The Katie Beckett Bill HB0498/ SB0476 passed the House Insurance and Senate Commerce & Labor Committees today!
Committee members had already heard about the legislation by the time the first hearing began. Over the weekend, they received over 10,000 emails from Tennesseans calling for their support of a Katie Beckett Program for Tennessee.
What an incredible demonstration of the strength of our community. As our slogan states: "the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of flying alone." Thank you for taking action in support of our Katie Beckett families.
The bill received a strong show of support today from several members of the House Insurance Committee including Chairman Ron Travis, Representative Tim Rudd, Representative Robin Smith and Representative Matthew Hill who had presided over the vote to pass the bill out of the House TennCare Subcommittee last week.
Sponsor Kerry Roberts introduced the bill to its first Senate Committee, which heard family testimony but did not have any questions about the language of the legislation. All members present voted to pass SB0476 out of committee.
The highlight of the day was the family testimony. Four families shared their stories. Stories full of love and dedication to their children and the impossible choices they have had to make in order to get their kids access to the health care they need.
Now that we have the fundamental language for the Katie Beckett Bill, the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review will be putting together an estimate for the cost of the program in a "fiscal note" that will be added to the bill.
The bill will be heard next in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee and the Senate Finance Committee. We will confirm when it has been scheduled on the Committee Calendars and keep you updated as to its progress.
Thank you,
~Public Policy Team