ATLANTA (Apr. 27, 2010) – State Sen. Judson Hill’s (R-Marietta) legislation protecting Georgia’s current rights on health care choice was approved Tuesday by the Georgia General Assembly. Senate Bill 317, authored by Hill and already approved by the Georgia Senate, was added as an amendment to Senate Bill 411 before SB 411 passed the Georgia House of Representatives. The addition of Hill’s language would prohibit mandatory participation in any healthcare system.
“I want to thank the General Assembly for joining me to pass legislation shielding Georgians from unwanted and unnecessary federal involvement in our health care decisions, said Hill. “I have said throughout this process that each person should have the right to purchase private health care, purchase government health care, or exercise their right not to purchase any health care at all. My measure simply protects the basic rights of choice that we all currently enjoy today by not allowing the federal government to force an unconstitutional mandate on Georgia’s citizens or punish anyone for not buying heath insurance,” said Hill.
Hill’s original language in SB 317 ensures Georgia’s citizens would be protected from being forced into government-run health care. Existing private and government programs would not be affected by this legislation. Hill told committee members this measure also prohibits 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.
SB 411 was authored by State Sen. Ralph Hudgens (R-Hull) allowing individual and group health insurance plans to include and operate wellness and health promotion programs that provide rewards or incentives for Georgians involved in good health and preventative measures. SB 411 expands on a 2008 measure Hill authored giving Georgians refunds on health insurance premiums for staying healthy.
SB 411 will now head back to the Senate for final approval before heading to Governor Perdue’s desk to be signed into law.
Sen. Judson Hill serves as 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:
April 27, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028