Bill > HB2498

This bill amends Tennessee law to prohibit the state's TennCare program from covering or reimbursing medical procedures, including surgeries and the prescription of puberty blockers or hormones, if the purpose is to help an individual align their physical presentation with an identity that differs from their sex assigned at birth, or to treat distress related to this discordance. The bill defines "sex" as immutable characteristics of the reproductive system determined by anatomy and genetics at birth, and explicitly excludes conditions like gender dysphoria from being considered a "congenital defect" or "disease" for the purpose of medical exceptions. However, it provides exceptions for procedures necessary to treat genuine congenital defects, precocious puberty, diseases, or physical injuries, and allows for continued coverage for procedures that began before the bill's effective date (July 1, 2026) and conclude by March 31, 2027, provided a physician certifies that stopping the treatment would be harmful. This exception does not permit the initiation of new procedures solely for gender transition purposes after the effective date.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2498&ga=114