Sorry, but I think all that this means is that Bredesen is not serious about a once-and-for-all solution for TennCare. Trim some here, open a new program there, twiddle with the numbers, and out pops a "reform" that just puts off the financial crisis for a few years.

Not that I expected anything else. His stance in late 2004 ("Looks like I'll have to kill TennCare") was obviously a negotiating ploy to get the Tennessee Justice people off of his backs. I personally don't believe he ever really intended to revert to Medicaid.

Is there an example in the history of the United States (heck, the *world*), in which a failed governmental program was "reformed" without changing its basic philosophy, and then worked long term? I can't think of one. The closest one could argue would be welform reform in the nineties, and there the basic philosophy *was* changed from "you can be on it as long as you want" to "it temporary - get over it".

For TennCare reform to conceivably work, it would have to undergo the same kind of philosophical change. As long as Bredesen or whoever is committed to the idea that healthcare is effectively an entitlement, there will be no long term stability in the program. It will grow and grow in cost, as all entitlements do. Those who job the system will benefit, and those who take care of themselves will bear the burden.

The problem is that Tennessee can't just print money or raise taxes to the levels that the federal government can. So the outcome is likely to be much worse than programs like Medicare at the federal level. I'm very afraid that we will follow California as the case study for how to screw up a state's economy with over-reaching government.

Seems there's race amongst the "I saw Bredesen first" writers :) Who done it???????????

I've been writing about Bredesen - good stuff and bad - for quite awhile now.

I guess we need to get ready for another income tax protest because if TennCare survives in its current form, somebody will have to foot the bill.

I guess we need to get ready for another income tax protest because if TennCare survives in its current form, somebody will have to foot the bill.

Can Medical Banking Connect the Healthcare IT Dots for Politicians?

Among the prominent rising stars for the 2008 presidency are Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and former speaker of the house Newt Gingrinch. Have you noted that the most prominent common thread among them is healthcare technology?

I have some friends that tell me that Senators FRist and Alexander were promoters of and benefactors from TennCare. I am not a believer but not being native to Tennessee, I need some help researching this. Help.

Wade

TO GOV.BREDESEN & ALL OTHERS INVOLVED:

Six yrs. ago I was living in my car. I
was alone & on the vergeof a breakdown,which did eventually happen. I was from a prominent family in Memphis,TN. My father was Nickolaus John Giardino, owner of his personal meat co. He took care of all you bigshots, but never boasted. He dressed appropriately & not to impress ANYONE! Because of Tenncare I am in therapy & I have been on the proper medication for my illness. I am a 51 yr. old woman & because of proper treatment & medication I am able to function today.Four yrs. ago I started back to school & will receive my Associate Degree this year. I do not expect Tenncare to be a lifelong answer,but my medication is a lifelong answer. Why can't Tenncare help me until I find a job with benefits, since I am alone & I have NOONE to help me since my father has passed away? You people will get your money back from me because until this happened I had worked since 1978.
I AM NOT A BUM! Why won't you help me now continue to help myself so in the end I will be helping others as an employee of the criminal justice system in TENNESSEE? I know most of you really don't care but I, a registered voter, do & so do many others.