ATLANTA, March 5 -- The Georgia State Senate issued the following news release on the behalf of State Sen. William Ligon:

Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) applauds the passage of Senate Bill 163, which passed the Senate by a vote of 39 to 10. Sponsored by Sen. Ligon, this legislation would require the Board of Community Health to examine and identify options for reforming Georgia's Medicaid Program. If passed, this effort is expected to bring significant cost savings to the state.

"Today, approximately 17 percent of the roughly 10 million people who call Georgia home receive health insurance from our state's Medicaid program, and that number is only expected to grow," said Sen. Ligon. "The passage of Senate Bill 163 will lay the groundwork for effective Medicaid Reform and help ensure our state's long-term fiscal stability."

Under this legislation, the Board of Community Health will analyze the possible expansion of managed care, measures used by commercial insurers to encourage healthy consumer choices, and the use of accountable care organizations and patient centered medical homes.

By December 31, 2013, the board is responsible for providing a report to the Governor, House Speaker, President of the Senate, and members of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees on its findings and recommendations.

Senate Bill 163 will now transfer to the House of Representatives for consideration.

TNS MJ88-130306-4232516 StaffFurigay