Georgia Senate Bill SB262

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Insurance; health benefit policies to cover preventive services; provide

Impact

If enacted, SB262 would significantly alter how health insurers manage coverage for preventive services. It mandates that all health insurers provide unrestricted access to preventive services, ensuring these services are categorized as critical elements of health benefit policies. This could enhance the utilization rates of preventive healthcare services among populations, targeting the reduction of chronic conditions and overall healthcare costs. Additionally, it reinforces the integrity of health savings accounts by protecting their eligibility in circumstances where preventive care is necessary.

Summary

Senate Bill 262 is designed to amend Georgia's insurance laws to require health benefit policies to cover preventive services without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on insured individuals. The bill establishes clear definitions related to health insurance, including terms like 'cost-sharing requirement' and 'preventive services,' thereby setting a foundation for the expanded coverage. The intention is to improve access to critical preventive healthcare, such as routine screenings and immunizations, fostering a healthier population and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with neglected health issues.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits in promoting preventive health measures, there may be pushback from insurance providers concerned about the financial implications of mandated coverage. There are concerns that without careful oversight, mandatory compliance could lead to an increase in health insurance premiums. Furthermore, the requirement for insurers to adhere to 'nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines' may raise discussions about the balance between following established medical practices and innovative healthcare solutions tailored to individual patient needs.