Senate Bill 401 aims to enhance healthcare access for minors in Tennessee by amending the eligibility criteria for the TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids programs. The bill stipulates that, starting July 1, 2026, minors enrolled in these programs will remain eligible until they reach the age of eighteen, without the need for redetermination of eligibility or disenrollment, unless specific conditions are met, such as voluntary disenrollment by a parent or guardian, the minor's death, relocation out of state, exceeding income limits, or enrollment based on fraud or error.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to the CoverKids program and the roles of the TennCare director and division. It allows for the transfer of minors between the TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids programs to maintain eligibility. The director is also tasked with submitting a request for any necessary federal waivers to implement these changes by December 31, 2025. This legislation reflects the state's commitment to ensuring continuous healthcare coverage for eligible children.