By Ashley Speagle
Correspondent
ATLANTA -- Georgia senators passed a bill Thursday aimed at changing the state Constitution so residents have the right to opt out of possible federal health care coverage.
Under health care reform being pushed through Congress, "People who cannot already afford to purchase health care will be forced to purchase it or will be punished," said Sen. Judson Hill, R-Marietta, one of the bill's sponsors. "States have a right to provide further protection for citizens."
There's also a financial cost to the states if federal health care reform is passed. The Georgia Senate Budget Office estimates that expanded Medicaid coverage required under the current health care reform bill would cost Georgia an additional $1 billion per year.
Senate Bill 317 states that federal health care coverage will not be mandatory for Georgia residents and that those who prefer to purchase other health insurance, or none, won't face penalties.
It takes a vote of the people to amend the Constitution. The Senate and House both must pass Senate Resolution 794 by a two-thirds majority to get the proposed amendment on the November ballot.
The Senate hasn't been able to muster that majority so far. Senators defeated the resolution 34-19 on a party-line vote Wednesday. The same majority voted Thursday to bring it back to the floor for another vote, but supporters can't assemble a two-thirds majority and send the bill on to the House without Democratic support.
Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, said he supports the legislation.
"I have not read the bill yet, but I like what the Senate is looking to do there," Rep. Neal said. "I look forward to getting it in our committee."
SB 317 and SR 794
* No law or rule or regulation shall compel, directly or indirectly, any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.
* A person or employer may pay directly and a health care provider may accept direct payment for lawful health care services and shall not be required to pay penalties or fines.
* The purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems shall not be prohibited by law or by rule or regulation.
He is vice chairman of the House Insurance Committee, which will hear the bill if it gets out of the Senate.
Rep. John Meadows, R-Calhoun, who is chairman of the Insurance Committee, said he also supports the bill's intent.
"I think I've talked to one person that thought federal health care was good in my district, and I've had lots of people say they're against it," Rep. Meadows said.
He said that even if the attempt fails, its introduction sends a message to the federal government.
"The resolution says we shouldn't have to do what the federal government tells us to do," he said. "They hold such a big sledgehammer over us with all other funds, we might not can do this, but we'll let 'em know we don't like it."
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