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SB 748

TennCare - As introduced, requires the bureau of TennCare to reimburse certain public or private ground-based ambulance services that bill for transports at a rate not less than 67.5 percent of the federal medicare program's allowable charge for participating providers for emergency services and 100 percent of the federal medicare program's allowable charge for participating providers for nonemergency services. - Amends TCA Title 71.

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

Tennessee requires TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance services at minimum 67.5% (emergency) and 100% (non-emergency) of Medicare rates, potentially increasing state healthcare costs.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 748

Legislative bill overview

SB 748 mandates that Tennessee's TennCare program reimburse ground-based ambulance services at 67.5% of Medicare's allowable charges for emergency transports and 100% for non-emergency transports. This establishes minimum reimbursement rates for both public and private ambulance providers participating in the state's Medicaid program.

Why is this important

Ambulance services operate on thin margins, and reimbursement rates directly affect service availability and financial viability of providers, particularly in rural areas. Inadequate rates can force providers to reduce services, close operations, or shift costs to other payers, affecting emergency response capabilities and patient access to transport services.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Mandating higher reimbursement rates increases TennCare expenditures; fiscal impact analysis is critical to determine whether state resources can absorb these costs without cutting other programs
  • Rate differentiation rationale: The distinction between 67.5% for emergency and 100% for non-emergency services lacks clear justification—the reasoning for different percentages should be explained
  • Provider definition scope: Unclear whether "certain" providers means all ambulance services or selectively applies to some operators, potentially creating competitive inequities among providers

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

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