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HB 782

TennCare - As enacted, directs the director to establish an additional PACE program as a pilot in one of the two grand divisions where a PACE program did not exist in 2024; permits a current PACE program in a county with a specific population to expand into contiguous counties having specifically listed populations. - Amends TCA Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Martin

Tennessee expands elderly healthcare by mandating a new PACE program pilot in underserved regions and allowing existing programs to expand into contiguous counties.

Pub. Ch. 502
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Bill Summary · HB 782

Legislative bill overview

HB 782 expands Tennessee's PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program by requiring the TennCare director to establish a pilot PACE program in one of Tennessee's two grand divisions that currently lacks one, and allows existing PACE programs in certain counties to expand into adjacent counties meeting specified population criteria.

Why is this important

PACE programs provide comprehensive healthcare services to elderly adults, allowing them to remain in their communities rather than move to institutional care settings. This expansion increases access to integrated medical, social, and long-term care services for seniors in underserved regions of Tennessee while potentially reducing costs to the state healthcare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Geographic equity concerns: The requirement to establish a pilot in only one grand division may leave significant portions of Tennessee without improved PACE access
  • Population threshold definitions: The "specifically listed populations" criteria for county expansion are not detailed in this summary, raising questions about which counties actually qualify
  • Implementation costs: Establishing new PACE infrastructure requires substantial upfront investment with unclear funding mechanisms in the bill text

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

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