AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 53 and Title 56, relative to contraceptives.
Impact
If enacted, SB0938 will significantly change the insurance landscape in Tennessee by mandating coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives, which is a notable advancement in health policies. By doing so, it aligns with efforts to reduce financial barriers for women seeking contraceptive options and aims to promote better reproductive health practices. However, the bill explicitly excludes certain types of insurance coverage, including Medicare, which means that some demographics may not benefit from these changes.
Summary
Senate Bill 938, known as the 'Affordability is Access Act,' aims to amend existing Tennessee laws to ensure coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives by health insurance policies. The bill requires that effective from January 1, 2024, all individual or group health insurance policies delivered or renewed in the state must provide coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives for all females aged thirteen years and older, including dependents. This legislative move is expected to enhance access to contraceptive options for young women across Tennessee.
Contention
Among the points of contention surrounding SB0938 is the omission of specific insurance types, particularly TennCare and related programs, which may lead to disparities in access among different groups of women. Advocates for women's health view the bill as a progressive step towards eliminating barriers for contraceptive access, while critics may argue that the exclusions could limit the bill's positive impact by leaving out significant segments of the population. Therefore, discussions may continue regarding the potential need for broader coverage and support across various insurance frameworks.