Senate Bill 401 aims to enhance healthcare access for minors in Tennessee by amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 71, Chapter 5, Part 1. The bill establishes that, starting July 1, 2026, minors enrolled in the TennCare Medicaid or CoverKids programs will remain eligible for these programs until they turn eighteen years old. It also stipulates that minors cannot be subjected to 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 allows for the transfer of enrolled minors between the TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids programs to maintain eligibility. The director of TennCare is 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, recognizing the importance of access to healthcare in their development and well-being.