Committee approves amendment defining a basic health policy as inexpensive, short-term bridge to traditional coverage

A committee member explained the amended House Bill 2,503 would define what constitutes a basic health insurance policy and enable the state to work with managed care organizations to create low-cost, short-term coverage options.

"Members, this bill as amended would just define what a basic, health insurance policy would be," Speaker S5 said when explaining Amendment 16,821. He compared the product to auto insurance lines such as liability and collision and described it as an inexpensive option to bridge 1 to 3 years toward traditional coverage.

The sponsor told members the policy is intended to help Tennesseans who lose employer-sponsored care as incomes change and to provide a transitional product so families can secure more stable coverage later. The amendment rewrites aspects of the bill; committee members voted to attach Amendment 16,821 and then approved the amended bill by a recorded vote of 15 ayes to 0 nos.

House Bill 2,503, as amended, will proceed to the Government Operations Committee for further consideration; the committee did not provide detailed funding estimates or implementation timelines during this session.