TennCare - As introduced, directs the governor to seek a new TennCare waiver within 180 days of the effective date of this act to provide medical assistance coverage for individuals whose gross annual income is equal to or less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level; clarifies that the amendment takes effect upon federal approval. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 5.
HB 1393 requires Tennessee's governor to apply for a federal waiver within 180 days of the bill's effective date to expand TennCare coverage to low-income residents earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This would directly affect Tennesseans currently ineligible for Medicaid under existing income limits, potentially providing medical assistance to thousands. The bill amends state law to mandate this waiver application process, with coverage taking effect immediately upon federal approval. The legislation focuses on procedural changes to access federal Medicaid funding, not on altering current eligibility rules.
Bill status
failed
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Feb 3, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Tenncare Subcommittee for 2/3/2026
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Tenncare Subcommittee for 1/27/2026
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Tenncare Subcommittee of Insurance Committee
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Tenncare Subcommittee for 3/18/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Insurance Committee
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Tenncare Subcommittee
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Justin Pearson
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 1393
Scope: TN
Hi! I can help you understand HB 1393. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline