During a recent meeting of the Insurance Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature, several significant bills were discussed, focusing on health insurance and access to care for vulnerable populations.

One of the key topics was House Bill 1318, introduced by Representative Reeves, which proposes to extend the repeal date of the Access TN program from June 30, 2025, to February 2026. Access TN is a state-sponsored health insurance initiative designed for individuals with household incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for other forms of assistance. Currently, the program has only 36 members, and new enrollment has been closed since 2015. The bill passed unanimously, indicating a continued commitment to providing health insurance options for low-income residents.

Another important discussion centered around House Bill 654, presented by Chairman Hicks. This legislation aims to incentivize the establishment of psychiatric collaborative care models within primary care settings. By requiring commercial health insurers to cover mental health services provided through these integrated care models, the bill seeks to enhance access to mental health care in Tennessee. The committee recognized the growing need for mental health services, particularly as many patients currently receive psychiatric care from primary care providers. The bill also passed with unanimous support, reflecting a strong legislative push to improve mental health care accessibility.

Additionally, House Bill 1045, introduced by Representative Shaw, was discussed. This bill clarifies the treatment of life insurance policy benefits and annuity contracts, ensuring that these funds remain exempt from claims for other debts. The clarification aims to strengthen existing laws and protect beneficiaries, and it too received unanimous approval from the committee.

Lastly, House Bill 0169, presented by Chair Lady Halton Haynes, was approved. This bill allows Tennessee women to obtain a 12-month supply of birth control from pharmacies if prescribed by a healthcare provider. This measure is expected to improve access to contraceptive options for women across the state.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the legislature's focus on enhancing health care access and support for vulnerable populations in Tennessee. With all discussed bills passing unanimously, the committee demonstrated a collaborative effort to address pressing health care needs in the state. The next steps will involve further consideration in the full insurance committee, where these bills will be reviewed for potential implementation.