State Sen. Judson Hill’s Health Care Protection Act passes first Check-up

Legislation passed by Senate Committee, on to Senate for full vote

ATLANTA (Feb. 11, 2010) –Legislation aimed to protect Georgia’s citizens from being forced into government-run health care passed out of a key committee and is on its way to the Senate floor.  The Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment (Senate Resolution 794) and its companion bill (Senate Bill 317), authored by State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), were both approved by the Senate Insurance & Labor Committee this week.

“Our country was founded on individual freedom and liberty, and no government should be able to compel its citizens to only use certain doctors or restrict people from purchasing private health care or health insurance,” said Hill.  “Socialized health care will not solve our health care challenges.  I will continue to work to make sure that all Georgians have access to high quality health care at affordable rates.”
 
Hill’s Amendment would protect Georgia’s citizens from being forced into government-run health care. Existing private and government programs would not be affected by this legislation. If passed, this Amendment will ensure every Georgian has the freedom to accept or reject any health care or health insurance plan. The Amendment would also prohibit any government from punishing an individual or business that does not participate in such a health plan, as well as protect health care providers from being forced to perform mandated medical procedures.

SR 794 must be passed by a two-thirds majority in the Senate and House and then would be put before voters on the November 2010 statewide ballot.  If approved, the Amendment would change the Georgia Constitution to preserve these rights.
 
This legislative package is the latest in Hill’s efforts to provide Georgians with patient-centered health care measures and improve citizen’s access to affordable, accessible, high-quality health care and health insurance.  During the 2009 Legislative Session, Hill sponsored two bills that would provide families and individuals better access to insurance and treatment while saving Georgia millions of dollars.  Senate Bill 92 allows families who qualify for Medicaid and PeachCare to participate in private sector health insurance plans through a financial scholarship.
 
In 2007, Hill introduced legislation allowing Georgians to shop across state lines to purchase health insurance for their families, and he has introduced similar legislation this session. He also passed legislation giving Georgians access to quality and price information for hospitals, surgery centers, nursing homes and prescription drugs through a user friendly website, www.georgiahealthinfo.org. The Georgia Legislature enacted Hill’s Affordable Health Insurance Act in 2008, focusing on wellness and prevention measures and tax breaks to help more Georgians afford health care. This measure has made health insurance more affordable and accessible to individuals and businesses.
 

 
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Republican Caucus Vice Chairman. He represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028