Tenn. caps enrollment in subsidized health program

WKRN CHANNEL 2 News Associated Press - November 12, 2009 1:35 PM ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's subsidized health care plan will stop accepting new enrollment at the end of next month because of budget constraints. The CoverTN program targets the uninsured who aren't eligible for Medicaid. Under the plan, the state kicks in one-third of the monthly premium, while employers have the option of paying for another third. Each third averages about $60 per month. Program director Gerald Reed said CoverTN's recent enrollment period resulted in more than 2,500 new members. But he says the state "must continue to manage the program within our budget capacity." As of last month, CoverTN had about 21,000 enrollees. Last month, the state announced it was ending enrollment at the end of this month for CoverKids, Tennessee's health insurance program for children.