Senate Bill 851, sponsored by Lamar, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 5, to authorize the governor to expand Medicaid eligibility in accordance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill replaces the existing language in Section 71-5-126, granting the governor the authority to negotiate with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the terms of Medicaid expansion.

This legislation aims to facilitate the expansion of Medicaid in Tennessee, allowing for increased access to healthcare for eligible individuals. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of the public welfare in addressing healthcare needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5-126