ATLANTA (May 3, 2023) | Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 65 and Senate Bill 223 into law, two bipartisan pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Ben Watson (R – Savannah). SB 65 allows the Commissioner of Insurance to take specific actions that further guide state, federal, or partnership exchanges or healthcare marketplaces. SB 223 would authorize reimbursement of patient-incurred expenses while participating in clinical cancer trials.
“The signing of Senate Bill 65 is a major step towards improving healthcare access, expanding coverage and lowering costs throughout our state,” said Sen. Watson. “SB 65 would reform Georgia’s health insurance exchange marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. A state-run website would reduce health care premiums, lower the user fee and allow the state to coordinate and communicate more efficiently, thereby improving access, marketability, and coverage.”
“SB 65 allows the state to introduce its own state-run website as an alternative to the current federal healthcare marketplace. A state-run website would help the state collect revenue from the website and invest it into programs that will continue to improve healthcare access and help save costs. Furthermore, SB 223 would make medical reimbursements easier to obtain for individuals participating in a clinical cancer trial. Drug trials can be expensive for people who take time away from home, work and family and this measure makes it easier and simple for companies or hospitals to reimburse patients. I am grateful to my Senate and House colleagues and of course, Governor Kemp for their role in supporting these vital pieces of legislation. These bills will positively impact Georgians and ensure that our state government is doing what it can to provide our citizens efficient healthcare coverage.”
For the full text of SB 65, read here.
For the full text of SB 223, read here.
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Sen. Ben Watson serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. He represents the 1st Senate District, which includes Bryan and Liberty, and half of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7880 or by email at ben.watson@senate.ga.gov