Governor Haslam has issued a proclamation convening an "extraordinary session" of the 109th General Assembly to consider "Insure Tennessee," a two year pilot program to provide health care coverage to Tennesseans who do not currently have access to health insurance or have limited options. The program is designed to reward healthy behaviors, promote personal responsibility and incentivize preventative care and healthy choices.

State Representative Mike Sparks tells NewsRadio WGNS healthcare reform will be a key issue taken up by lawmakers in Nashville this year...

The special session will begin February 2nd at 4pm for the legislature to consider a joint resolution authorizing the governor to implement Insure Tennessee.

The plan would provide coverage to more than 200,000 uninsured Tennesseans earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level, valued at slightly over $16,000 a year for an individual and $27,000 for a family of three.

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Five key areas of the governor's plan include: a fiscally sound and sustainable program; providing two new private market choices for Tennesseans; shifting the delivery model and payment of health care in Tennessee from fee-for-service to outcomes based; incentivizing Tennesseans to be more engaged and to take more personal responsibility in their health; and preparing participants for eventual transition to commercial health coverage.

The amendment to the state's existing waiver is being made available today for a 30-day public comment period.