Tamorra Clark is a 10 year old girl born with multiple medical problems, including cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. As a result of these conditions, she requires private duty nursing at home to meet her medical needs. Tamorra’s parents both work in the army and are stationed in Tennessee. The army’s medical insurance covers half of Tamorra’s private duty nursing while TennCare covers the other half. In January, Tamorra’s mom received a notice from TennCare telling her that Tamorra was no longer eligible for TennCare services. She was told that Tamara’s eligibility category was closing and she did not fit in any others. This meant TennCare would no longer supplement her private duty nursing hours, and she would go without care for large portions of the day.
Tamorra’s parents were particularly upset about the impending loss of their daughter’s TennCare and home health care given their line of work. They are two people who have promised to give their lives for the protection of our country yet their daughter may have to go without her much-needed nursing care.
Tamorra’s mom, Ms. Quinn-Clark contacted TJC, worried that her daughter would not be taken care of; Ms. Quinn-Clark was scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan at the end of January, and her husband, who works, would not be able to stay home to take care of Tamorra. TJC explained to her what her options were and told her about the MR waiver. The MR waiver is a statewide program to help individuals with mental disabilities. Enrollment on the waiver also entails coverage by TennCare. Ms. Quinn-Clark applied for the waiver services for her daughter and is waiting a decision.
Ms. Quinn-Clark has already deployed to Afghanistan, where she will remain for one year. In the meantime, her husband must balance his full time military obligations with caring for his daughter, all while worrying about what may happen if Tamorra is not able to enroll.
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