State Advocacy Update
Horizons in Hemophilia, March 2011
By Jeff Cornett, RN, MSN, Director of Training, Research, and Advocacy
The Georgia General Assembly is considering legislation that will directly affect the bleeding disorders community. Below is information about some of the bills we are working to pass.
Budget
Since 1973, the General Assembly has provided funding in the state budget to buy health insurance or factor concentrate for uninsured people with bleeding disorders. The passage of the Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform) made available a new program, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans (PECIP). PECIP is quality, comprehensive health insurance. The PECIP premiums are much cheaper than a year's supply of factor concentrate. Enrolling uninsured people with bleeding disorders in PECIP can save the state over a million dollars. Because it has taken longer to get people enrolled in the program, more money is needed in the state budget than was originally proposed by the governor. Hemophilia of Georgia has worked to get $250,000 added to the current year's budget as well as the state budget that begins July 1.
The Hemophilia Advisory Board Act (HB 378)
Two years ago the Georgia bleeding disorder community was successful in getting the Hemophilia Advisory Board Act passed through the General Assembly. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by then-governor Sonny Perdue. The bill has been reintroduced by Rep. Sean Jerguson of Cherokee County. Hemophilia of Georgia is working to pass the bill again, which will set up an advisory board of bleeding disorder providers, patients, and state leaders to suggest ways the state can improve care for our community.