By Tribune Staff
NASHVILLE, TN — Measuring the success of Nashville based on data such as median income, economic growth, cultural diversity and population expansion creates a very positive picture. Yet, despite this surface-level view, people are still struggling with barriers to accessible healthcare, putting the city’s growing popularity and positive reputation at risk.
The impact of a person’s zip code on their health outcomes can be as significant as genetic or lifestyle factors. In Tennessee, a glaring gap in healthcare access exists, as more than 36% of the state’s population, approximately 2.5 million people, live in areas designated as “healthcare deserts” – regions that lack essential services, including pharmacies, primary care, hospitals, and emergency services.
Nashville General Hospital CEO Dr. Joseph Webb, D.Sc., FACHE, and more than a dozen elected officials across the state and at the federal level met to discuss the state of healthcare in Tennessee, including healthcare outcomes, access to health services and legislation that would benefit the community. This year State Representative Jason Powell first introduced legislation to the Tennessee House, and sponsored by Senator Heidi Campbell in the Senate, one of the few bipartisan bills that passed unanimously in the 113th Tennessee General Assembly.
“This bill revolutionizes healthcare access for state employees,” said Dr. Webb. “This is a vital step toward ensuring healthcare access is based on need, and not geography or economic status.”
Bringing Access to More
The new legislation marks a shift in healthcare accessibility for Tennessee’s state employees. Under this legislation, the Nashville General Hospital Healthcare Incentive program waives various out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for medical, surgical, and mental health care. Most importantly, this coverage extends to all state employees and their families participating in the state group insurance plan, encompassing university employees and those under the state board of regents.
The successful NGH Metro Healthcare Incentive Program, has been in effect since 2009. In 2023 alone, more than 1,600 Metro employees, family members, and pensioners utilized the program, accounting for nearly 6,000 visits to Nashville General Hospital facilities. The financial relief provided to Metro employees amounted to over $600,000 in saved out-of-pocket expenses last year, totaling approximately $3.9 million in savings since the program’s inception. This newly passed bill extends these benefits, allowing state employees to access high-quality healthcare within the Nashville General Hospital system with minimal to no out-of-pocket costs, thus enhancing their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
According to the Tennessee State Government, there are more than 42,500 state employees in Tennessee, with around 70% residing in Middle Tennessee. These state employees stand to benefit directly from this initiative, greatly reducing the financial burden of their healthcare. In addition, this program aligns with Nashville General Hospital’s core mission to eliminate and eradicate health disparities and provide quality care for all Tennesseans.
Depleting the Disparities
By removing out-of-pocket costs for state employees, this legislation aims to level the healthcare playing field. Ensuring equitable access to medical services for all state workers is a critical step towards reducing these disparities and improving long-term health outcomes, thus contributing to increased longevity and reduced healthcare complications among Tennessee’s minority populations. At the June NGH Hospital Authority Board meeting, State Representatives Jason Powell and Darren Jerningan as well as State Senator Heidi Campbell attended to share their support. This is Representative Jernigan’s final bill of his term serving the state of Tennessee.
“This is such a perfect example of doing exactly what’s right for our City and Tennessee State Employees,” said Senator Campbell.
Nationally, racial and ethnic health disparities present a concerning issue. African American Tennesseans, including those in Nashville, experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity compared to their White counterparts. For instance, 78% of African-American residents in Nashville are diagnosed with obesity, in contrast to 55% of White residents. Statewide, 17.6% of African American individuals face diabetes compared to 13.7% of Whites.
“What matters the most, are pieces of legislation that directly benefit and help the people who work in our public institutions,” said Representative Powell. “We all rely on these individuals and institutions as Tennesseans.”
