Tennessee House Bill HB7103

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23
• Refer: 8/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to coverage of mental health services.

Impact

The implications of HB7103 are significant for mental health care in Tennessee. By removing quantitative treatment limitations, the bill is designed to facilitate better access to mental health services for enrollees in the TennCare program. Furthermore, it stipulates that reimbursement rates for covered mental health services must be no less than 180% of the federal Medicare allowable charges for in-network providers and 100% for out-of-network providers. This could incentivize more providers to participate in the TennCare program and ensure that patients receive appropriate care without excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Summary

House Bill 7103 seeks to amend sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to mental health services. The bill establishes new provisions that require managed care organizations (MCOs) to offer comprehensive coverage for mental health services without imposing quantitative treatment limitations. Specifically, the bill mandates that any health insurance contracts issued or amended in Tennessee must eliminate restrictions like caps on the number of therapy sessions or hospital visits for mental health treatment.

Contention

Notably, the bill may encounter differing opinions among stakeholders. Proponents argue that HB7103 is a necessary measure to address the mental health crisis and advocate for parity in mental health treatment compared to other medical services. However, opponents may raise concerns about potential financial impacts on the state's TennCare budget and the feasibility of increasing reimbursement rates in a sustainable manner. As the bill may alter compensation structures within health care, discussions may emerge regarding the balance between increasing access and maintaining fiscal responsibility.