(a) As used in this section: (1) 'Complex rehabilitation technology' has the same meaning as defined in § 71-5-159;(2) 'Health benefit plan' means health insurance coverage as defined in § 56-7-109; and(3) 'Health insurer' means a health insurance entity as defined in § 56-7-109.(b) A health insurer that offers a health benefit plan that provides coverage of complex rehabilitation technology: (1) Shall not consider the location where the complex rehabilitation technology will be used when making a determination of medical necessity; and(2) Shall offer covered persons a prior authorization process that reviews billable codes and provides coverage determinations for complex rehabilitation technology.(c) If a health insurer notifies a person who is covered under a policy or contract for a health benefit plan that includes complex rehabilitation technology benefits and coverage that complex rehabilitation technology equipment that was approved in a prior authorization will be fully funded under the health benefit plan, then, as long as the person remains covered under the policy or contract at the time the complex rehabilitation technology is delivered to the person, the health funded under the health benefit plan, then, as long as the person remains covered under the policy or contract at the time the complex rehabilitation technology is delivered to the person, the health insurer:(1) Shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of the amount approved in the prior authorization, subject to applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible requirements as provided in the policy; and(2) Shall not seek payment or reimbursement from the covered person, a complex rehabilitation technology vendor, or another party involved with the sale or delivery of the complex rehabilitation technology.(d) This section does not require a health insurer to offer coverage for complex rehabilitation technology in a health benefit plan.Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 973, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tennessee Legal Code