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As the NCAA gets to the Sweet 16, the Tennessee General Assembly is in the throes of its own March Madness.
Many Tennessee General Assembly players are trying to control Tennesseans’ healthcare. Whether it’s preventing access to life-saving drugs or upping the prices of prescriptions, the Tennessee General Assembly is not playing with its fans in mind. They are letting lobbyists, special interests, and BIG Pharma call the shots. If they win, Tennessee families and businesses will suffer.
Here are the plays we’re paying attention to:
SB2008/HB2170 - This bill poses a significant threat to Tennessee businesses’ ability to innovate and find creative solutions when an employee is in dire need of life-saving medication. If enacted, the bill would prohibit benefit providers from taking creative approaches to temper shockingly high drug costs, leaving employers footing the bill for dramatically increased costs. Businesses will be forced to choose between their livelihoods and their employees’ wellbeing.
SB502/HB916 - This bill would eliminate “white-bagging,” a process health insurers have implemented to deliver clinically administered drugs directly to the clinic/patient when it is safe to do so. This practice is a necessary tool to address significant hospital mark-ups and keep medications affordable.
Tennesseans' healthcare and well-being would be negatively impacted if the Tennessee General Assembly passes these bills. After working 40+ hours a week, no employee should also have to worry about their and their family’s healthcare.
Bad players in the Tennessee General Assembly are hogging the ball. However, not all Assembly members are bad players. Some are passing the ball, looking for an opportunity to help their team. Those legislators are prioritizing the lives and wellbeing of Tennesseans and want to keep Tennessee a business-friendly state. They are the ones voting no on these bills and advocating for businesses and families across the state.
It should not be the Tennessee General Assembly vs Tennesseans. We cannot let them keep playing games with our healthcare. The Tennessee Employer Benefits Alliance is committed to standing up for the businesses and families of Tennessee. We will continuously advocate for affordable healthcare and win this season of March Madness.
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