Health Care Advocacy Updates
Below are the latest updates from THCC, sign-on opportunities, upcoming events, and news highlights of interest.
THCC Updates
During Open Enrollment from November 1, 2018 - December 15, 2018, THCC's Enrollment Manager Andrew Hawkins and volunteers across the state enrolled 344 more people than the previous year contributing to exceeding expectations for enrollment!

During Open Enrollment THCC:
  • Answered 1142 calls on our 844 hotline from 71 counties. An additional 84 calls were directed to Family and Children's Service via the Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish lines.
  • Staff and volunteers enrolled 743 people in QHP plans and 441 people in Medicaid plans assisting 1909 individuals.
  • Enroll the Region Chattanooga scheduled 70 appointments assisting 119 people in Chattanooga.
  • East Tennessee Volunteers scheduled 156 appointments and supported Cherokee Health's outreach and enrollment efforts.
  • West Tennessee Volunteers held 178 appointments assisting 373 individuals.
  • Volunteers at Lentz Public Health Department in Nashville led by had 281 appointments.

Thanks to the MANY MORE volunteers who helped by phone, in rural communities, and with outreach!
Counties shaded in above represent communities served in 2018.
Reports and Announcements
  • The Sycamore Institute published a report titled Income, Poverty, Education & Insurance Coverage in Tennessee, highlighting the disparity in income and health insurance access between densely populated counties and rural communities. (Link)

  • National Safety Council released a new report finding Americans have a 1 in 96 chance of dying from an opioid overdose, while the probability of dying in a motor vehicle crash is 1 in 103. (Link)

  • American Public Health Association (APHA) released a statement "Government shutdown puts the public's health at risk: Potential for harm increases as impasse continues" (Link)
Events and Webinars
  • Enroll the Region (Chattanooga) Day on the Hill will be January 29th, 10am - 2pm CST. Volunteers will share experiences with enrollment and about Chattanooga's increasing uninsured rate. (RSVP link)

  • Tri-Cities Advocates Day on the Hill will be February 7th, 10am -2pm CST. Volunteers will share concern over Tennessee's increasing uninsured rate and support for Medicaid Expansion. (RSVP link)

  • Tennessee Disability Coalition is planning their Day on the Hill on Tuesday, February 12th from 9am - 2pm at Cordell Hull, 425 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN. No RSVP is required. Email ddh@tndisability.org for questions or to volunteer to assist with meetings.

  • Nashville Advocates Day on the Hill will be February 14th, 10am -2pm CST. Volunteers will share concern over Tennessee's increasing uninsured rate and support for Medicaid Expansion. (RSVP link)

  • Knoxville Advocates Day on the Hill will be February 19th, 10am -2pm CST. Volunteers will share concern over Tennessee's increasing uninsured rate and support for Medicaid Expansion. (RSVP link)

  • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is hosting a Day on the Hill, February 20th from 9am - 2pm CST. (RSVP link)

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Tennessee is hosting Day on the Hill, February 20th from 10am - 4pm to #ACT4MentalHealth. (RSVP Link)
Action Items and Input Opportunities
  • Restore Tobacco Cessation Funding - During the 2018 session our Tennessee lawmakers caved to Big Tobacco and entirely CUT funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs! Sign American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's petition to begin funding the programs that have been proven to prevent kids from starting a lifetime addicted to tobacco again.

  • Organizational Sign-on Expressing Health Impacts of Government Shut Down - The letter, a copy of which will be sent to the President and to members of Congress, is focused on issues such as food safety, environmental health, nutrition and tribal health. Trust for America's Health is asking for only organizations, no individuals. Please fill out this form by COB January 16th. (Copy of letter)

  • Medicaid Expansion Petition - Do you (still) support Medicaid Expansion? Please sign our online petition to reaffirm your support for expansion. Signing helps us identify constituents by district that will be useful in legislator meetings. (Action Center)
News of Interest