Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 295 Surprise Billing Act and other major healthcare bills into law

"This legislation will strengthen healthcare protection for the patients of Georgia." Lee Hawkins??

House Bill 295 sponsored by Chairman Lee Hawkins of the 27th district was signed into law on May 2, 2023. The bill which unanimously passed the Georgia General Assembly House Of Representatives on March 2, 2023, protects consumers against surprise bills and includes violations of unfair claims settlement practices and penalties. It also provides Georgia Department of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner John King the ability to address unfair claim procedures and penalties.?

Georgia House Bill 295 is a bipartisan bill putting patients ahead of the status quo by providing a fair process for billing which medical providers and insurers can agree on. The law extends response time and date for arbitration centers from 30 to 60 days and provides. Insurer payments must be made within 15 days of an electronic bill and 30 days for paper invoices. This triggers a quick turnaround time from the time arbitration starts and any challenges are made. Insurers who fail to designate a health plan are subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA, is a federal law that?sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in the private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans. It is a federal exemption for self funded plans which prevents state Insurance departments from regulatory compliance.?This keeps the?Georgia Department of Insurance & Safety Fire?billing process involved. The DOI failure policies are to insure and improve the arbitration process and strengthen the Surprise Billing and Protection Act.