Coalition joins paper's suit seeking TennCare data
State health-care officials say they've broken no laws

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ A First Amendment group has joined a newspaper's effort to obtain documents concerning TennCare, the state's $8 billion expanded Medicaid program.

            The nonprofit Tennessee Coalition for Open Government joined The Tennessean newspaper's lawsuit, filed in Davidson County Chancery Court on Feb. 9 against the TennCare Bureau and its chief, J.D. Hickey.

            The lawsuit seeks information about the 1.3 million people participating in the state's beleaguered program for the poor and uninsured. Gov. Phil Bredesen wants to purge 323,000 people from the system to save money.

            The newspaper seeks information that includes the number of patients in ach category of TennCare, the amount of money spent by the state on each category of recipient, and how much money would be saved under each TennCare overhaul proposal considered by Bredesen.

            TennCare officials say they have not violated public records laws. "We strongly take issue with any assertion to the contrary," said TennCare spokesman Michael Drescher.

            The Tennessean alleges reporter Anita Wadhwani is being held to a different standard than other reporters and must submit her questions to TennCare in writing rather than getting answers in person or on the phone with state officials.

            "We need to document things," Drescher said, noting the practice is on the advice of state attorneys.

            Officials with Bredesen's office said it is not uncommon for public information offices to ask for questions in writing.

            TCOG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the public's
right to access government documents. Members of TCOG include the Tennessee Press Association, the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, The Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, citizen watchdog group Common Cause, state's four largest daily newspapers, private citizens and media law firms in Nashville and .Memphis.

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