[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6413765,"mediaKeyId","2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e","parentId",2509136,"title","House committee rejects temporary TennCare expansion bill after debate over costs and reserves","audioSeconds",1301,"startMs",437000,"endMs",1738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e&start=437&end=1738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e/thumbnail_437000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6413765/House-committee-rejects-temporary-TennCare-expansion-bill-after-debate-over-costs-and-reserves","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6413765-cfd49de3c156f38525c4b2e93cd5e873/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206515&Signature=Bw5T7qUihva0U7Mt5EHG5ucXtD2uepyXtbbD9S-fQv98-WVUmuTyPJothBz2cXokd6Rdl7~1aCDbqDSiQKvPx12hCZUbx8ET~~44tW-o27s0pEYS4YieUglAH3E1JKpRuN1oxvUYT9pxeVxYB~Fh2SKqC0Uncoyp0Bq4wYLzH0c4XoOyfTqhZcRDPtXJXuxD2tHczFZga8u~wuc6qpLfq8G75dNRwKppxhyyoB7SLCWdbIVtb5JCErP2ORjJgu9R84CJvV1aZ6dHyhb0SKvp0goSEAfJtGIkErY2ESCFukVhUz9qWfsyHq-nc8Iuha5qsvzWK351zyENZIj~3PpQhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","Chairman Baum introduced House Bill 0018 on March 25, a proposal to authorize a temporary TennCare expansion that would extend eligibility to individuals with income up to 38% of the federal poverty level and impose strict time limits.

Baum, the bill sponsor, told the committee the expansion was designed “to help rural hospitals” and reduce uncompensated care by increasing the number of people eligible for TennCare. He described the proposal as temporary assistance and said the plan would limit eligibility “no more than 1 year at a time, no more than 12 months in a 24 month period” and “no more than 5 years in a lifetime,” language he said was derived from the 1996 welfare reform act. Baum also noted the federal match that typically funds expansions: “Federal government pays 90%. The state pays 10%.”

The bill prompted a sustained debate about financing and strategy. Representative Hakim argued for advancing the measure now, saying “we know the need is there” and that a 9‑to‑1 federal match presented a strong fiscal case. Representative Parkinson moved to send the bill to a summer study; that motion was seconded but the committee ultimately proceeded to a final vote on the bill. Opposing members, including Representative Hill (sponsor of Tennessee’s block‑grant approach), called the proposal “the antithesis of the block grant” and said it risked undermining Tennessee’s financing model built to constrain TennCare spending.

Committee members also discussed TennCare reserve balances and prior budget reversions during the hearing. Baum and other members noted past reserve balances and that some existing TennCare funds had been directed to nonmatched items, with Baum saying the proposed waiver would “get a 9 to 1 federal match per state dollar,” an advantage over other uses of reserve dollars.

After debate, the committee voted on the bill. The clerk reported 4 ayes and 14 nays; HB 0018 did not receive the required majority and failed.

The committee record shows members debating whether the sponsor should pursue more study versus an immediate vote; at one point Representative Parkinson proposed a summer study, but that procedural motion was not resolved before the final vote on the bill.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Insurance Committee\tMar 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Chairman Baum introduced House Bill 0018 on March 25, a proposal to authorize a temporary TennCare expansion that would extend eligibility to individuals with income up to 38% of the federal poverty level and impose strict time limits.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6413725,"Committee approves 340B safeguard bill after competing testimony from manufacturers and safety‑net providers",1461,1997000,3458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e&start=1997&end=3458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e/thumbnail_1997000.jpg","/articles/6413725/Committee-approves-340B-safeguard-bill-after-competing-testimony-from-manufacturers-and-safetynet-providers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6413725-0921dab0aef5be3fff312611cb4ea42f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206515&Signature=YXBIZbbWcI1v2EINSPIzlMXV5H3j2msycbG5lPgBJqB3ElKgAtNE71cz1uNe98-8HwD0uyuXIIkJsnoj0EbB3jklohSQgPUcNZRcg4D8jYlzq1FpG7bRlgZTrhCZVt640SEqH1jrVWtZ8h7i~GNzS6dsDfSBnMbLSUn7IMbHruzfRnshEFW~bj2KEl2cbhq5wvmgho8~rLDXXKKArD8TnRpQikyZMto8wH2szLTQ42B5hG2gBOj5sXMkLaaME887bNM~wgkxpOUCg-EaN7NT9PJ6t4CM9LDZIPYwJvNyJ-PyaMQc8ftadiEXYY71Z2A-6Gg1g~H8Kq0PFKZ3zw9z2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Insurance Committee on March 25 approved House Bill 1242, an amended measure intended to protect 340B covered entities and contract pharmacy arrangements from certain manufacturer practices. The committee adopted amendment 4543 and then voted 16 ayes, 1 nay, 1 present not voting to send the bill to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Madam Chair Cheerilee Halton Haines, sponsor of the bill, told members the measure would limit excessive data requests from drug manufacturers and preclude attempts to convert the 340B program from an upfront discount to a post‑sale rebate model. In her summary she said the bill \"protects 340B covered entities from excessive data requests from drug manufacturers as a condition for 340B drug access\" and would ensure savings are used consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

Industry representatives testified in opposition. Sarah Balog, who identified herself as a senior director of state policy with Pharma, said the 340B program has grown beyond its original intent and voiced concern that the bill would worsen lack of transparency. Balog told the committee that the program ‘‘has become a hidden tax on employers and their workers’’ and cited a fiscal note estimating added cost to the state health plan.

Safety‑net providers and hospital representatives urged passage. Dr. Shannon Berger, CEO of Simpa Community Care, and Steve Pate, deputy chief pharmacy officer at St. Jude, described 340B as vital to care for low‑income and rural patients and said manufacturer restrictions threaten access for rural patients who rely on contract pharmacies. Pate said the discounts help institutions deliver outpatient care and reinvest savings into patient services.

After testimony and questions, the committee took a roll call vote. The clerk reported 16 ayes, 1 nay and 1 present not voting; HB 1242 was reported out to Finance, Ways and Means.","House Bill 1242, amended to limit manufacturer interference with 340B contract pharmacy arrangements and excessive data demands, was approved by the Insurance Committee March 25 and referred to Finance, Ways and Means.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6413748,"Committee advances portable benefits bill allowing gig workers to build accounts; moves to calendar and rules",260,1755000,2015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e&start=1755&end=2015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e/thumbnail_1755000.jpg","/articles/6413748/Committee-advances-portable-benefits-bill-allowing-gig-workers-to-build-accounts-moves-to-calendar-and-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6413748-6797521991c4d0baf7ed7f10ce3cea47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206515&Signature=FgstX4Az6OzvgbVIB20ELRzZBTftxLfb0HPkRXbqsZRLFGB1xxfvsE29C1bMz6nDh-zrOjoMp2UOPH6JiI9kjFVL6D4-b~MjNWlI9mXsidjCm92MT1m9fwne3cDBN5L5mr3YtgW3n6tp6bYBDPPPVHC2lQNBv8ynrz8j7U5C77raTo~cYClWl7sRPOF-6Pnpo~ZKkyQaExsTDB5gJ-LZ~YkExo8pfjmQEGXb9k7ljXqI9FZbKJz3~rRjHNfx2AiEAQSAupfqMzfAdJ5AuNSBNseenqfmINjQw9qcJyjS1By~nyry5dfNbg0OBSluCWGvefe5wOUN3cPGjCIo35xB~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Insurance Committee on March 25 approved amended House Bill 0494, a proposal to allow independent contractors — described by the sponsor as “gig workers, freelancers, consultants” such as DoorDash or Uber drivers — to receive employment benefits through a portable, worker‑tied account without altering their tax employment status.

Chairman Baum, the bill sponsor, told the committee the accounts would be voluntary, flexible and portable and could be funded by customers, contractors themselves, multiple employers or family members. He said the account could be used for “health insurance benefits, income replacement insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits,” and would be administered by a third‑party provider.

The committee first attached amendment 3693 to the bill. After explanation and brief questions, the clerk reported the vote: 18 ayes, 0 nays. The committee record states the bill “moves on to calendar and rules.”

Baum framed the measure as an attempt to expand options for workers who lack employer benefits without changing the contractors’ 1099 tax status. Committee members had no recorded objections during the floor vote.","Amended House Bill 0494, sponsored by Chairman Baum, passed the Insurance Committee unanimously and would authorize voluntary portable employment benefits accounts for independent contractors; the measure proceeds to calendar and rules.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6413710,"TennCare director outlines enrollment, budget and TennCare 3 shared‑savings achievements to committee",1303,3436000,4739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e&start=3436&end=4739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509136-6231aa6ab426cf7d66b28c7d71842b5e/thumbnail_3436000.jpg","/articles/6413710/TennCare-director-outlines-enrollment-budget-and-TennCare-3-sharedsavings-achievements-to-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6413710-913819072ff982d24f6e625dbfa21418/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206515&Signature=Vtv9YfIE5FzDGgqaAn8dQeqmyo7iHmbtwHQPqJFm7aYp62NrzdjfMSme9rYQRXDXMT8TrGQSR3bAwpBx~rl7RVmjLi2dVPHPYfJOAatfOkkhCTl~XkRO8irJmRqUc88b-46qYTr~cdLRCQVhGkbdfNGSyL2K4dRuOx9D7hDiYYWurTV6HwZunC0QcwChZLOKta8-XdxLd8OAHQIy141HGA5F8C~WxgwoZLADr4R~kBV1kRr-pn7qG2kAIPbURnNLb5sZE8gXQOabesj9YB9Nn7LNpJa2AUpHck3N1iVsymgEiMgGdz--4xvAOW3Sfb7TIIIZZkfCELjmk3NHYFjLmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","TennCare Director Steven Smith and senior staff briefed the House Insurance Committee on March 25 with an overview of enrollment, financing and recent accomplishments under TennCare 3, the state's 10‑year waiver program.

Smith said TennCare covers approximately 1,400,000 people, “about 20% of the state's population,” and that the program's budget exceeds $18 billion. He described managed care and the state's shift toward value‑based payments and home‑and‑community‑based services, and highlighted TennCare 3’s shared‑savings approach: “In just the first 3 years of this 10 year waiver, we have achieved nearly $1,000,000,000 in shared savings that we can then reinvest to benefit the lives of the people that we serve.”

Smith and other TennCare officials — including Zane Seals (chief financial officer), Katie Evans (chief of long‑term services and supports), Dr. Victor Wu (chief medical officer) and Kim Hagen (director of member services) — answered committee questions about enrollment declines, co‑payments, covered populations and reserve balances.

Officials said TennCare now covers about half of births in Tennessee and that eligibility thresholds vary by category: for example, children are covered up to about 250% of the federal poverty level, while parents/caretakers are eligible at about 100% of FPL. Smith explained that TennCare's federal matching rate has declined as Tennessee's relative personal income has risen.

Committee members pressed officials for specifics on reserves and reversions. Smith said the TennCare reserve stood at roughly $1.4 billion at fiscal year end but that most of that balance is obligated; he identified approximately $300 million as unobligated funds. He noted past pandemic-era federal matching increases produced large reversions and said the state does not expect similar reversions going forward.

Members asked about network access, co‑pays and services covered. Kim Hagen said co‑payments for the traditional Medicaid population are “very nominal,” citing small pharmacy and office‑visit copays. Smith and other officials emphasized that managed care networks and plan outreach try to coordinate care for frequent users of emergency services.

The presentation also highlighted quality metrics, with Smith noting TennCare exceeded national averages in many measures and reported a 96% satisfaction score in a University of Tennessee survey. After roughly 30–40 minutes of presentation and questions, the committee thanked the TennCare team and moved on.","TennCare Director Steven Smith and agency officials briefed the House Insurance Committee on program basics, enrollment and finances, reporting about 1.4 million enrollees (~20% of the state population), an $18.6 billion budget, and nearly $1 billion in shared savings under the TennCare 3 waiver.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House committee rejects temporary TennCare expansion bill after debate over costs and reserves

Committee approves 340B safeguard bill after competing testimony from manufacturers and safety‑net providers

Committee advances portable benefits bill allowing gig workers to build accounts; moves to calendar and rules

TennCare director outlines enrollment, budget and TennCare 3 shared‑savings achievements to committee