Tennessee hospitals are here for every patient and for every moment where care can’t be a waiting game.
For too many Tennesseans, insurance red tape is getting in the way, and hospitals across the state are increasingly having to work harder behind the scenes to keep patient care on track. Delays in approvals, claim denials, and payment reductions create uncertainty for patients and add strain on hospitals – especially in rural communities.
Patients deserve clarity in their coverage. Hospitals deserve fair treatment.
Legislative action is needed to restore balance and ensure fair, timely, and predictable interactions between payers and providers.
Tennessee lawmakers are currently considering two key pieces of legislation:
- Patients’ Right to Know Act – SB2554 by Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) / HB2162 by Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester) – Would require health insurers to publicly report key information about how they operate including often claims are denied, how frequently prior authorization is required before patients can receive care, and how often payments to providers are delayed or reduced after care has already been provided.
- Patients First – SB2155 by Sen. Watson (R-Hixson) / HB2619 by Rep. Howell (R-Cleveland) – A collaborative effort among THA, the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA), and other healthcare provider groups to address downcoding and other problematic payer practices. This bill would increase insurer accountability and strengthen fair payment practices by establishing stronger oversight and transparency, restricting practices such as downcoding, and more clearly defining payment timelines.
Take Action
Contact your legislator and encourage them to support health insurance payer reform.