NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Monday afternoon, the Tennessee House voted almost unanimously to pass HB0411/SB1426, which requires TennCare to cover IVIG for patients with PANDAS or PANS.
PANDAS is an autoimmune disease that develops in the brain after multiple infections, such as strep throat.
One mother in Mt. Juliet has been fighting for insurance coverage to provide treatment for her son, Lucca.
Kristi Giacco told WSMV4’s Lauren Lowrey, who has been following the story for over a year, that her son contracted strep 15 times, which caused a significant change in his behavior.
After being misdiagnosed for a while, Kristi discovered her son had PANDAS.
She went to her insurance company, which she claimed was denying the critical treatment. As a result, she decided to raise the issue with the state.
During the 2025 legislative session, Kristi and her representative, Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Wilson County), introduced legislation requiring TennCare to cover PANS treatments.
On Monday, April 14, the Tennessee House voted almost unanimously to pass the bill requiring coverage.
WSMV4 also learned that there is only one final step.
On Wednesday, the Senator who is sponsoring the bill will rename it “Lucca’s Law.”
They’ll vote, and assuming it passes, Gov. Bill Lee will sign it within a week.
