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TN SB2081
TN SB2081AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to step therapy.
summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, expands the prohibition, from stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer or metastatic blood cancer to any cancer, against a health benefit plan that provides coverage for cancer requiring the use of a step therapy protocol before the health benefit plan provides coverage for an approved prescription drug to an enrollee who has received a diagnosis of cancer. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
AI Summary
This bill expands protections for individuals diagnosed with cancer by prohibiting health benefit plans from requiring "step therapy" before covering an approved prescription drug. Step therapy is a process where a patient must try a less expensive drug, often a generic or older medication, before their insurance will cover a more specific or newer drug prescribed by their doctor. Previously, this prohibition only applied to patients with stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer or metastatic blood cancer, but this bill broadens it to cover any diagnosis of cancer, ensuring that patients with any form of cancer can receive the prescription drugs their doctors deem appropriate without first having to try alternative medications.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/17/2026 (on 03/10/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2081&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - SB2081 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB2081.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB2081.pdf |
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