Archives: Bills

What SB 428 does: Directs the state to seek federal approval by December 31, 2026, for a Medicaid waiver that would pay for home and community-based mental health services for adults over 21 who need ongoing support but don’t need institutional care. Eligibility would be based on risk factors like hospitalization history, psychiatric crises, emergency visits, prior incarceration, or homelessness.

Consumer impact: SB 428 would allow Medicaid to cover ongoing community-based support that helps people remain stable and avoid costly crisis situations.

What HB 1002 does: Would move Medicaid coverage for children in foster care from managed care (Georgia Families 360°) to fee-for-service Medicaid when current contracts expire, with an automatic repeal in 2028.

Consumer impact: Children in foster care have complex health care needs related to trauma. Some advocates believe direct access to any Medicaid provider (fee-for-service) would better serve these children than managed care’s more limited networks. However, managed care currently provides care coordination services that fee-for-service does not, which could lead to fragmented care. HB 1002 doesn’t address how to maintain care coordination during the transition.

What HB 961 does: Extends surprise out-of-network billing protections to emergency ground ambulance rides. Patients would pay no more than in-network rates for out-of-network ambulance services.

Consumer impact: Georgia’s current surprise billing law doesn’t cover ground ambulances, leaving patients vulnerable to unexpected bills of hundreds or thousands of dollars, even when they have insurance.

What HB 657 does: Codifies DBHDD’s existing peer support specialist certification system in state law, defines five categories of certified peer specialists, and establishes a statutory framework for recovery community organizations (RCOs). The bill would also authorize DBHDD to designate a single statewide RCO to coordinate the network.

Consumer impact: Peer support from people with lived experience helps people in recovery. HB 657 would formalize the system to protect the integrity of community-based peer programs.

HR 659 creates the House Study Committee on Insurance Market Reform to examine Georgia’s rising insurance premiums, reduced coverage options, and lack of competition in the insurance industry. In response to some of the concerns about insurance practices raised during the passage of SB 68 (tort reform legislation), the committee will study issues like rate-setting practices, industry profits, regulatory compliance, and models from other states to identify reforms that could protect consumers from unaffordable premiums and ensure fairness and transparency. The substitute changed the composition of the study committee from seven House members and four non-legislative members to eight House members and three non-legislative members.

SB 96 expands the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission, which oversees funding and programs to prevent and reduce homelessness. It operates under the Georgia Dept of Community Affairs (DCA). It provides grants, financial assistance, and support services to organizations that serve individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The bill increases the commission’s membership from nine to 11 and makes structural updates to appointment terms, allowing for broader representation and expertise in homelessness prevention efforts. This expansion could strengthen policy direction and funding decisions related to affordable housing and homelessness services.

The original language from SB 91 was removed and replaced with two bills that passed out of the House – HB 373 to require insurers to cover prostate cancer screening and HB 323 to make Medicare Advantage plans available to Georgians under the age of 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease.

HB 689 creates a statewide homelessness prevention program under the Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless. The program is designed to prevent evictions, support housing stability for low-income individuals, and reduce homelessness. It establishes an application process, minimum program standards, and a funding structure for organizations that provide rental assistance, eviction diversion services, and other homelessness prevention efforts.

HB 500 updates Georgia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program by increasing the maximum benefit amount, lifetime eligibility limits, and asset exclusions for applicants. It raises cash assistance levels to 40% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and allows recipients to receive benefits for up to 60 months, an increase from the previous 48-month limit. The bill also increases the asset limit to $5,000. It exempts one primary vehicle from asset calculations, with an additional $4,650 equity exclusion for a second vehicle if used for work, education, or job search.

This committee is charged with examining gaps in access to quality cancer care; how to increase prevention and early detection efforts; and needs related to care facilities and workforce. The study committee will be made up of five members of the House (appointed by the Speaker of the House) and an additional seven members. The additional members will be two representatives of Georgia’s medical or public health schools; one primary care physician; one community oncologist practicing in a rural community; and one representative from Georgia’s federally qualified health centers; and two others representing cancer survivors, hospitals or medical centers, caregivers, navigators, or other areas of expertise. The committee will complete its work by the end of 2025.