Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB2921

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
2/5/24  
Refer
3/12/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Refer
4/17/24  
Refer
4/17/24  
Chaptered
5/13/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to mental health treatment.

Impact

The adoption of HB 2921 would bring significant changes to the way mental health services are reimbursed and covered within the TennCare program. By enforcing parity in the reimbursement for mental health services with that allocated for substance use disorders, the bill aims to dismantle long-standing barriers to access for mental health treatment. Consequently, this aligns Tennessee's mental health policies with federal standards aimed at ensuring comprehensive and fair treatment for all health conditions, promoting better health outcomes for TennCare enrollees.

Summary

House Bill 2921 seeks to amend several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning mental health treatment. Specifically, the bill mandates that health benefit plans under TennCare must provide mental health services and treatment coverage on equal footing with coverage for alcoholism and drug dependence. This measure is intended to ensure that beneficiaries of TennCare receive consistent and equitable healthcare services, particularly emphasizing the importance of mental health parity in insurance coverage.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2921 appears to be supportive, with many stakeholders acknowledging the critical importance of mental health in the broader healthcare landscape. Advocates for mental health reform, including various health organizations and advocacy groups, have expressed enthusiasm about the bill's potential to foster better treatment options and improve public health. However, some concerns remain regarding the funding and implementation aspects, necessitating careful oversight to ensure the intended parity is achieved effectively.

Contention

Despite its supportive backdrop, HB 2921 is not without its points of contention. Some legislators and stakeholders have raised questions regarding the potential costs associated with expanded coverage requirements. There is also debate on whether the current healthcare infrastructure is adequately prepared to accommodate the anticipated increase in demand for mental health services. Critics argue that without proper funding and resources, the bill may inadvertently lead to gaps in service availability rather than the intended improvement in access.

Companion Bills

TN SB2801

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to mental health treatment.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.

TN HB1291

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.

TN HB0638

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare providers.

TN SB1389

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare providers.

TN SB0422

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 47; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 71, relative to medical devices.

TN HB1646

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to insurance coverage.

TN SB1795

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to insurance coverage.

TN HB1741

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 41; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the use of drugs for the treatment of pain.

TN SB1790

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 41; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the use of drugs for the treatment of pain.

TN HB2619

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to insurance.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.