Tennessee House Bill HB2424

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to TennCare.

Impact

If enacted, HB2424 will modify existing laws to enhance Medicaid accessibility without imposing strict eligibility requirements based on income or age. Specifically, it empowers the Tennessee Bureau of TennCare to implement guidelines that would allow participants to retain coverage during periods of job loss and to be exempt from resource testing, which traditionally limits access based on personal assets. The act is anticipated to relieve financial pressures on disabled workers, thereby fostering a more inclusive labor market in Tennessee, where individuals can work while ensuring access to necessary healthcare services.

Summary

House Bill 2424, also known as the 'TennCare for Working Individuals with Disabilities Act', proposes significant amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting Title 71, Chapter 5. The bill aims to establish a buy-in program for working individuals with disabilities, facilitating their access to Medicaid health insurance. This program is designed to support individuals who meet the federal definition of disability and are employed, allowing them to maintain coverage despite earning an income that typically disqualifies them from Medicaid benefits. The introduction of this act is aligned with the intention to reduce barriers for disabled individuals seeking employment and is a step towards promoting inclusivity in the workforce.

Contention

The bill is expected to spark discussions regarding the adequacy of support systems for disabled individuals, especially regarding the balance between encouraging employment and providing adequate healthcare coverage. Advocates for the disabled community are likely to champion the buy-in program as a significant advancement, while critics may express concerns over potential implications for state resources and workforce balance. There may also be debates on the long-term sustainability of such programs in the face of budget constraints, which could lead to conflicting views among stakeholders involved in state financial planning and disability advocacy.