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SB 747

TennCare - As enacted, extends the ground ambulance service annual assessment to June 30, 2026; makes other revisions to the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 5, Part 15.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Yager

Tennessee extends ground ambulance service assessments through June 2026 to fund TennCare Medicaid coverage, maintaining provider-based financing for the state healthcare program.

Pub. Ch. 378
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Bill Summary · SB 747

Legislative bill overview

SB 747 extends Tennessee's ground ambulance service annual assessment program through June 30, 2026, and makes technical revisions to the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act. The bill modifies the financial mechanism that funds TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) through assessments on ambulance service providers.

Why is this important

Ground ambulance assessments generate revenue for TennCare, which covers healthcare for approximately 1.5 million low-income Tennesseans. Extending this assessment impacts both the ambulance service industry (which bears the tax burden) and program beneficiaries (whose coverage depends on this funding source). The extension represents a continued reliance on provider assessments rather than general tax revenue for Medicaid financing.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry burden: Rural and volunteer ambulance services argue assessment fees strain limited resources and operational budgets in underserved areas
  • Funding mechanism equity: Using targeted provider assessments versus general revenue creates debate about whether specific industries should subsidize healthcare programs
  • Program sustainability: Repeated short-term extensions (2026 expiration) suggest the assessment is a temporary fix rather than long-term Medicaid funding solution, creating uncertainty for both providers and program planning

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

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