Tennessee Senate Bill SB0205

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to coverage of biomarker testing for preeclampsia.

Impact

The enactment of SB0205 is expected to significantly improve prenatal care for pregnant women in Tennessee by ensuring that biomarker testing for preeclampsia is accessible and covered under TennCare. This could lead to earlier detection and better management of the condition, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants. Additionally, the bill outlines that these tests must adhere to nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines, emphasizing the quality and standard of care that will be required.

Summary

Senate Bill 205 (SB0205) aims to amend various provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning health insurance coverage for biomarker testing related to preeclampsia. Specifically, the bill mandates that any TennCare health benefit plan that is renewed or issued after July 1, 2025, must provide coverage and reimbursement for biomarker testing conducted on pregnant women. This testing is ordered by a physician and serves to assess preeclampsia risk, a serious condition that can affect both mother and child during pregnancy.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at enhancing maternal health, it could potentially raise discussions around the cost implications for health insurance carriers under TennCare. Stakeholders may express concerns about the financial impacts of mandated coverage for biomarker testing, especially given that it is a new requirement that adds to existing healthcare costs. Therefore, the reaction from health insurance providers may be a critical point of consideration as the bill progresses.