Tennessee House Bill HB0927

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Chaptered: 4/29/25
• Passed: 4/29/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, relative to excepted benefits exemptions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 0927 will have a significant impact on state laws related to insurance coverage. The amendment effectively limits insurers' obligations regarding excepted benefits, thereby potentially reducing the scope of coverage that individuals and entities might expect from their insurance policies. This could lead to lower premiums for consumers, but may also raise concerns regarding the adequacy of coverage for certain health-related benefits that may not be explicitly required by law, potentially leaving some individuals without needed services or treatments.

Summary

House Bill 0927 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, concerning exemptions for excepted benefits in insurance coverage. The bill clarifies that excepted benefits, as defined in § 56-7-2802, are exempt from the requirement to provide coverage for specific persons, providers, treatments, services, conditions, or diseases, unless expressly mandated by law. This change is intended to create a more streamlined approach to what benefits need to be covered under insurance policies in Tennessee, potentially reducing the administrative burden for insurers and easing the compliance requirements for insured parties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0927 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who view it as a necessary regulatory adjustment that will enhance the efficiency of the insurance market. However, concerns have been raised by some advocacy groups and members of the public who are worried that reducing the obligations of insurers may lead to gaps in coverage for essential healthcare services. This reflects a broader debate about the balance between regulatory flexibility for insurance providers and ensuring that consumers have access to comprehensive health coverage.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential impact on consumer protections. Critics argue that exempting certain benefits from mandatory coverage could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely on specific treatments. They express concerns that the bill might prioritize economic efficiency over comprehensive health coverage. This debate emphasizes the challenge of addressing both the needs of a competitive insurance market and the necessity of protecting the health interests of the community.