AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.
Impact
The proposed changes will significantly impact how insurers calculate cost-sharing requirements for enrollees. Insurers are required to consider contributions made by enrollees or on their behalf when determining cost-sharing obligations. Additionally, the bill eliminates provisions that allow insurers to condition the terms of health coverage based on financial assistance related to prescription drugs, aiming to ensure better access to necessary medications. These changes reflect an intent to protect consumers by promoting transparency and fairness in healthcare benefit design.
Summary
Senate Bill 2008 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding pharmacy benefits and healthcare insurance regulations. The bill defines key terms such as 'healthcare service', 'health plan', 'insurer', and 'third-party administrator', seeking to clarify how these entities interact with patients and healthcare providers. This legal framework is designed to enhance the management of healthcare costs and ensure that individuals receive appropriate coverage for medical services.
Contention
While the bill aims to improve access to healthcare services and regulate insurer practices more stringently, potential points of contention may arise during its implementation. Critics may argue that it could lead to increased regulatory burdens on insurers and pharmacy benefits managers, questioning whether such changes would ultimately lead to higher costs for health plans. Additionally, stakeholders in the healthcare system, including advocacy groups and industry representatives, may express varying opinions on how these regulations could affect operational efficiencies and patient care outcomes.
Crossfiled
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to pharmacy benefits.