AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56 and Title 71, relative to contraception.
Summary
SB0589 amends Tennessee’s insurance and health coverage laws relating to contraception. The bill revises the statutory definitions used in Tennessee Code Annotated § 56-7-2328 to define “contraceptive,” “health benefit plan,” “health insurance entity,” and “healthcare provider.” The definition of contraceptive is broad and includes devices, medications, biological products, or procedures intended to prevent pregnancy, including when used for other health needs.
The bill also expressly includes TennCare and CoverKids within the definition of a health benefit plan and clarifies that managed care organizations contracting with the state for those programs are included as health insurance entities. It excludes certain limited-benefit policies, such as accident, dental, disability income, long-term care, Medicare supplement, vision, and workers’ compensation coverage. The effective date for the act is moved from July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026, and the bill itself takes effect on that date.
Impact
This bill would update Tennessee insurance law governing contraceptive coverage and related definitions, and it would extend the operative date of the existing statutory framework to January 1, 2026. By including TennCare and CoverKids in the definition of health benefit plan and clarifying the entities covered, the bill affects public coverage programs as well as private health insurers and managed care organizations. It would also shape how contraceptive coverage requirements are applied to plans regulated under Titles 56 and 71.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, with the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee recommending passage by a 7-0 vote. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader disagreement or support beyond the unanimous committee action. The bill appears to have moved forward without recorded opposition in committee.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the scope of required contraceptive coverage and the inclusion of state-administered programs such as TennCare and CoverKids. Stakeholders concerned about insurance mandates may focus on the breadth of the definition of contraceptive and whether the bill could affect coverage obligations for employers, insurers, and managed care organizations. Others may view the delayed effective date as a practical issue, since it postpones implementation of the coverage framework until 2026.
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.
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.