1. Legislative Overview
By Don Bolia
Legislative Session 2017

2. HB 64 Agent Compensation Sponsored by Representative Shaw Blackmon
Requires companies to pay agent commission but does not specify an amount
Passed the House and was on tabled in the Senate
The bill returns to the House Insurance Committee for consideration in 2018
HB 64

3. HB 146 Insurance for Firefighters
Sponsored by Representative Micah Gravely
Mandates local governments purchase coverage for all firefighters with 12 or more months of consecutive coverage
Limits types of eligible cancers
A similar bill was vetoed in 2016 because it touched the workers compensation code – this one does not do that
HB 146 was signed on May 4th
HB 146

4. HB 240 / HB 583 “PEO” Bill(s) Sponsored by Representative Rich Golick
Requires licensing of a representative of a PEO who engages in counseling, advising or rendering options as to the benefits promised under a health plan
This is one of 5 pieces of legislation dropped regarding PEO regulation.
It has been replaced by HB 583, narrowing the approach in stating that nothing in PEO law shall be construed to exempt anyone from insurance licensure law
This bill was dropped after crossover day and will be a vehicle for consideration next year
The Department of Insurance has indicated they will be addressing this issue through a directive
HB 240 / HB 583

5. HOME RULE & TAXATION SB 8 / HB 71 / HR 745 Surprise Billing
SB 8 sponsored by Senator Renee Unterman
HB 71 sponsored by Representative Richard Smith
SB 8 and HB 71 address the “surprise billing” issue by requiring physicians and insurance companies to take the patient out of the middle
Both bills went through a series of changes throughout the process – driven by insurance companies and loudly opposed by physicians
HB 71 did not get called for a vote in the full House. SB 8 crossed over but never made it to the floor of the House on Day 40
Chairman Smith held a meeting in late June to continue the conversation – we expect more discussion towards a solution this fall
SB 8 / HB 71 / HR 745
HOME RULE & TAXATION

6. SB 50 Direct Primary Care Act Sponsored by Senator Hunter Hill
Allows for direct primary care agreements between physicians and patients
Includes in the definition that these agreements are not considered insurance
Did not get called off the table in 2017
Returns to the Senate Insurance Committee for consideration in 2018
With Hunter Hill announcing a run for Governor, there will likely be a new champion for this issue emerge
SB 50

7. SB 206 Hearing aid coverage Sponsored by Senator PK Martin
Requires insurance companies to provide hearing aids and replacements to children 18 or younger
Costs are capped at $3,000 per aid, per ear
SB 206 was signed on May 8th
SB 206

8. 2018 Elections 2018 Election Cycle Governor
Secretary of State Brian Kemp – Announced
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle – Announced
Senator Hunter Hill – Announced
Senator Michael Williams – Announced
Representative Stacey Abrams – Announced
Representative Stacey Evans – Announced
Lt. Governor
Representative Geoff Duncan – Announced
Senator Rick Jeffares – Announced
Senator David Shafer – Announced
2018 Elections

9. 2018 Elections 2018 Election Cycle Insurance Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner Jay Florence – Announced
Former State Senator Judson Hill – Rumored candidate
Secretary of State
Senator Josh McKoon - Announced
Representative Buzz Brockway – Announced
Representative Brad Raffensperger – Announced
Mayor David Belle Isle – Announced
Attorney General
Chris Carr – Incumbent, Announced
Former Congressman John Barrow – Rumored candidate
2018 Elections

10. Thank you!