Georgia House Bill HB280

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/23
• Engrossed: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report Pass: 3/23/23

Caption

Insurance; additional value-added products or services that are excluded from being unfair trade practices and unlawful inducements; provide

Impact

The introduction of HB 280 would notably change the landscape of insurance services in Georgia, lifting prior restrictions on what insurers can offer as supplemental benefits. By allowing these additional services to be offered without classification as unfair inducements, the bill supports a more customer-centric approach. As a result, customers—defined broadly to include policyholders and potential applicants—may start to see new services aimed specifically at improving personal health or financial stability, which can lead to better outcomes for individuals engaged with their insurance providers.

Summary

House Bill 280 is designed to amend Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically focusing on regulations surrounding insurance. The primary aim of the bill is to allow insurers and insurance producers to offer additional value-added products or services that are not considered unfair trade practices or unlawful inducements. This initiative is intended to enhance customers' overall health and financial wellness, while providing support for behavioral changes that can further improve these areas.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide several advantages, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for abuse or inconsistencies in how these value-added products are marketed and implemented. Critics might argue that without careful regulations and oversight, insurers could mislead customers regarding the benefits of these new services, particularly if they are not adequately disclosed or integrated into existing policies. The passage of this bill may require additional regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and fairness within the insurance market.