House Bill 15, also known as Senate Bill 501, proposes an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 71-5-126, to allow for the expansion of Medicaid eligibility specifically for the treatment of patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The bill grants the governor the authority to negotiate with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the terms of this Medicaid expansion, ensuring compliance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The current language of Section 71-5-126 is entirely deleted and replaced with the new provisions outlined in the bill. This legislative change aims to enhance access to necessary medical treatment for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease, thereby addressing a critical health need within the state. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of improving healthcare access for affected patients.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5-126