Ga. State Sen. Sally Harrell Files Legislation to Create a PeachCare Public Option

ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- The Georgia State Senate issued the following news release on the behalf of State Sen. Sally Harrell, D-Atlanta:

Senator Sally Harrell (D - Atlanta) filed Senate Bill 83 to increase Georgian's access to quality, affordable health care by allowing anyone, regardless of income, age, or insurance status, to purchase Medicaid Managed Care, the same system used for Georgia's PeachCare for Kids program. The PeachCare Public Option would cost consumers no more or less than what it will cost the government to provide the service.

"We've bought into a myth that private insurance is the best and only option for consumers. But too many Georgians are struggling to afford private plans, or worse, having to fight with their insurance companies to cover a needed service after they've already paid thousands of dollars for their plan," said Sen. Harrell. "A Medicaid public option would offer all 10 Affordable Care Act essential benefits and could cost significantly less than an equivalent private plan."

SB 83 would direct the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) to design a new program called "PeachCare Public Option," that would allow healthcare consumers to purchase a Medicaid Managed Care plan at cost. The bill would require DCH to maximize affordability for participants and allow those that are eligible for tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to use those benefits to help cover the cost of this new option. The PeachCare Public Option would be offered on the insurance marketplace alongside private plans.

"The Governor's Medicaid waivers are sure to drive thousands of Georgia consumers into cheaper plans with fewer benefits," said Sen. Harrell. "That's good for insurance company profits, but not for the people of Georgia. Georgians deserve a comprehensive, affordable healthcare option that actually covers the services they need when they need it."

Washington State passed a public health care option for their citizens in 2019 and 19 other states are currently looking into public option plans as well.