Tennessee Ambulance Service: Legislative Update

April 10, 2026

📊 Bill Status Dashboard

Bill Number	Description	Current Status
SB1805 / HB1836	TennCare Increase (Emergency & Non-emergency) to 100% Medicare	Placed Behind the Budget
SB1376 / HB1061	Balanced Billing	Failed in Senate Commerce & Labor Committee on 4/8.
SB0748 / HB0201	TennCare Increase (Non-emergency) to 100% Medicare	Placed Behind the Budget
SB2221 / HB2097	Extend Ground Assessment Program	Passed Senate and was received on House Desk 4/8- just needs House vote.
SB2536 / HB2200	Retirement Legislation	Referred / No Action

🔍 Key Highlights

Funding & Reimbursement

TennCare Medicare Parity (Full): SB1805/HB1836 aims to increase TennCare to 100% of Medicare for both emergency and non-emergency services but is currently placed behind the budget.
TennCare Medicare Parity (Non-Emergency): Similarly, SB0748/HB0201 has been placed behind the budget.
Ground Assessment Program: SB2221/HB2097 Passed Senate and was received on House desk 4/8- just needs House Floor Vote. HB2097 cleared Finance W&M Subcommittee 11-0 on 4/1.

Regulatory & Personnel
Balanced Billing: SB1376/HB1061 Passed House 94-0 on 4/2. FAILED Senate Commerce & Labor Committee on 4/7. Sponsor vowed to reintroduce in 2027.
Retirement: SB2536/HB2200 was referred to the Local Government Committee in the Senate, but there has been no action in the House.

Legislative Terminology: “Behind the Budget”

This procedural move, often used by Finance committees, acts as a “waiting room” for legislation with a “fiscal note” (cost). It delays consideration of the bill until the final state budget is passed to ensure funds are available before taking action.