Tennessee House Bill HB0815

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/14/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to health insurance.

Impact

The implementation of HB0815 is expected to have a substantial impact on healthcare access for insulin-dependent diabetics in Tennessee. By requiring insurance companies to cover continuous glucose monitors, the bill seeks to enhance patient management of diabetes and potentially improve health outcomes. It ensures that insured individuals can obtain necessary monitoring devices without prohibitive out-of-pocket costs, thereby supporting better adherence to health regimens and reducing emergency healthcare costs arising from unmanaged diabetes.

Summary

House Bill 0815 aims to amend Tennessee Code to provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors for individuals with diabetes who are insulin-dependent. This legislation mandates that all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Tennessee after July 1, 2023, must cover these devices, ensuring affordability and accessibility for those in need. The bill specifically applies to a range of health insurance providers, including individual and group policies, hospital service corporations, and health maintenance organizations, marking a significant step towards improving healthcare provisions for diabetic patients in the state.

Conclusion

Overall, while HB0815 presents significant advancements for diabetic healthcare in Tennessee, the balance between facilitating access and managing insurance costs will be a critical aspect to monitor in the coming months as the bill is enacted and implemented.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention regarding this bill. Critics may express concerns over the potential increased costs to insurance providers and how these expenses might be passed on to consumers through higher premiums. There may also be discussions surrounding the specifics of the eligibility criteria for obtaining a continuous glucose monitor, particularly regarding how insurers interpret necessary medical documentation and prescriptions. Additionally, the exclusion of certain types of insurance policies from this mandate could lead to gaps in coverage for some individuals.