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SB 401

TennCare - As introduced, requires, on and after July 1, 2026, a minor who is enrolled in TennCare medicaid or the CoverKids program to remain eligible for such program until the minor reaches 18; prohibits the division of TennCare from subjecting the minor to a redetermination of eligibility or disenrollment, except under certain circumstances; requires the director of TennCare to submit any necessary federal waiver request by December 31, 2025. - Amends TCA Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by London Lamar

Tennessee bill requires continuous Medicaid coverage for minors through age 18 without redetermination, pending federal waiver approval by end of 2025.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 401

Legislative bill overview

SB 401 would require Tennessee to maintain TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids health coverage for enrolled minors through age 18 without redetermination or disenrollment (with limited exceptions), effective July 1, 2026. The bill mandates the TennCare director to request any necessary federal waivers by December 31, 2025, to implement this continuous coverage requirement.

Why is this important

Continuous eligibility for minors reduces coverage gaps that can interrupt medical care, increase emergency room usage, and create administrative burden on families who must repeatedly re-enroll. This aligns with federal "continuous enrollment" principles that several states have adopted, particularly relevant post-pandemic when coverage stability became a public health priority.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal waiver uncertainty: Success depends on federal approval; CMS may impose conditions, delay approval, or deny the request, creating implementation risk
  • State budget impact: Extending coverage guarantees increases Medicaid expenditures by preventing disenrollment of eligible but non-compliant filers; fiscal note not yet available
  • "Certain circumstances" exceptions: The bill references undefined exceptions allowing disenrollment, creating ambiguity about what constitutes legitimate removal from coverage

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

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