ATLANTA (February 21, 2012) – Today, Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) filed four bills aimed at improving Georgians’ access to health care, bringing free-market based improvements and lowering costs for health care for most Georgians. The legislation followed Sen. Hill previous work to bring free market and patient centered healthcare solutions, and helps further lay the framework for state based healthcare once the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
“In 2010, our federal government decided to enact an unprecedented piece of healthcare legislation that comes at the expense of our core liberties,” said Sen. Hill. “Americans should be allowed to decide what health care coverage is right for their needs. By encouraging competitive free market solutions, we can reduce healthcare costs and give the power of choice back to the people where it belongs.”
“There is no doubt that health care reform is needed; however, Obamacare is not the solution and includes a bill we can not afford to pay,” added Sen. Hill. “If and when the U.S. Supreme Court rules that any or all of the PPACA is unconstitutional, Georgia will be at the ready to implement health care and insurance reforms that are competitive, affordable and accessible.”
Brief descriptions of the bills are as follows:
SB 475 – The Charitable Care Act – Offers tax credits to 501(c)3 non-profits who provide charitable health care services to the uninsured.
SB 472 – The Flexible Choice Act – Enhances consumer choice by expanding defined contingency plans, encouraging health improvement incentive programs, providing minimum out-of-network coverage and offering tax deductions for the purchase of comprehensive major medical insurance.
SB 471 – Regional Coalition – Authorizes the Georgia Insurance Commissioner to set coverage standards and enter into agreements with other states in order to establish regional reciprocal sales of health insurance across state lines.
SB 476 – The Safety Net Act – Increases the alternatives for individuals whose group policy has been terminated (COBRA), eases the restrictions for plan conversion and portability, and clarifies that only tax dependents can continue on their parents’ insurance to age 25.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 22, 2012
Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028