HB951: HB951 Insurance; require health benefit policy coverage for medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic devices and their materials and components

26 LC 52 0886 House Bill 951 By: Representatives Clark of the 100th, Mathiak of the 82nd, Silcox of the 53rd, Kelley of the 16th, Schofield of the 63rd, and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1 insurance generally, so as to require health benefit plans, policies, or contracts executed by2 the state to cover medically necessary orthotic devices and pro sthetic devices and their3 materials and components; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide4 for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:6 SECTION 1.7 Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotate d, relating to insurance8 generally, is amended in Code Section 33-24-59.35, relating to required coverage orthotic9 devices and prosthetic devices, reporting, and regulation, by r evising paragraph (3) of10 subsection (a) as follows:11 "(3) 'Health benefit policy' means any individual or group plan , policy, or contract for12 healthcare services issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in this state by an13 insurer that provides major medical benefits. Such On or after January 1, 2027, such term14 shall not include any plans, policies, or contracts executed by the stat e to provide15 healthcare coverage on behalf of state employees, public school teachers and employees,16 H. B. 951 - 1 - 26 LC 52 0886 and members and employees of the Board of Regents and their retirees and dependents17 under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45, and shall not apply to the provision of18 healthcare services pursuant to a contract entered into by an insurer and the Department19 of Community Health for recipients of Medicaid . Such term shall not include20 self-funded, employer sponsored health insurance plans subject to the exclusive21 jurisdiction of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as codified22 and amended at 29 U.S.C. Section 1001, et seq."23 SECTION 2.24 This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law25 without such approval.26 SECTION 3.27 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.28 H. B. 951 - 2 -