On Tuesday, Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed multiple pieces of legislation aimed at improving maternal health and increasing access to healthcare.
“Bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to our healthcare system has always been a top priority of my administration,” said Kemp. “By signing these bills, we are taking important steps to enable Georgians to choose the right health insurance coverage options for their families and improve the safety of our healthcare heroes while ensuring the most vulnerable among us are receiving the assistance they need. These are critical steps in improving the health and well-being of communities across our state, and I am thankful for everyone who played a role in these measures.”
According to a press release from Kemp’s office, the legislation signed includes “HB 129, sponsored by Representative Soo Hong and carried by Senator Mike Hodges, [which] allows eligible expectant mothers to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.”
“SB 65, sponsored by Senator Ben Watson and carried by Representative Eddie Lumsden, authorizes the Department of Insurance to create and administer a state-based health insurance exchange. Under a state-based exchange, Georgians will be better able to compare and contrast their health insurance options to determine which best fits the needs of their family,” the press release continued.
“SB 106, sponsored by Senator Larry Walker III and carried by Representative Sharon Cooper, advances maternal health by codifying a pilot program for maternal health home visits through the Department of Public Health,” the press release added.
In signing the legislation, Kemp was joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Department of Community Health Commissioner Caylee Noggle, Department of Human Services Commissioner Candice Broce, and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kevin Tanner.
