Tennessee House approves multiple healthcare bills including nursing home assessments

In a recent meeting of the TennCare Subcommittee, key discussions centered around several legislative bills aimed at improving healthcare services in Tennessee. The meeting, held on March 18, 2025, addressed critical issues such as nursing home assessments, hospital funding, and care options for the elderly.

One of the primary topics was House Bill 728, which renews the annual nursing home bed assessment through June 30, 2026. This bill received unanimous support, passing with a vote of 4-0, and will now move to the full insurance committee for further consideration. The assessment is crucial for maintaining standards and funding within Tennessee's nursing homes, ensuring that facilities can continue to provide necessary care.

Another significant piece of legislation discussed was House Bill 829, which pertains to the annual hospital coverage assessment. This bill is essential for funding a major portion of the TennCare program, which provides healthcare services to low-income individuals and families. Like the previous bill, it also passed unanimously, reflecting a strong consensus on the importance of sustaining hospital funding in the state.

House Bill 173, introduced by Chairman Martin, aims to address the alarming rate of rural hospital closures in Tennessee. The bill seeks to adjust reimbursement rates for rural hospitals, which have not been updated since 2006. By aligning these rates with the break-even point established by the USDA, the legislation aims to provide much-needed financial support to struggling rural healthcare facilities.

Additionally, House Bill 782 focuses on expanding the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program in Tennessee. Currently limited to one program in Chattanooga, the proposed legislation would authorize an additional PACE program in either West or Middle Tennessee, allowing more seniors to access comprehensive care while remaining in their communities. This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the needs of frail older adults and their caregivers, promoting better health outcomes and quality of life.

Lastly, House Bill 372, known as the Tennessee Modernization and Access Act of 2025, was introduced but details were limited during the meeting. This bill is expected to further enhance access to healthcare services across the state.

Overall, the discussions during the TennCare Subcommittee meeting highlighted a proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges in Tennessee. With unanimous support for several key bills, the committee is taking significant steps toward improving healthcare access and quality for residents, particularly in rural areas and among the elderly population. The next steps will involve further deliberation in the full insurance committee, where these bills will be examined in greater detail.