Senate Bill 503
By: Senators Harbin of the 16th, Walker III of the 20th, Anavitarte of the 31st, Robertson of
the 29th, Still of the 48th and others
AS PASSED
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
insurance generally, so as to require health benefit plans, policies, or contracts executed by
the state to cover medically necessary orthotic devices and prosthetic devices and their
materials and components; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide
for contingent effectiveness upon appropriation of funds; to repeal conflicting laws; and for
other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance
generally, is amended in Code Section 33-24-59.35, relating to required coverage orthotic
devices and prosthetic devices, reporting, and regulation, by revising paragraph (3) of
subsection (a) as follows:
"(3) 'Health benefit policy' means any individual or group plan, policy, or contract for
healthcare services issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in this state by an
insurer that provides major medical benefits. <ins>On or after January 1, 2027, such</ins> <del>Such</del> term
shall <del>not</del> include any plans, policies, or contracts executed by the state <ins>to provide
healthcare coverage</ins> on behalf of state employees, <ins>public school teachers and employees,
</ins>
<ins>and members and employees of the Board of Regents and their retirees and dependents
</ins> <del>under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45, and shall not apply to the provision of
healthcare services pursuant to a contract entered into by an insurer and the Department
of Community Health for recipients of Medicaid.</del> Such term shall not include
self-funded, employer sponsored health insurance plans subject to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as codified
and amended at 29 U.S.C. Section 1001, et seq."
SECTION 2.
(a) This Act shall become effective only if funds are specifically appropriated for purposes
of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly.
(b) If funds are so appropriated, then this Act shall become effective on the later of:
(1) The date on which such appropriations Act becomes effective; or
(2) The beginning date of the fiscal year for which such appropriations are made.
SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.