TEBA Members Made Their Voices Heard at State Capitol

Biscuits and Benefits 

On Thursday, February 5, TEBA hosted its second annual Biscuits and Benefits legislative breakfast at the Tennessee State Capitol. The event brought together employers, benefits experts, industry leaders, and members of the Tennessee General Assembly to discuss how proposed pharmacy closure legislation would affect people and businesses in Tennessee. 

During the event, the most effective advocacy tools became clear. Legislators respond best to their own constituents. Putting names and faces to an abstract policy debate elevates the discussion from theoretical to deeply personal. 

Several legislators expressed surprise at the impact that SB2040 and HB1959 may have. Some hadn't fully reviewed the bill details and others were operating under misconceptions about which of their constituents would and would not be affected. These are exactly the gaps that direct employer and patient advocacy work can address with TEBA’s help. 

The annual Biscuits and Benefits event is about building productive relationships between Tennessee's business community and policymakers. Several legislators requested follow-up conversations and additional information while others asked to be connected with employers in their districts who could provide local perspectives. 

Day on the Hill 

Following up on those interactions, TEBA was back at the capitol in March with the Tennessee Partnership for Affordable Healthcare for its second annual Day on the Hill to provide the opportunity for more in-depth discussions inside the Capitol. TEBA members were able to follow up with lawmakers and provide helpful data on how the bills could affect prescription drug affordability and pharmacy access across Tennessee. 

Lawmakers were overwhelmingly receptive to the concerns raised by TEBA members when hearing directly from business leaders who are responsible for providing benefits to thousands of employees. Members found that some legislators were not fully aware of the bills’ downstream impacts, creating an opportunity to dive into how it may affect overall affordability and access for their plans’ beneficiaries.  

TEBA extends a sincere thank-you to the legislators, employers, benefit experts, and community partners who joined us at each of the events. While lobbyists and interest groups often engage with legislators, there is no substitute for hearing directly from the employers who provide benefits and the professionals who help design those plans. 

However, the fight is not over with this legislation. TEBA needs your advocacy now more than ever as this bill continues to pass through committees. Tennessee lawmakers are favoring their own interests over constituents' needs, and they need to hear from employers, benefit professionals, and patients to ensure lawmakers hear real-world perspectives on affordability and access.  

Your voice is an essential part of stopping forced pharmacy closures and advancing balanced solutions for Tennessee businesses and the employees and families they support.  

Email your legislator today!  

Not a TEBA member yet? Join us at TNEBA.com or email info@tneba.com. When employers and patients stand together, legislators listen.