Sen. Roberts Comments on Approval of TN's 'Katie Beckett Program'

State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) made the following statement regarding the announcement that the state’s new Katie Beckett Program has received federal approval and will begin taking self-referral forms later this month. 

Roberts sponsored the legislation in the Tennessee Senate.

Senator Roberts said, “It was an honor to be the Senate sponsor of this legislation and partner with the real heroes of this effort – the families of these children. Tennessee has needed a Katie Beckett Waiver program since President Ronald Reagan made it possible in 1984. Since that time, a lot of people have worked diligently to make this happen and it is just a privilege to have been the sponsor when it finally passed."

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to these families who supported our efforts and met with lawmakers despite the challenges posed to them to come and bring their children with complex medical needs which must be addressed throughout the day.  Yet, day in and day out they were there to support our efforts. I especially want to recognize and remember Hyrum Howes, who was a tremendous advocate for this legislation.  His and his family’s efforts will never be forgotten.”

Hyrum, who passed in July, was an important disability advocate for the legislation which will benefit thousands of other families. 

Tennessee’s Katie Beckett two-part program is for children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs.  This program is for children who are not Medicaid eligible because of their parent’s income or assets.

This program will provide services and/or help pay for medical care that private insurance does not cover.

Find more information about the Katie Beckett Program at:https://www.tn.gov/didd/katie-beckett-waiver.html and https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/katie-beckett-waiver.html.