TN
Tennessee Senate Bill SB2801

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB2801

Introduced
2/1/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Enrolled
4/24/24  
Passed
5/6/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to mental health treatment.

Impact

Should SB2801 be enacted, it would represent a substantial change in how mental health services are treated within the TennCare system, ensuring that individuals receiving mental health treatment are not at a disadvantage compared to those receiving treatment for substance abuse. This parity in treatment could improve healthcare outcomes by promoting more comprehensive mental health care, potentially leading to better overall health for those struggling with mental health issues. The legislation is anticipated to affect insurance policies, making it harder for providers to deny coverage for essential mental health services.

Summary

SB2801 is a legislative act aimed at amending various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance mental health treatment provisions. Specifically, it mandates that TennCare health benefit plans must provide coverage and reimbursement for mental health services to the same extent as treatments for alcoholism and drug dependence. This bill emphasizes the need for parity in coverage and seeks to improve access to mental health resources under the state-supported TennCare program, thereby addressing significant gaps in mental health treatment availability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2801 appears to be largely positive among mental health advocates and healthcare providers, who see this as a necessary step toward equity in the healthcare system. However, concerns may arise regarding the implementation of the additional coverage requirements on healthcare providers and insurers, as well as potential financial implications for the state’s healthcare budget. Discussions indicate that while there is strong support for improving mental health treatment availability, there are also apprehensions related to the adjustments required within the current healthcare framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include debates on the practicality of implementing these coverage requirements and how they will affect insurance premiums and provider networks. Critics may argue that the added financial burden on health insurance carriers could lead to increased costs for all TennCare members. Furthermore, the act could spark discussions on how best to integrate mental health services within existing healthcare structures without sacrificing other essential health services.

Latest SB2801 Activity

Companion Bills

TN HB2921

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to mental health treatment.

Similar Bills

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.