Briefly: U.S. Farm Bill could hamper TennCare, other programs

Email | Print By Walker Duncan

An agricultural subsidy bill already through the U.S. House could affect the healthcare of thousands in Tennessee.

According to a report today from Washington D.C.’s Spectrum Science Communications, a little-known anti-privatization amendment to the most recent U.S. Farm Bill will disrupt the administration of TennCare and other state programs should it be signed into law.

The amendment, proposed by Democratic California Congressman Joe Baca, would restrict all states from using nonprofits and other private organizations to administer public assistance programs.

In Tennessee, private contractors and other organizations help run a number of such programs, including TennCare and the state’s food stamp program.

Under the amendment, only state employees would be able to administer such aid programs. And according to Spectrum’s report, states would not have the choice to opt out even if their outsourced programs are more cost-effective.

The amendment is not included in the Senate version of the bill, but could make it in during the reconciliation process before going to the president.