State of Georgia Archives: on Health Care

Allen Buckley: Eliminate premiums; raise coinsurance contribution

Allen Buckley: Tax subsidies for health savings accounts (HSAs)

A: By reducing the impact of the third party in the health care equation, thus creating competition and incentive for individuals to control costs. All should be eligible for coverage, and there should be no discrimination based on pre-existing conditions except conditions brought on by the individual (e.g. smoking). I recommend modifying high deductible health plans and only allowing tax subsidies for high deductible coverage and health savings accounts (HSAs) contributions, while creating incentives for states to increase competition (such as by reducing Medicaid funding to states that maintain certificate of need (CON) laws). Aside from changing the Medicare eligibility age (discussed below), I recommend slight modification to Medicare benefits to achieve competition and incentive for individuals to control costs.

Amanda Swafford: Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility

Swafford: Strongly Disagree

Question topic: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress.

Swafford: Strongly Agree

Amanda Swafford: Dramatically strengthen Health Savings Accounts

We should also dramatically strengthen Health Savings Accounts. Incentives for healthcare under the current tax code should not depend on meeting special gross income thresholds engineered by Congress. And the FDA should be audited and possibly replaced with voluntary, free market groups made up of both industry and consumer driven organizations to monitor, protect and research what is actually demanded by those utilizing the goods & services produced.

Andrew Hunt: Georgia can do better than ObamaCare

In addition to insurance plans, we should have Co-op options like Colorado, or even Direct Health Care programs between patients and their doctors. I would also work to change rules and regulations to decrease insurance cost for providers so that that the total cost to provide health care can be reduced by 10-20% in many cases.

One of the main culprits of high healthcare costs is malpractice insurance. In Minnesota, malpractice insurance costs half of what doctors pay in Georgia. By providing more options than just insurance by large healthcare companies and reducing insurance costs for providers, the patient (customer) and doctor will both come out ahead.

Brian Kemp: Free market replacement for ObamaCare

Brian Kemp: Rural counties deserve a patient-centered healthcare system

Brian Kemp: Don't expand the broken Medicaid system

Brian Kemp: Require people to work to receive Medicaid

Abrams: Supports ACA. Led efforts to expand Medicaid, which is "transformative for our state."

Kemp: Repeal ACA. "[It] is an absolute disaster & needs to be repealed immediately." Opposes Medicaid expansion.

Healthcare: Require people to work to receive Medicaid?

Abrams: No.

Kemp: Yes.

Brian Kemp: Supported limited instead of full expansion of Medicaid

Analysis by Georgia Public Broadcasting: The Patients First Act requests a Medicaid waiver from the federal government. Both proponents and opponents of the move are making it clear a waiver isn't the same as full Medicaid expansion, which is what then- President Obama envisioned for states when crafting the Affordable Care Act. Democrats say a waiver doesn't go far enough while some conservatives say even a partial expansion is too costly.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-20-4, Vote #65 on Feb/26/19; Passed House 104-67-9, Vote #288 on Mar/25/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Mar/27/19

David Perdue: Responsible thing to do: fix ObamaCare; don't repeal it

Rep. Jack Kingston drew criticism from conservatives after he said Republicans should improve, rather than repeal, the Affordable Care Act: "A lot of conservatives say, 'Nah, let's just step back and let this thing fall to pieces on its own.' But I don't think that's always the responsible thing to do," Kingston said. "I think we need to be looking for things that improve health care overall for all of us. And if there is something in ObamaCare, we need to know about it." Kingston later said his comments had been misinterpreted

David Perdue: Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility

Perdue: Strongly Disagree

Question topic: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress.

Perdue: Strongly Agree

David Perdue: Repeal fining poor because they can't afford ObamaCare

Perdue: No. Voted to repeal ACA. "The poorest among us will continue to be fined because they can't afford ObamaCare."

Ossoff: Yes. Will "work to improve [ACA], not repeal it, so we can make affordable insurance and quality care available to all Americans."

David Perdue: COVID: We've done everything we could

Perdue: Trump and Pence are "taking the coronavirus very seriously." "We've done everything we could." Trump "has taken unprecedented action to protect the American people; now we're working to safely reopen [and] help small businesses continue to weather this crisis."

Ossoff: "Tens of millions are losing jobs, essential workers are underpaid, under-protected and underinsured [while] help for ordinary people and smaller firms has been meager and slow."

David Perdue: Market based solutions, crack down on fraud in Medicare

David Perdue: Incentivize drug manufacturers to lower prices

David Perdue: Invest in equipping vulnerable populations

Derrick Grayson: Repeal ObamaCare and replace it with nothing

• Freedom cannot be sub-divided
• Gov't should stay out of our bedrooms
• Protect life & no tax dollars for abortions
• Protect all individual privacy
• Preserve a tax free internet
• Defend private property rights
• Repeal ObamaCare and replace it with nothing

Derrick Grayson: High-risk pool for individuals with pre-existing conditions

A: By encouraging States to do their job and allowing insurance companies to do business across states lines. Also, ensuring a mechanism exists such as a high risk pool for individuals with pre-existing conditions, so that they may have guaranteed and affordable access to healthcare coverage as well.

Ed Tarver: I embrace the framework of the Affordable Care Act

A: I embrace the framework and structure of the Affordable Care Act and support a Medicaid-like alternative for qualified Americans without healthcare.

Doug Collins: Voted more than 50 times to repeal the ACA

Doug Collins: No. Has "voted more than 50 times to repeal the ACA." ACA "shattered insurance market."

Kelly Loeffler: No. Supports lawsuit to end. Calls Medicare for All insidious attack on liberty.

Raphael Warnock: Yes. Would "protect, improve, and build upon the Affordable Care Act."

Doug Collins: COVID: Trump saved lives, getting our economy back

Doug Collins: Sees Trump as "pushing to fix the COVID-19 issue but also to get our economy back." Trump also "saved lives."

Kelly Loeffler: "Trump and his administration have taken the threat of COVID-19 seriously from the beginning."

Raphael Warnock: Both Georgia and Trump have stumbled on pandemic response. "We need leadership that believes in science and will act with integrity."

Ed Tarver: Oppose tax breaks for high deductible insurance

Summary by the CBPP:Georgia created new tax breaks for high-deductible health plans. Almost 1.7 million Georgians--20%t of all residents under age 65--are uninsured. Almost 2/3 of them have incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Georgia's plan does not attempt to help these low-income individuals obtain insurance. Instead the plan's main target is uninsured people with incomes over $50,000.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 36-12-8, Vote #623 on Feb/26/08; Sen. Ed Tarver voted NO; Passed House 148-2-30, Vote #1070 on Apr/04/08; Signed by Gov. Perdue, May/7/08.

Hunter Hill: Healthcare should be done by states

Hunter Hill: Prohibit healthcare plans from covering abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676, Sen. Hunter Hill voted YES; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Jared Polis: Hope to add 1,300 healthcare practitioners in our state

Jared Polis: Don't force people to choose between jobs or a COVID vaccine

Jason Carter: Expanding Medicaid brings tax dollars back to Georgia

A: I think it's essentially a political bill.

Q: You're in favor of Medicaid expansion?

A: What I believe is that we have to look at this problem critically. I think expansion should be on the table, and make sure those folks (eligible for coverage) can get either private insurance on the exchanges or get a Medicaid-like expansion--it all has to be on the table. I think we will do one of those things if I'm elected governor.

Q: Are you going to make expansion and health reform issues in your campaign?

A: I think that it makes economic sense for our state to ensure that we draw down our tax dollars and bring them back to Georgia to improve the health options that our citizens have.

Jason Carter: Claimed water kills Ebola; "I was misinformed"

Hunt said Deal lacks the firsthand knowledge to lead Georgia's response. And Carter said his experience working in the Peace Corps in South Africa during disease outbreaks would serve him well.

Deal, for his part, said he was "misinformed" by his public health commissioner. Minutes before the debate, he appointed a task force to formulate the state's response to the deadly virus.

Jason Carter: ObamaCare a "mess" that needs fixing

Jason Carter: Let ObamaCare plans cover abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare. Voting NO means abortion coverage would be required in healthcare plans.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; Sen. Jason Carter voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Jim Barksdale: ObamaCare isn't perfect, but it's a good step

Jim believes it's outrageous that people in other countries can buy the same prescription drugs for less than we can in the United States, and wants to see Medicare be able to negotiate lower prescription drug prices in order to cut costs without reducing quality for our seniors. And 10% of Medicare coverage spending goes towards "improper payments," or charges that have no purpose.

Jim Martin: All children must have access to health care

Jim Martin: Part of team that created the PeachCare Act

Jon Ossoff: Supports public option over Medicare-for-All

Jon Ossoff: Defend Medicare and Medicaid and affordable health care

• No American should suffer or die from preventable or treatable illness.
• No American should be unable to make ends meet from out-of-control medical bills.
• No business should go under or lay off employees because it can't keep up with health insurance premiums.

Jon Ossoff: Maintain funding for CDC pandemic infrastructure

The provision would slash funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), devastating efforts to protect Georgians and the nation from deadly pandemics. The massive cuts would eliminate the Prevention and Public Health fund, which is critical to preventing outbreaks of dangerous diseases like Ebola and Zika.

"This is a national security issue," said Ossoff. "No matter where candidates stand on the overall bill, we should unite to protect Georgia families from the deadly outbreak of diseases like Ebola and Zika," said Ossoff.

Jon Ossoff: Ensure all Americans have insurance, for public option

Jon Ossoff: Improve ACA, not repeal it

Ossoff: Yes. Will "work to improve [ACA], not repeal it, so we can make affordable insurance and quality care available to all Americans."

Perdue: No. Voted to repeal ACA. "The poorest among us will continue to be fined because they can't afford ObamaCare."

Jon Ossoff: COVID: Trump's response "gross incompetence"

Ossoff: Calls the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic "gross incompetence." "Tens of millions are losing jobs, essential workers are underpaid, under-protected and underinsured [while] help for ordinary people and smaller firms has been meager and slow."

Perdue: Trump "has taken unprecedented action to protect the American people; now we're working to safely reopen [and] help small businesses continue to weather this crisis."

Jon Ossoff: Will oppose ongoing efforts to defund Medicare

Jon Ossoff: Empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices

Jon Ossoff: More federal support for eldercare in America

Jon Ossoff: COVID: out of control because government ignored science

Jon Ossoff: Expand Medicaid, invest in new public health clinics

Karen Handel: Embrace threat of federal shutdown to defund ObamaCare

Others to embrace the plan include former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel (R), former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R), who is the likely Republican nominee to run for retiring Sen. Carl Levin's (R-Mich.) seat, and Alaska Tea Party candidate Joe Miller (R).

GOP operatives say there's little downside for candidates to embrace the "defund" movement--especially those who are facing primary opponents. For Senate candidates who aren't already in Congress, especially, there's little political danger.

Karen Handel: ObamaCare overreaches, but feds should address healthcare

A spokesman for Perdue's campaign said that there was no conflict in Perdue's previous support for the idea of a federal health care law and his current opposition to ObamaCare. "David supports the full repeal of ObamaCare," the spokesman said. "However, he along with many other Republicans recognize that there are issues that must be addressed at the federal level. For example, Georgia Congressman Dr. Tom Price has a great patient-centered alternative to replace ObamaCare."

Karen Handel: ObamaCare canceled my wife's policy & doubled premiums

In January, Perdue wrote in a blog post that he and his wife's health insurance was canceled and their insurance premium doubled because of the Affordable Care Act.

"We did not have a 'substandard' plan with a second rate company," Perdue wrote. "We had done our research and picked a plan that met our needs. However, our federal government, in its infinite wisdom, decided that we grandparents needed maternity coverage among other things."

Kathleen Sebelius: Reauthorize SCHIP, State Children's Health Insurance Program

"There's been strong and steadfast support in both parties and in all regions of the country for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) ever since its creation in 1997. This program has enabled millions of children the opportunity to see a doctor, to receive preventative care and to live healthier lives. Yet the progress we have made is now threatened. For health and moral reasons, Congress must reauthorize SCHIP by September 30, 2007. Without timely reauthorization and funding, it will be virtually impossible for states to continue coverage for children already enrolled in SCHIP programs."

Kelly Loeffler: Supports overhaul of Medicaid in Georgia

Kelly Loeffler: Insidious socialism like Medicare-for-All attacks liberty

Kelly Loeffler: End ACA: Medicare for All is an attack on liberty

Kelly Loeffler: No. Supports lawsuit to end. Calls Medicare for All insidious attack on liberty.

Raphael Warnock: Yes. Would "protect, improve, and build upon the Affordable Care Act."

Kelly Loeffler: COVID: Trump took threat seriously from the beginning

Kelly Loeffler: "Trump and his administration have taken the threat of COVID-19 seriously from the beginning."

Raphael Warnock: Both Georgia and Trump have stumbled on pandemic response. "We need leadership that believes in science and will act with integrity."

Kelly Loeffler: Against Medicare for All, use free market solutions

Kelly Loeffler: Reduce regulation, increase competition, cut waste

Kelly Loeffler: For nursing homes, we need tort reform & to cut regulations

Matt Lieberman: Expand ObamaCare; add public option

Michelle Nunn: Add a tier of affordable coverage to ObamaCare

A: I am running as someone who ran an organization and understands the responsibilities and the difficulties of providing health care for employees. I also believe that we need to fix what's broken and there are clearly some things that have not worked well in the Affordable Care Act rollout. Some ideas include adding a tier of coverage for more affordability for families, ensuring that we extend the tax credit for small businesses. Here in Georgia--because we did not accept Medicaid expansion--a number of our rural hospitals are now having cuts that are really problematic. So I am running as someone who wants to fix the things that are broken in the health care system and build upon the things that are good, including ensuring that people who have preexisting conditions have access to health care, that kids up to age 26 have the opportunity to be covered by their parents.

Michelle Nunn: ObamaCare would have been better if bipartisan

After MSNBC followed up to ask if she would have voted yes or no, Nunn dodged again: "I think it's impossible to look back retrospectively and say what would you have done if you were there," she said.

Nunn has been running to the center in conservative-leaning Georgia. She's likely to be pressed on the issue going forward.

Nathan Deal: ObamaCare will cost Georgia $2.5B over next ten years

Nathan Deal: Guaranteed ER room treatment means excessive ER visits

"If they really want to get serious about lowering the cost of health care in this country, they would revisit another federal statute," Deal told the crowd. "It came as a result of bad facts, and bad facts make bad law. I think we should be able to figure out ways to deal with those situations but not have the excessive costs associated with unnecessary visits to the emergency room."

Nathan Deal: Refuses to expand Medicaid rolls under ObamaCare

Nathan Deal: Medicaid expansion costs too much

Nathan Deal: Affordable Care Act is waste of money

Nathan Deal: Prohibit healthcare plans from covering abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Nikema Williams: Opposed limited instead of full expansion of Medicaid

Analysis by Georgia Public Broadcasting: The Patients First Act requests a Medicaid waiver from the federal government. Both proponents and opponents of the move are making it clear a waiver isn't the same as full Medicaid expansion, which is what then- President Obama envisioned for states when crafting the Affordable Care Act. Democrats say a waiver doesn't go far enough while some conservatives say even a partial expansion is too costly.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-20-4, Vote #65 on Feb/26/19; State Sen. Nikema Williams voted NO; Passed House 104-67-9, Vote #288 on Mar/25/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Mar/27/19

Pat Roberts: Ebola: suspend air travel between the U.S. and West Africa

Paul Broun: Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility

Broun: Strongly Disagree

Question topic: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress.

Broun: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Briefly list political or legislative issues of most concern to you.

Broun: As a family physician for four decades, I know firsthand that ObamaCare fundamentally changes the American healthcare system as we know it. As Georgia's next U.S. Senator, I will strongly advocate repealing ObamaCare in full and replacing it with patient-centered, market-based solutions, such as my Patient OPTION Act.

Raphael Warnock: Expand Medicaid; keep children's health care

Raphael Warnock: Will focus on expanding quality, affordable health care

Raphael Warnock: 2014: Arrested at demonstration for Medicaid expansion

Raphael Warnock: COVID: Crisis handled like country with no resources at all

WARNOCK: Superb? You should tell that to the families of now nearly 150,000 Americans who are dead. Superb? We have more than our share of the coronavirus cases. In a real sense, this crisis is being handled in our country as if we were a country with no resources at all.

Raphael Warnock: AdWatch: Don't get rid of healthcare in middle of a pandemic

VIDEO: Warnock eating pizza with a fork and knife.

VOICEOVER: Raphael Warnock once stepped on a crack in the sidewalk.

VIDEO: Warnock stepping on a crack in the sidewalk.

VOICEOVER: Raphael Warnock even hates puppies.

VIDEO: Puppy barking at the camera.

WARNOCK [sitting on porch steps, speaking to camera]: Get ready, Georgia. The negative ads air coming.

TEXT ONSCREEN: Reverend Raphael Warnock

WARNOCK: Kelly Loeffler doesn't want to talk about why she's for getting rid of healthcare in the middle of a pandemic. So she's going to try and scare you with lies about me. I'm Raphael Warnock, and I approve this message because I'm staying focused on what Washington could do for you.

VIDEO: Warnock smiling at camera, holding and petting that same puppy.

WARNOCK [speaking offscreen]: And by the way, I love puppies.

TEXT ONSCREEN: Approved by Raphael Warnock. Paid for by Warnock for Georgia.

Raphael Warnock: Arrested in 2014 when GA refused to expand Medicaid

Raphael Warnock: Protect, improve, build upon the Affordable Care Act

Raphael Warnock: Yes. Would "protect, improve, and build upon the Affordable Care Act."

Kelly Loeffler: No. Supports lawsuit to end. Calls Medicare for All insidious attack on liberty.

Raphael Warnock: COVID: We need leadership that believes in science

Raphael Warnock: Both Georgia and Trump have stumbled on pandemic response. "We need leadership that believes in science and will act with integrity."

Kelly Loeffler: "Trump and his administration have taken the threat of COVID-19 seriously from the beginning."

Raphael Warnock: Expand Medicaid, protect Medicare

Raphael Warnock: Allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices

Raphael Warnock: Expand Medicaid to help with long-term care services

Renee Unterman: Require proof of physical impairment in asbestos lawsuits

Summary by the Mesothelioma Center: Georgia enacted a revised version of the Asbestos and Silica Litigation Reform law on May 1, 2007. Plaintiffs with asbestos-related cancers must provide evidence of physical impairment. Georgia also attempts to limit the use of information obtained from mass asbestos screenings sponsored by personal injury lawyers.

Legislative outcome: [Voting YES establishes stricter rules to file lawsuit for asbestos damage. Voting NO keeps the existing rules, allowing asbestos lawsuits before physical impairment is proven]. Passed House 156-1-23, Vote #321 on Apr/17/07; passed Senate 36-3-17, Vote #444 on Apr/20/07; Unterman co-sponsored bill and voted YES; Signed by Gov. Perdue, Apr/30/07.

Renee Unterman: Tax breaks for high deductible insurance; no aid for insured

Summary by the CBPP:Georgia created new tax breaks for high-deductible health plans. Almost 1.7 million Georgians--20%t of all residents under age 65--are uninsured. Almost 2/3 of them have incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Georgia's plan does not attempt to help these low-income individuals obtain insurance. Instead the plan's main target is uninsured people with incomes over $50,000.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 36-12-8, Sen. Unterman voted YES; Vote #623 on Feb/26/08; Passed House 148-2-30, Vote #1070 on Apr/04/08; Signed by Gov. Perdue, May/7/08.

Renee Unterman: Supported limited instead of full expansion of Medicaid

Analysis by Georgia Public Broadcasting: The Patients First Act requests a Medicaid waiver from the federal government. Both proponents and opponents of the move are making it clear a waiver isn't the same as full Medicaid expansion, which is what then- President Obama envisioned for states when crafting the Affordable Care Act. Democrats say a waiver doesn't go far enough while some conservatives say even a partial expansion is too costly.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-20-4, Vote #65 on Feb/26/19; State Sen. Renee Unterman voted YES; Passed House 104-67-9, Vote #288 on Mar/25/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Mar/27/19

Rick Allen: No government responsibility to ensure healthcare

Allen: Strongly Disagree

Q: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress?

Allen: Strongly Agree

Rick Allen: ObamaCare is wrong approach & needs to be stopped

Shane Hazel: Have state and fed remove themselves from healthcare

A: First of all, get all the federal bureaucracy out of the way. Next, Georgians will have to demand the state removes themselves from the healthcare market. Then, we allow the free market and free people to work on these problems without force and coercion. We are bureaucrats and politicians [and] pick the winners and losers where the stakes are life and death. Lastly, we promote charity. So the needy receive care through the consent of the giving

Sonny Perdue: $70M for moral obligation to serve those with disabilities

I want to be clear, my interes is not driven purely by legal mandates, but from my own personal belief that we have a moral obligation to serve those with disabilities. We are our brothers' keepers.

That obligation should carry a tangible effort. It's a hard thing to do in these budget times... the budgets that I will release on Friday will include additional investment--$20 million in 2010 and over $50 million in 2011.

Together, we are making concerted efforts to do the right thing for this vulnerable population. I ask for your continued support as well as that of our consumers, providers, advocates, families and communities to help us develop a system of care of which we can be proud.

Sonny Perdue: Reauthorize SCHIP, State Children's Health Insurance Program

"There's been strong and steadfast support in both parties and in all regions of the country for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) ever since its creation in 1997. This program has enabled millions of children the opportunity to see a doctor, to receive preventative care and to live healthier lives. Yet the progress we have made is now threatened. For health and moral reasons, Congress must reauthorize SCHIP by September 30, 2007. Without timely reauthorization and funding, it will be virtually impossible for states to continue coverage for children already enrolled in SCHIP programs."

Sonny Perdue: Question the constitutionality of this travesty of ObamaCare

Here in Georgia, this vote will force an additional billion dollars or more of Medicaid spending per year, requiring either a tax hike or offsetting cuts to public safety, education and other core services of state government. While this colossal unfunded mandate cripples our budget, I am even more concerned about the debilitating impact it will have on Georgia's small businesses.

What is most unfortunate is that the American people had no voice at the table in Washington during the course of this debate. The only glimpse citizens saw of the process were closed-door meetings that resulted in backroom deals and the buying of votes to ensure passage. I am requesting that Georgia join other states in reviewing the constitutionality of this travesty.

Sonny Perdue: Require proof of physical impairment in asbestos lawsuits

Summary by the Mesothelioma Center: Georgia enacted a revised version of the Asbestos and Silica Litigation Reform law on May 1, 2007. Plaintiffs with asbestos-related cancers must provide evidence of physical impairment. Georgia also attempts to limit the use of information obtained from mass asbestos screenings sponsored by personal injury lawyers to satisfy medical criteria.

Legislative outcome: [Voting YES establishes stricter rules to file lawsuit for asbestos damage. Voting NO would keep the existing rules, allowing suing for asbestos before physical impairment is proven]. Passed House 156-1-23, Vote #321 on Apr/17/07; passed Senate 36-3-17, Vote #444 on Apr/20/07; Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue, Apr/30/07.

Sonny Perdue: Tax breaks for high deductible insurance; no aid for insured

Summary by the CBPP:Georgia created new tax breaks for high-deductible health plans. Almost 1.7 million Georgians--20%t of all residents under age 65--are uninsured. Almost 2/3 of them have incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Georgia's plan does not attempt to help these low-income individuals obtain insurance. Instead the plan's main target is uninsured people with incomes over $50,000.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 36-12-8, Vote #623 on Feb/26/08; Passed House 148-2-30, Vote #1070 on Apr/04/08; Signed by Gov. Perdue, May/7/08.

Stacey Abrams: Expand Medicaid; explore universal coverage

Stacey Abrams: Let ObamaCare plans cover abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare. Voting NO means abortion coverage would be required in healthcare plans.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; Rep. Stacey Abrams voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Stacey Abrams: Medicaid expansion for reduced cost & preexisting conditions

ABRAMS: I don't think that he's wrong. I think that, as a national conversation, there certainly should be an ongoing review of what Medicare-for-All can do. But a single state cannot make that change. Georgia does not have the financial capacity to provide that type of coverage. That is a federal conversation. In Georgia, we have to do the fundamentals, including the expansion of Medicaid. That's how we provide access to health care. That's how we reduce costs. That's how we protect preexisting conditions. My focus is on how I can serve Georgia, and that means a focus on Medicaid expansion.

Stacey Abrams: Paying for uncompensated care brings money back

ABRAMS: Georgia spends about $1.75 billion per year on uncompensated care. That's health care costs. By expanding Medicaid, we can join states like Kentucky that cut that number in half. That's savings that will go directly into providing access. My plan is to put money back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians. And all of the plans I have proposed, which are detailed, specific, and have pay-fors, all of those programs can be done under our current budget in the state of Georgia. What's more important is that the economic benefit to our state is dramatic, thousands of more jobs, thousands of good-paying jobs, access to health care coverage, and improvement for our state overall.

Q: So, you're telling Georgia families that none of them are going to have to pay higher taxes with you as governor?

ABRAMS: I do not intend to raise taxes. That is not the necessity.

Stacey Abrams: Allow asbestos lawsuits before physical impairment occurs

Summary by the Mesothelioma Center: Georgia enacted a revised version of the Asbestos and Silica Litigation Reform law on May 1, 2007. Plaintiffs with asbestos-related cancers must provide evidence of physical impairment. Georgia also attempts to limit the use of information obtained from mass asbestos screenings sponsored by personal injury lawyers.

Legislative outcome: [Voting YES establishes stricter rules to file lawsuit for asbestos damage. Voting NO keeps the existing rules, allowing asbestos lawsuits before physical impairment is proven]. Passed House 156-1-23, Vote #321 on Apr/17/07; Rep. Abrams voted NO; passed Senate 36-3-17, Vote #444 on Apr/20/07; Signed by Gov. Perdue, Apr/30/07.

Stacey Abrams: Tax breaks for high deductible insurance; no aid for insured

Summary by the CBPP:Georgia created new tax breaks for high-deductible health plans. Almost 1.7 million Georgians--20%t of all residents under age 65--are uninsured. Almost 2/3 of them have incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Georgia's plan does not attempt to help these low-income individuals obtain insurance. Instead the plan's main target is uninsured people with incomes over $50,000.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 36-12-8, Vote #623 on Feb/26/08; Passed House 148-2-30, Vote #1070 on Apr/04/08; Rep. Abrams voted YES; Signed by Gov. Perdue, May/7/08.

Stacey Abrams: His personal debt was from caring for father with cancer

Teresa Tomlinson: Lower Medicare eligibility to 55, offer public option

As the next United States Senator from Georgia:
• I will lead the effort to achieve universal healthcare coverage.
• I will move to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• I will work to encourage all states to expand Medicaid coverage for those earning up to 138% of the poverty level.
• I will work to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 55 and offer a public option for people to buy-in to Medicare insurance coverage through the ACA healthcare exchanges.

Teresa Tomlinson: Concerned about closure of rural hospitals

Tom Price: Forced out of HHS for travel expenses

Tony Evers: Fund state alternatives to ObamaCare

Valencia Stovall: Supports ObamaCare, and bailouts during public health crises

A: No.

Q: Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?

A: Yes. The government should provide funds or tax credits to offset the cost to businesses. These public health crises are not under the control of normal business operations.

Valencia Stovall: Let ObamaCare plans cover abortion

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare. Voting NO means abortion coverage would be required in healthcare plans.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; Rep. Stovall voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Vernon Jones: Part of team that created the PeachCare Act

Vernon Jones: Supported limited instead of full expansion of Medicaid

Analysis by Georgia Public Broadcasting:The Patients First Act requests a Medicaid waiver from the federal government. Both proponents and opponents of the move are making it clear a waiver isn't the same as full Medicaid expansion, which is what then- President Obama envisioned for states when crafting the Affordable Care Act. Democrats say a waiver doesn't go far enough while some conservatives say even a partial expansion is too costly.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-20-4, Vote #65 on Feb/26/19; Passed House 104-67-9, Vote #288 on Mar/25/19; State Rep. Vernon Jones voted YES; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Mar/27/19

Zell Miller: Providing insurance for children is a top priority

Brian Kemp: State Pathways to Coverage rather than Medicaid expansion

The Georgia Pathways to Coverage program was negotiated with the federal government so that we could expand access to health insurance for those who need it the most, while sustaining the quality of coverage. 345,000 Georgians could qualify for the Pathways program and healthcare coverage for the first time, with no changes for those who qualify for regular Medicaid. Unlike Medicaid expansion, Georgia Pathways will not kick 200,000 Georgians off their private sector insurance.

Brian Kemp: $4.5M in loan repayments to increase healthcare workers