ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest non-profit law firm, will now provide free legal assistance to individuals with TennCare applications that have been inordinately delayed.

Legal Aid Society’s actions come on the heels of a September 2 preliminary injunction ordered by U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell of the Middle District of Tennessee requiring TennCare to provide hearings for any individual who has proof of applying more than 45 days prior, or 90 days in disability cases, and has not yet received a decision on the application. The injunction was in response to Wilson v. Gordon, the nation’s first challenge for a state’s refusal to implement the Affordable Care Act.

The Tennessee Justice Center, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the National Health Law Program filed Wilson v. Gordon in federal court on July 23 on behalf of Tennesseans who applied for TennCare through the Federal Marketplace and had not been given a decision in more than 45 days. Judge Campbell certified the case as a class action and is calling on the state to promptly adjudicate claims and hold hearings.

Individuals who have applied for TennCare on or after October 1, 2013 and have not received a final eligibility determination within 45 days (or 90 days if the case involves a disability determination) are urged to contact Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443 for free assistance in obtaining TennCare coverage.

“We recognize how important access to health care is for our clients and for all Tennesseans,” said Gary Housepian, executive director of Legal Aid Society. “Affordable health care coverage allows individuals to receive essential preventative care and outpatient services, so that they are not waiting until injuries or illnesses become acute and must be treated in an emergency room. Simple procedures and screenings can make a profound difference in person’s health and quality of life – and, furthermore, are a much more prudent use of tax dollars.”

The Tennessee Health Connection may also be able to provide assistance in expediting delayed applications. Contact them for free at 1-855-259-0701.

For more information on the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, visit the website or Facebook page.