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GA SB481
GA SB481Medical Assistance; Medicaid coverage for heart and lung transplants when medically necessary; require
summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to require Medicaid coverage for heart and lung transplants when medically necessary; to provide for related healthcare services including immunosuppressant drugs; to provide for a state plan amendment or waiver request; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that Medicaid, a government-funded healthcare program for low-income individuals, must cover heart and lung transplants when a licensed physician determines them to be medically necessary, meaning they are essential for a patient's health. This coverage will extend to all related healthcare services needed before and after the transplant, as well as crucial immunosuppressant drugs, which prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. To implement these changes, the state will need to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment or a waiver request to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which is the federal agency overseeing Medicaid.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (14)
Tonya Anderson (D)*,
Gail Davenport (D)*,
Sonya Halpern (D)*,
Sally Harrell (D)*,
Kim Jackson (D)*,
Harold Jones (D)*,
RaShaun Kemp (D)*,
David Lucas (D)*,
Derek Mallow (D)*,
Randal Mangham (D)*,
Josh McLaurin (D)*,
Nan Orrock (D)*,
Elena Parent (D)*,
Kenya Wicks (D)*,
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73035 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/242048 |
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