Tennessee House Bill HB0362

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to TennCare.

Impact

This legislation is expected to enhance the care and support provided to lupus patients enrolled in the TennCare program. By reviewing medication and treatment options annually, the bureau of TennCare can ensure that its services are reflective of current medical standards and patient needs. The inclusion of public input is a significant step towards more community-driven healthcare, allowing those affected by lupus to have a say in their treatment options and the adequacy of existing services.

Summary

House Bill 0362 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding the administration of TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. The bill mandates an annual review of all medications and treatments for lupus, assessing their adequacy for enrollees diagnosed with the condition. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of soliciting public input during the review process, particularly from individuals or groups knowledgeable about lupus treatment. The findings and recommendations from these reviews must be reported to key legislative bodies and made accessible to the public on the TennCare website.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0362 appears to be largely positive, with advocates expressing that the bill is a critical step towards better healthcare transparency and responsiveness. Supporters highlight the importance of regular evaluations for chronic conditions like lupus, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to improve quality of care within public health systems. However, any opposition may center on the potential implications of cost and resource allocation for such reviews.

Contention

A potential point of contention may arise in the execution of the bill, particularly regarding the resources available for conducting comprehensive annual reviews and the collection of public feedback. Stakeholders might debate the feasibility of effectively gathering input from the general populace, especially given the complexities involved in lupus treatment. Additionally, the effectiveness of using these reviews to influence budgetary decisions and policy changes within TennCare could also be examined.