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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

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Constitutional Amendment: Fireworks, Future Sales and Framework Passes Senate

ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – A resolution that would set the framework for the sale of fireworks in Georgia passed the Senate today by a vote of 44 to 5. Senate Resolution 378 contains a proposed constitutional amendment allowing local authorization in regards to the sale of fireworks in Georgia, with taxes on the fireworks being exclusively used for trauma care and firefighter training. SR 378 was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga). Continue reading “Constitutional Amendment: Fireworks, Future Sales and Framework Passes Senate”

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Senate Passes Bill to Protect Georgia’s Senior Citizens and Individuals with Special Needs

ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – Sen. John Albers (R –Roswell) applauds the passage of SB 207, which passed the Senate by a vote of 47 to 4. Sponsored by Sen. Albers, this legislation will allow private home care providers to obtain first offenders information on potential job applicants.
Continue reading “Senate Passes Bill to Protect Georgia’s Senior Citizens and Individuals with Special Needs”

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Senate Passes Bill to Set Groundwork for Medicaid Reform

ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – Sen. William Ligon (R–Brunswick) applauds the passage of Senate Bill 163, which passed the Senate by a vote of 39 to 10. Sponsored by Sen. Ligon, this legislation would require the Board of Community Health to examine and identify options for reforming Georgia’s Medicaid Program. If passed, this effort is expected to bring significant cost savings to the state.

“Today, approximately 17 percent of the roughly 10 million people who call Georgia home receive health insurance from our state’s Medicaid program, and that number is only expected to grow,” said Sen. Ligon. “The passage of Senate Bill 163 will lay the groundwork for effective Medicaid Reform and help ensure our state’s long-term fiscal stability.”

Under this legislation, the Board of Community Health will analyze the possible expansion of managed care, measures used by commercial insurers to encourage healthy consumer choices, and the use of accountable care organizations and patient centered medical homes.

By December 31, 2013, the board is responsible for providing a report to the Governor, House Speaker, President of the Senate, and members of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees on its findings and recommendations.

Senate Bill 163 will now transfer to the House of Representatives for consideration.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028