Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, creates the medical expense relief fund to assist the next of kin and the estate of a decedent who was enrolled in TennCare at the time of death with paying the decedent's medical debt and expenses; requires the department of human services to administer the fund and the awarding of grants. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3; Title 9 and Title 71.
SB 647 creates a $250 million medical expense relief fund to help the next of kin or estate of a person who died while enrolled in TennCare pay outstanding medical bills and related costs, including unpaid premiums and benefits. The Tennessee Department of Human Services will administer the fund, requiring applicants to submit documentation of the deceased person's medical debt and financial need. Grants may be awarded directly to families, estates, or medical providers, but must be used exclusively for the deceased's medical expenses. The fund, initially funded by a state appropriation, will carry forward any unspent balance to the next fiscal year.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Apr 20, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
8
Committee
9
Apr 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2025
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Rule #83(8) Suspended, to be heard in Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee on 4/15/2025
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/15/2025
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/26/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rusty Crowe
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 647
Scope: TN
Hi! I can help you understand SB 647. 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