SB0647

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3; Title 9 and Title 71, relative to medical expenses.

Introduced·1/31/25

Establishes a medical expense relief fund to assist next of kin and estates of deceased TennCare enrollees with unpaid medical debts.

This bill creates a special account called the medical expense relief fund within the state general fund. The fund aims to help the next of kin and the estate of a decedent who was enrolled in TennCare at the time of death with paying the decedent's medical debt and expenses. The Department of Human Services will administer the fund, establish application procedures, and allocate grants to eligible recipients. The fund consists of an initial appropriation of $250 million and can accept additional public or private funds.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

9 Yea

RRRRDRRRR

0 Nay

Calendar

Apr 20

1:00 PM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

Mar 26, 2025

1:00 PM

Senate Health And Welfare Hearing

History

Apr 20

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026