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HB 1318

Insurance, Health, Accident - As enacted, extends the Access Tennessee health insurance program from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. - Amends TCA Section 56-7-2916.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee extends its Access Tennessee health insurance program through June 2030, providing coverage continuity for uninsured residents for five additional years.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 185
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Bill Summary · HB 1318

Legislative bill overview

HB 1318 extends Tennessee's Access Tennessee health insurance program by five years, moving its expiration date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The bill amends state insurance code to continue this existing program without apparent modifications to its structure or eligibility requirements.

Why is this important

Access Tennessee is a health insurance program serving uninsured and underinsured residents. Without this extension, the program would have terminated in 2025, potentially leaving thousands of Tennesseans without coverage options. The five-year extension provides program continuity and allows stakeholders time to plan for potential future changes.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding mechanism unclear: The bill doesn't address how the program will be funded over the extended period, which may require separate appropriations or premium adjustments
  • Lack of program modernization: The extension simply extends the existing program without addressing potential coverage gaps, affordability concerns, or alignment with broader healthcare reform
  • Limited legislative detail: The amendment only modifies the expiration date; questions remain about whether the program's benefits, eligibility, or administration should be updated after five additional years

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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