Senate Passes Bill to Allow For Health Care Financial Overview Committee

ATLANTA (March 7, 2013) – Senate Bill 62 passed the Senate today by a vote of 45 to 5. Sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R – Marietta), this bill would create the Federal and State Funded Health Care Financing Programs Overview Committee. The Committee would be charged with periodically reviewing the actions of the Board of Community Health (BCH) and the Department of Community Health (DCH) to evaluate the success and functionality of their programs.

“I’m pleased by the favorable consideration this legislative body gave Senate Bill 62,” said Sen. Hill. “This bill would ensure functionality and efficiency in our state’s health care industry and oversight. With rising costs of health care, Georgia must make every effort to ensure the integrity of our health care system. It is also important to ensure that our healthcare safety net programs are not abused by people not qualified to receive benefits.”

Ever-expanding government healthcare programs necessitates that the Georgia legislature more frequently assesses existing programs in order to more wisely consider necessary reforms.

The BCH and DCH must submit any reports or data as required by the Committee.  The Attorney General may legally enforce any laws related to the duties and obligations of the BCH and DCH, in regards to federal and state funded health care programs. On January 1 of each year, and other times deemed necessary, the Committee will submit a report to the General Assembly with recommendations.

SB 62 will now travel to the House of Representatives for consideration.

RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028