Tennessee Senate Bill SB1935

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 27 and Title 56, Chapter 7, relative to the insurance coverage relating to fertility.

Impact

The enactment of SB1935 is likely to enhance the healthcare benefits available to patients at risk of infertility due to health treatments. By requiring health carriers to cover fertility preservation services, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on families facing these challenges. This legislative move aligns with a broader initiative to support family planning and reproductive health, acknowledging the critical nature of fertility treatments in modern healthcare.

Summary

Senate Bill 1935, known as the 'Tennessee Strong Families Act,' seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 8, Chapter 27 and Title 56, Chapter 7, to provide insurance coverage related to fertility. The bill mandates that health carriers offering health benefit plans must cover expenses for standard fertility services for patients who experience iatrogenic infertility, a condition often resulting from medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgical interventions. Such coverage is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, ensuring that residents who face the risk of infertility due to medical conditions are supported by their insurance providers.

Contention

While SB1935 is expected to be beneficial for many, there may be challenges regarding its implementation, particularly concerning the exclusions for employer-sponsored health plans. Additionally, while the bill allows health carriers to impose certain age restrictions, there may be debates about what constitutes 'standard' fertility procedures and who determines this. Furthermore, the requirements for coverage could lead to discussions about whether existing healthcare plans are equitable and comprehensive enough to meet the needs of all patients facing infertility risks.