ATLANTA (May 14, 2018) | Governor Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 370 into law at the state Capitol on May 3, 2018. Senate Bill 370, sponsored by Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa), passed both chambers and was sent to the governor’s desk during the 2018 legislative session.
“I am happy to see this bill become law and look forward to the positive impact it will have on those who benefit from Medicaid services,” said Sen. Wilkinson. “For those in our state who are less fortunate, having claims made against your estate to cover those costs can have a detrimental effect on your finances. The current law causes some problems with inequities as far as how much can be claimed by the department, and this measure will make the process even across the board.”
Currently, the Department of Community Health may make a claim against a Medicaid recipient to cover the cost of medical assistance, unless that claim would cause unreasonable and substantial hardship. Senate Bill 370 would waive any claim against the first $25,000 of an estate. This bill directs the department to subject an amendment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval.
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For Immediate Release:
May 14, 2018
Elisabeth Fletcher, Communications Specialist
elisabeth.fletcher@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028