Tennessee is home to many people who struggle with severe mental health disorders. The repercussions of living with a mental health disorder reaches beyond medical necessity and affects quality of life for those suffering from this illness as well as their family members and friends. Every day in Tennessee, because of a struggle with a severe mental health disorder, a life is lost, a family is separated, a child or spouse is abused, or the ugly consequences of addiction place a mark on another victim.
The cost of mental health services is a major barrier to accessing treatment that causes those diagnosed with a mental health disorder to not seek needed behavioral health services. However in Tennessee, there is a system in place to help the uninsured and indigent who suffer from mental illness.
Behavioral Health Safety Net of Tennessee (BHSN of TN), a program established to provide mental health treatment services to uninsured and indigent people who do not qualify for TennCare by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, has expanded its coverage to be able to assist more individuals. The BSHN of TN has increased its budget by $5 million and expanded the household poverty level requirements, which will allow an estimated 7000 more Tennesseans to qualify for mental health services.
To qualify for the BSHN of TN program you must be a Tennessee resident, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, have a qualifying mental health diagnosis, and a household income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and not be currently in an inpatient facility or nursing home.
Volunteer Behavioral Health is an authorized agent by the State of Tennessee to accept applications for the Behavioral Safety Net program.
Services provided by this program include assessment, evaluation, diagnostic, therapeutic intervention, case management, peer support services, psychosocial rehabilitation services, psychiatric medication management, labs related to medication management and pharmacy assistance, and coordination.
Individuals who have Medicare Part B and meet all other eligibility requirements for the Behavioral Health Safety Net program may be enrolled. Anyone who receives services from this program and is 65 or older will be treated as having Medicare Part B.
To speak to someone about The Behavioral Health Safety Net Program or for more information call Volunteer Behavioral Health toll free at 1-877-567-6051.