Targeting needs of the underserved: current programs in Tennessee

Health care needs of indigents are a major force driving the need for health care reform in the U.S. Governor McWherter of Tennessee and his Administration have highlighted the need for available, affordable, and accessible health care services for all Tennesseans and especially for the medically indigent. This paper describes programs developed and implemented during the McWherter administration. These programs include community health agencies, placement of health care providers in underserved areas, increasing the number of citizens served by the Medicaid program, coordination of high-risk prenatal and child care to year one, and special demonstration projects in various African-American communities. Major reform is needed at the national level. In the meantime, the McWherter Administration will continue to develop new and innovative ways to increase the availability, accessibility, and affordability of health services in Tennessee.