Georgia House Bill HB506

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Report Pass: 2/27/25
• Engrossed: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/10/25
• Report Pass: 3/13/25

Caption

Social services; Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; provide

Impact

The passage of HB 506 is expected to have significant implications for state law concerning public health initiatives. It will align Medicaid support with the objectives of enhancing the overall health of Georgia's population by reducing smoking rates. By ensuring comprehensive coverage without any imposition of prior authorization or out-of-pocket costs for recipients, the bill will likely increase access to necessary cessation resources for a broader segment of the population who rely on Medicaid services. This provision could potentially lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs over time due to fewer smoking-related health issues.

Summary

House Bill 506 aims to amend Georgia's Medicaid coverage by providing comprehensive coverage for tobacco cessation treatments. This includes reimbursement for any FDA-approved medications prescribed for tobacco cessation and various counseling options such as individual, group, and telephone counseling. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals seeking to quit smoking by not limiting the number of covered counseling treatment attempts, thus promoting continual support for Medicaid recipients in their cessation efforts.

Contention

However, the bill is not likely to be without its points of contention. Discussions among legislators may center around the funding required to implement these expansive coverage provisions, with concerns raised about the impact on the state budget. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the effectiveness of counseling and medication compared to alternative cessation methods. While supporters argue that this initiative could reduce healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses in the long run, critics may question the prioritization of Medicaid funding for tobacco cessation over other pressing healthcare needs.