MARIETTA (Mar. 26, 2010) – Legislation aimed at increasing competition among heath insurance providers by expanding Georgian’s private healthcare choices outside the state passed the Georgia Senate Wednesday. State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) authored Senate Bill 407 that would allow Georgia healthcare customers to buy approved out-of-state healthcare insurance plans.
“Unlike our Democratic leaders in Washington D.C, Georgia is looking to free-market solutions to bring down costs and expand access for many uninsured or underinsured Georgians,” said Hill. “My bill allows Georgians the freedom to choose health insurance in pre-approved states and opens up competition for the healthcare business in our state, bringing Georgia’s families many more private health insurance options at lower premiums. The ability of patients to find quality healthcare at affordable prices should not be hampered. I am strongly committed to providing Georgians common-sense principles like Senate Bill 407 designed to expand access to quality care, increase choices with a competitive market for health insurance, and keep costs low free of any Federal involvement.”
Hill’s legislation will give the Georgia state insurance commissioner authority to identify at least five states with health insurance laws and regulations substantially consistent with Georgia law. The state could then approve individual health insurance policies for sale in Georgia that have been approved in those states and as long as the insurer is an authorized insurer in Georgia.
SB 407 also directs the insurance commissioner to form a group of like-minded states for establishing rules of reciprocity for the approval of comprehensive individual medical and surgical health insurance policies among the participating states. Hill noted this will ensure consumer protection with the states coming together to approve quality, highly-respected insurance providers as part of this legislation. Out-of-state companies offering health benefit plans under SB 407 will be subject to regulation by the commissioner regarding the enforcement of the contractual benefits under the health benefit plan, including the prompt payment of insurance claims.
Hill first introduced legislation allowing cross-state purchasing of health insurance in 2007. This is his latest effort to provide Georgians with lower costs and improved choices relating to health insurance. Last week Hill’s Senate Bill 317 passed out of the Senate which would prohibit mandatory participation in any healthcare system.
SB 407 now heads to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.
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:
March 26, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028