Tennessee House Bill HB1737

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 53; Title 56, Chapter 7; Title 63 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to insulin.

Impact

If enacted, HB1737 would significantly impact the healthcare landscape in Tennessee by enhancing affordability for insulin-dependent patients. It directly impacts health insurance providers, including local and state-managed care programs like TennCare, by enforcing the cap on insulin costs. The bill is projected to improve medication adherence among diabetes patients, which could lead to better health outcomes and potentially lower overall healthcare costs related to diabetes complications.

Summary

House Bill 1737 proposes amendments to several titles in the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on insulin pricing and accessibility for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. The core provision of the bill establishes a cap on the out-of-pocket expense for covered prescription insulin drugs, mandating that patients cannot pay more than thirty-five dollars for a thirty-day supply, regardless of the quantity or type of insulin prescribed. This legislative move aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by diabetic patients in accessing necessary medication.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support due to its potential positive effects on diabetic patients, there are notable concerns among stakeholders regarding the economic implications for insulin suppliers and insurance providers. Critics may argue that imposing a pricing cap could affect the availability of insulin or lead to increased costs elsewhere in the healthcare system. Additionally, some might raise issues about the broader implications for market pricing and regulation of pharmaceutical products, fearing that such government intervention could distort the market dynamics.