Tennessee House Bill HB2076

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/8/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to payment for health care.

Impact

The proposed changes would significantly alter the healthcare payment landscape in Tennessee. By implementing limitations on recoupment periods, HB2076 seeks to increase the financial stability of healthcare providers, ensuring they receive timely payments for their services. The bill would also provide necessary safeguards for these providers, requiring health insurance entities to issue detailed notifications before recoupments, thus fostering transparency and accountability in the payment process.

Summary

House Bill 2076 aims to amend the Tennessee Code regarding payment for healthcare, specifically focusing on the recoupment of payments made by health insurance entities to healthcare providers. The bill proposes stricter regulations on how and when insurance companies can recover previously paid claims, outlining timeframes for recoupment and establishing requirements for notice to healthcare providers. This is intended to protect providers from unexpected financial penalties and create a more predictable operating environment for healthcare services across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2076 is generally positive among healthcare providers and advocacy groups who believe that the bill supports fair practices and helps reduce financial risks associated with recoupment. However, some concerns have been voiced regarding the potential impact on health insurance entities, who argue that the restrictions could complicate their ability to manage claims effectively. The dialogue reflects a broader tension within the healthcare sector regarding the balance of power between providers and insurance companies.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting healthcare providers and ensuring that insurance entities can effectively manage their operations. Critics argue that while the bill offers protections for providers, it may also limit the insurance companies' ability to recover legitimate overpayments. The potential for increased operational costs for insurers could lead to higher premiums, which raises concerns about the overall impact on healthcare affordability for patients. Additionally, the definitions and conditions surrounding 'fraud' and 'recoupment' are points of debate, as they may offer varying interpretations that could affect implementation.