sb439.html

06 LC 33 1131

Senate Bill 439

By: Senators Meyer von Bremen of the 12th, Hooks of the 14th and Golden of the 8th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employeeś health insurance plan, so as to provide that any employee or other individual covered under the state health insurance plan who has been assessed any late charge or surcharge due to noncompliance with any established deadline shall be given an opportunity to provide proof of attempted compliance; to provide for the cessation and recoupment of such charges and surcharges; to provide for related matters; to provide for applicability; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employeeś health insurance plan, is amended by adding a new Code section to the end of such article to read as follows:

"45-18-20.

The board shall provide that any employee or other individual covered under the health insurance plan established pursuant to this article who has been assessed any late charge or surcharge due to noncompliance with any established deadline shall be given an opportunity to provide proof that he or she attempted to comply with such deadline and was not able to comply due to circumstances beyond his or her control. Proof of attempted compliance may include a computer screen printout of a failed attempt due to technical reasons for an attempt to comply through electronic means and a receipt for registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, for an attempt to comply by mail. In the event the employee or other individual provides such proof, the board shall cease assessing such late charge or surcharge and shall cause to be credited back to the employee or other individual any late charge or surcharge which has already been assessed to and paid by or deducted from such employee or other individual."

SECTION 2.

This Act shall apply to all plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2006.

SECTION 3.

This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 4.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.