AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, relative to TennCare.
SB0401 would create a new TennCare eligibility protection for children under 18 who are already enrolled in TennCare Medicaid or the CoverKids program. Beginning July 1, 2026, those minors would remain eligible until they turn 18, rather than being subject to routine redeterminations during that period, unless one of several specified exceptions applies. The bill defines key terms such as “minor,” “Director,” “Division,” and “CoverKids program,” and it applies only to the extent permitted by federal law.
The bill also limits when the TennCare division may disenroll an enrolled child. Disenrollment would be allowed only if a parent or guardian requests it, the child dies, the child no longer lives in Tennessee, family income exceeds program limits, or the original enrollment was based on division error or fraud, abuse, or perjury by the parent or guardian. The bill expressly allows the division to move a child between TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids to preserve eligibility, and it directs the TennCare director to seek any necessary federal waiver by December 31, 2025.
SB0401 would amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 71 by adding a new eligibility continuity provision for minors in TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids. It would reduce administrative churn by restricting eligibility redeterminations and disenrollment for enrolled children, while preserving the state’s ability to maintain coverage through transfers between the two programs. The bill could affect TennCare administration, eligibility processing, and coordination with federal Medicaid requirements, and it may require federal approval or waiver action to implement fully.
The bill text reflects a strongly supportive policy stance toward continuous health coverage for children, emphasizing access to care, prevention, and the state’s interest in keeping eligible children insured. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or support from legislative debate. Based on the bill’s framing, the overall sentiment appears favorable to pediatric coverage continuity and administrative simplification.
The main potential point of contention is federal compliance: the bill applies only to the extent permitted by federal law and requires the TennCare director to seek any needed waiver, which suggests implementation may depend on federal Medicaid approval. Another possible issue is the reduction in periodic eligibility checks, which could raise concerns about program oversight, though the bill preserves exceptions for income changes, relocation, death, voluntary disenrollment, and fraud or error. No specific objections from legislators or stakeholders are included in the provided materials.