physician office visit, $10 for a generic prescription, $100 for an ER visit, $25 for hospital outpatient treatment and $100 for an inpatient treatment. Inpatient hospital benefits are capped at $10,000 per year, with the maximum total benefit being capped at $25,000 per year.

See full story at Memphis Commercial Appeal Online, Tennessee Governor Launches Insurance Program For Low-Income Workers