AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, Chapter 7, relative to coverage for breast examinations.
Impact
The passage of HB 0355 will significantly impact the landscape of health insurance coverage for breast cancer diagnosis and screening in Tennessee. By removing cost-sharing burdens, more women are likely to seek necessary screenings and diagnostic services, potentially leading to earlier detection of breast cancer and improving overall health outcomes. This change aligns with broader public health goals to enhance preventive care measures, particularly for female patients who require these services.
Summary
House Bill 0355 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated by specifically focusing on enhanced coverage for breast examinations. The bill mandates that health benefit plans providing coverage for screening mammograms must also cover diagnostic imaging and supplemental breast screenings without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on the patient. This measure is designed to improve access to necessary health services for women, thereby promoting early detection and treatment of breast-related health issues.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, especially among health advocacy groups and community organizations that focus on women’s health. Supporters have lauded the legislation for its potential to increase accessibility to critical health care services. There seems to be a general consensus that the financial barriers related to out-of-pocket costs can deter women from pursuing essential breast health screenings, and this bill addresses that concern efficiently.
Contention
While the bill received unanimous support in the legislature, there may be some contention regarding its implementation, particularly for high deductible plans. The provisions concerning high deductible health benefit plans indicate that such plans may only be exempt from the cost-sharing requirements after certain deductibles are met, potentially causing confusion among enrollees. Some critics might argue that this could still present a financial burden for those insured under these plans, although the legislation attempts to mitigate this issue for preventive care services.