ATLANTA (Sept. 3, 2009) – State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), joined by members of the Republican Caucus, announced today the Health Care States Rights Protection Constitutional Amendment to protect Georgia’s citizens from being forced into government-run health care. They also offered positive, free-market based solutions to reform Georgia’s health care system.
Senator Hill stated that, “Our country was founded on individual freedom and liberty. Today we’re proposing a Constitutional Amendment that ensures every Georgian the freedom to accept or reject any health care or health insurance plan. The Amendment would also prohibit any government from punishing an individual or business that does not participate in such health plans. Passage of this Amendment is the best way to protect Georgians from the Democrat led Congress’ attempt to socialize healthcare through their ‘public option’ health care mandate.”
If this Amendment is passed by the legislature and approved by voters in November 2010, Georgia will be successful in invoking the Tenth Amendment and protecting its citizens from mandatory government health care.
Senator Hill noted, “Georgia is a national health care reform leader passing several patient-centered health care measures over the past 2 years.” Hill continued, “Georgians deserve access to affordable, accessible, high-quality health care and health insurance which they can’t lose just because they change jobs. Since I was elected in 2004 I’ve been working to make this a reality for every Georgian.”
During the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator Hill sponsored two bills that would provide families and individuals better access to insurance and treatment while saving Georgia millions of dollars. Senate Bill 92 allows families who qualify for Medicaid and PeachCare to participate in private sector health insurance plans through a financial scholarship. Senate Bill 106 provides a financial incentive to encourage higher income individuals to purchase health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. It is estimated that passage of SB106 will benefit nearly 400,000 uninsured Georgians who currently visit the emergency room at taxpayers’ expense. Both bills currently reside in the Senate.
In 2007, Senator Hill introduced legislation allowing Georgians to shop across state lines to purchase health insurance for their families. He also passed legislation giving Georgians access to quality and price information for hospitals, surgery centers, nursing homes and prescription drugs through a user friendly website, www.georgiahealthinfo.org. The Georgia Legislature enacted Senator Hill’s Affordable Health Insurance Act in 2008, focusing on wellness and prevention measures and tax breaks. This measure has made health insurance more affordable and accessible to individuals and businesses through low-premium health insurance plans that accompany a Health Savings Account.
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:
September 3, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028