Tennessee Senate Bill SB7074

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33 and Title 71, relative to expanding Medicaid to provide mental health services.

Impact

If enacted, SB7074 would alter the existing framework surrounding Medicaid in Tennessee, allowing increased flexibility by giving the governor enhanced authority to negotiate expansions focusing specifically on mental health services. This may contribute to a significant shift in how mental health care is accessed and delivered in the state, potentially improving outcomes for individuals in need of such services. Furthermore, the emphasis on mental health aligns with growing national conversations around mental health care access and the necessity for state-level adaptations.

Summary

Senate Bill 7074 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to facilitate the expansion of Medicaid specifically aimed at providing mental health services. The bill allows the governor to expand Medicaid eligibility based on various demographic factors, including age and income, particularly to enhance mental health prevention and treatment services. This legislation stems from considerations associated with the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that the state's health provisions align with federal guidelines while being adaptable to meet local needs.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB7074 may highlight tensions between state authority and federal guidelines regarding Medicaid expansion. Some may argue that the flexibility granted to the governor could lead to disparities in service availability based on income or demographic factors unless carefully monitored. This could raise concerns about equitable access to mental health services across different populations in Tennessee, making the bill a focal point for broader debates on health care access and state governance.