The Georgia State Senate passed Governor Kemp’s Patients First Act – Senate Bill 106 – sponsored by administration floor leaders, Senators Blake Tillery(R – Vidalia) and Brian Strickland (R – McDonough).

“The Patients First Act is a critical step toward more innovative, accessible, and affordable health care for hardworking Georgians in every part of our state. Today, the State Senate took decisive action to deliver results for Georgia families by passing Senate Bill 106, and I applaud the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Senators Blake Tillery and Brian Strickland, and their colleagues who supported this measure for listening to our constituents and putting patients first," stated Governor Kemp. "Now, I look forward to working with the State House to secure final passage of this legislation."

Several prominent health care leaders have expressed their clear support of this measure.

Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, FACHE, President and CEO of Navicent Health: "We wholeheartedly support S.B. 106 and the improvements this would make statewide to provide residents access to health care that is equitable and affordable. The passage of this bill would make it possible to move forward with a waiver that could improve Medicaid coverage for residents, increasing their access to health care services, while also allowing health care providers to recoup many of the losses felt since 2013. The passage of this bill would make it possible to move forward with a waiver that could support the transition from fee-for-service to a fee-for-value framework, thus improving health care outcomes for all Georgia residents."

John Haupert, President & CEO, Grady Health System: "Waivers will permit Georgia to apply for and receive the flexibility and resources from the federal government that will allow the state to design health care solutions that meet its unique needs. Passing Senate Bill 106 would be a positive step toward improving our health care delivery system and increase access to care for those who need it most."

Earl Rogers, President and CEO, Georgia Hospital Association: "On behalf of our nearly 170 hospital members, the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) supports SB 106 and thanks Governor Kemp and Senator Blake Tillery for their leadership in helping to ensure access to affordable health insurance for Georgia’s patients. GHA understands that an insured patient is a healthier patient, because that individual will seek the right care at the right time at the right place. Too often, uninsured and under-insured patients delay care until their illness or injury has progressed to the point that they have no choice other than to seek treatment in an emergency room. We commend Governor Kemp for his efforts to craft a solution to Georgia’s uninsured crisis."

Jimmy Lewis, CEO, Hometown Health: "Hometown Health is glad to see an opportunity to bring a creative, innovative approach to health care in the Patients First Act. We look forward to working with Governor Kemp and state agencies to address reforms in health care delivery through the waiver process."