On May 24th, 2019, Governor Bill Lee signed legislation to create a Katie Beckett Program into law in Tennessee.

A Katie Beckett Program will establish a pathway to Medicaid and essential wraparound home-and community-based services for children (under age 18) at home, whose condition qualifies them for institutional care, regardless of parent income and resources.

May is an important month for employees who have invisible illnesses! There are several groups in the disability community that celebrate an awareness month in May. During these 30 days, the disability community works to spread awareness around these invisible diseases:

•    Arthritis
•    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
•    Celiac Disease
•    Cystic Fibrosis 
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Lupus
•    Lyme Disease
•    Stroke

We are extremely thankful to announce the passage and funding of the Katie Beckett bill! $27.3 million was allocated to fund this bill and support children with long-term disabilities or complex medical needs whose family incomes have prevented them from qualifying for TennCare. The Katie Beckett program will create a dedicated pathway for children to access TennCare and other home- and community-based services (HCBS) to help keep them healthy and their families together. This program will make a tremendous difference thanks to the support of countless families and advocates! 

Big news! The House Finance Committee has passed their version of the state budget—which includes $27 million funding for the Katie Beckett bill! We are so grateful to the House Leadership, Sponsor Representative Sam Whitson and Representative Matthew Hill for championing this legislation. We anticipate that the House of Representatives will pass their version of the budget in their session tomorrow morning. Immediately afterwards, we will be holding a press conference with Speaker Glen Casada to share our gratitude.