Bill > HB885

This bill establishes a new program within the Georgia Department of Public Health to assist pregnant women living in areas with limited maternity care access, specifically targeting counties with few obstetric providers, no hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care, or high rates of uninsured reproductive-age women. The program will help uninsured or underinsured pregnant women by providing assistance such as obstetric care, mental health services, telehealth services, transportation to medical appointments, and child care during medical visits. The department will create an application and approval process, develop criteria for services, and can arrange, partially or fully pay for, or reimburse various types of medical and support services. The program will be funded through state appropriations and can also accept donations, pursue federal funding, and collaborate with private and nonprofit organizations. The department must publish program information on its website and submit an annual report to state leadership detailing the program's effectiveness, including the number of women assisted, participating providers, types of assistance provided, and total expenditures. The bill requires the department to make biennial recommendations about the program's continuation or potential improvements, and authorizes the department to create necessary rules and regulations to implement the program.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71891