Tennessee Senate Bill SB0667

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 10, Chapter 7; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.

Impact

If enacted, SB0667 would directly affect the management of pharmacy benefits within the state, altering timelines that govern how quickly pharmacists can expect to receive reimbursement for medications provided to patients. This change could enhance the operational capacity of pharmacies, particularly independent ones, that often rely on timely payments to maintain their services. Additionally, extending the timeframe could help ensure that patients receive their medications without undue delay, thereby supporting their health needs more effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 667, known as SB0667, seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to pharmacy benefits. A key change proposed in this legislation is the extension of the timeframe for specific pharmacy benefit processes from two weeks to thirty days. This alteration aims to provide better access and flexibility for both pharmacies and patients when dealing with pharmacy benefits, potentially improving the overall effectiveness of the healthcare delivery system in Tennessee.

Sentiment

The response to SB0667 appears to be largely supportive, with many stakeholders recognizing the potential benefits of more accommodating timelines for pharmacy reimbursements. Healthcare professionals have expressed optimism that these adjustments could lead to improved patient care outcomes. However, there may also be some concerns from insurance providers regarding the impact of these changes on claims processing and overall insurance costs.

Contention

A notable point of contention around SB0667 revolves around balancing the interests of pharmacies and insurance companies. While pharmacies advocate for longer timelines to ensure they are reimbursed fairly and promptly, insurance providers may argue that extended periods could complicate claim approvals and affect overall efficiency. The debate thus centers on the impacts of these changes on the healthcare system's financial stability and patient access to necessary medications.