The Health Plans, Medical Association and Hospitals continued to discuss revisions to the Governor’s S.B. 476 concerning retroactive audits of claims, precertification around the clock, and verification of eligibility. The Governor’s staff accepted comments from all stakeholders, MAG is interested in adding continuity of care provisions to whatever managed care legislation evolves, to allow 60 days of service by a doctor terminating or resigning from a network. These provisions could land in HB 716.

The completion of discussions about the HCA hospitals, St. Francis in Columbus and St Mary’s in Athens joining the PPO network of the State Health Benefit Plan continued. It appears that all Georgia hospitals will be in the network by April 1.

The Governor continues to push his faith based bill, HB 1407 as an alternative to the two constitutional resolutions. His floor leader added an amendment to require 501(c)3 status or compliance with state auditing requirements for an y eligible church grantees under the TANF programs with federal dollars for which churches may receive grants. The bill then was reported by State Planning and Community Affairs.

HB 387 passed the House and changes the method of computing the maximum compensation that a member of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia receiving a disability benefit may earn without affecting the benefit.

SB 408 allows employees of the Federal State Shipping Point Inspection Service and the Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund to participate in the state’s flexible employee benefit plan.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Committee action on health or insurance issues was absent. The House State and Local Planning Committee met on various tax bills and the faith based initiative noted above. House Judiciary maintains a very busy calendar and dealt with some judicial salary issues.

NEW INTRODUCED LEGISLATION

HB 1529 by Rep. Wilkinson, Irvin, Johnson Bridges and Cooper provides for the revocation of a minors drivers’ license upon the withdrawal of parental consent.

SB 480 by Sens. Gingrey, Crotts, Guhl, Mullis, and Harp alters requirements relating to the issuance, expiration and renewal of motor vehicle drivers’ licenses.

SB 486 by Sens. Gingrey, Thomas, Price, Hecht and Tanksley prohibits a managed health care entity from limiting the quantity of a prescription ordered by a health care provider that may be dispensed by a pharmacist.