Tennessee House Bill HB2005

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 10 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to TennCare.

Impact

The bill specifically outlines eligibility requirements, mandating that applicants be Tennessee residents aged eighteen to sixty-four who are not eligible for Medicare or other forms of TennCare assistance. This stipulation may indirectly affect the state’s demographic, potentially increasing access to healthcare for those who previously lacked coverage. Additionally, the program will set premium levels on a sliding scale based on household income, ensuring affordability while generating the necessary revenue to sustain the initiative. The department overseeing the program will need to evaluate its fiscal viability through regular assessments over the coming years.

Summary

House Bill 2005 introduces the 'TennCare Buy-In Act' to amend the Tennessee Code in regard to TennCare. The legislation aims to create a TennCare buy-in program that provides affordable health coverage options for Tennessee residents. By leveraging existing infrastructure and networks, the bill seeks to offer a pathway to health coverage while ensuring financial viability through premium contributions and federal cost-sharing mechanisms. The program is designed to reduce uncompensated care costs for healthcare providers and improve overall health outcomes for the state's population.

Contention

Notably, concerns around the financial implications of implementing this buy-in program may arise. Critics might worry about the adequacy of federal funding and the potential for increased costs to state taxpayers if enrollment does not meet projections. The bill includes provisions for fiscal analyses to address these concerns, analyzing factors such as enrollment numbers and cost offsets from reduced uncompensated care. Such fiscal policies are vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program and may shape ongoing discussions about health coverage in Tennessee.