Bill > SB503

This bill amends Georgia law to ensure that health benefit plans, policies, or contracts executed by the state for state employees, public school teachers and employees, and members and employees of the Board of Regents (and their retirees and dependents) will cover medically necessary orthotic devices (like braces) and prosthetic devices (like artificial limbs), along with their materials and components. The bill clarifies that the definition of a "health benefit policy" will include these state-executed plans starting January 1, 2027, and specifically excludes self-funded employer health insurance plans governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), which is a federal law that sets standards for most voluntarily established retirement plans and health plans in private industry. This Act will only take effect if funds are specifically appropriated for these purposes by the General Assembly, and will become effective on the later of the date the appropriations Act becomes effective or the start of the fiscal year for which the appropriations are made.