Bill > SB0501

This bill authorizes the governor of Tennessee to expand Medicaid specifically for patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a serious inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to potential pain, organ damage, and other health complications. The expansion would be conducted in compliance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often referred to as the ACA or Obamacare), and the governor is empowered to negotiate the specific terms of this targeted Medicaid expansion with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency that oversees these health insurance programs. By amending Tennessee Code Annotated in Titles 4 and 71, Chapter 5, the bill creates a narrow pathway for providing medical treatment to individuals with sickle cell disease who might not currently qualify for Medicaid, potentially improving access to critical healthcare services for this patient population. The act would take effect immediately upon becoming law, with the stated intent of serving the public welfare.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0501&ga=114