Several states have explored ways to protect consumers from these surprise bills. Gov. Kemp Signs Landmark Healthcare Legislation

July 17, 2020 Atlanta, GA –

Governor Brian P. Kemp today signed several pieces of legislation to ensure a safer and healthier Georgia. Among the bills signed at a ceremony at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital were bills to reduce surprise medical billing (HB 888) and address Georgia's maternal mortality rate by enhancing access to quality and timely care for mothers on Medicaid (HB 1114).

"This is a historic step forward for Georgia when it comes to healthcare, and frankly, it couldn't come at a better time - as our state and country face the greatest public health challenge we have seen in the 21st Century," said Governor Kemp.

"When we began 2020, none of us could have predicted that we would face a pandemic and grapple with unprecedented threats to the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians."

"We have faced sobering moments together, but today is a bright spot as we continue to streamline bureaucracy, increase access to care, insist on transparency and fairness, improve health outcomes, and put Georgia families first. I am grateful for the hard work of the General Assembly along with our partners in the medical field, frontline heroes, and local leaders to champion these much-needed reforms as we work to build a safer, stronger Georgia."

HB 888 - Reduction of Suprise Medical Billing: HB 888 is a bi-partisan reform that puts patients ahead of the status quo and provides a fair process for billing that medical providers and insurers can agree on.

HB 1114 - Postpartum Medicaid Extension: HB 1114 provides for an additional four months of Medicaid coverage for mothers on Medicaid, bringing total coverage to six months.

Coupled with other investments, HB 1114 will dramatically improve health outcomes for Georgia mothers. During the ceremony at Wellstar, Governor Kemp also signed the following legislation: HB 521, HB 578, HB 789, HB 932, SB 28, and SB 395.

Contact Director of Communications & Chief Deputy Executive Counsel

Candice Broce candice.broce@georgia.gov

Contact Press Secretary Cody Hall cody.hall@georgia.gov

RESOURCES MENTIONED

https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/maps-and-interactives/2020/jul/state-balance-billing-protections

https://essentialhospitals.org/policy/four-states-start-2020-new-surprise-billing-laws/

https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/counteracting-surprise-medical-billing.aspx

https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-07-17/gov-kemp-signs-landmark-healthcare-legislation

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