Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-27-501: Counties authorized to provide insurance for employees and officials - Persons eligible

(a) Counties are hereby expressly authorized to provide group life, hospitalization, disability, or medical insurance for all county employees and officials.

(b) For the purpose of the application of this part, "county employee" may include, subject to the approval of the county legislative bodies, retired county employees, officials, and their surviving spouses. Where any county has offered such coverage prior to May 10, 1994, no further action by the legislative body shall be required.