Senate Bill 68
Tort Reform
Walker spent time at the Georgia legislature meeting with staff members of Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and with Speaker Jon Burns testifying in support of SB 68 in his role as Leadership Chair for the National Federation of Small Businesses in Georgia. Additionally, time was also spent testifying before the House Small Business committee as well. Tort Reform passed. SB 68 will put a cap on Premise Liability cases in Georgia, granting relief to businesses from outrageous settlements in Tort cases.
House Bill 343 –
General Assembly Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Patients
The senate health committee considered passing a bill that on its face seemed to help individual end users/consumers. However, the bill would have given rebates to individuals at the point of sale, thereby, excluding the small business plan sponsor from receiving any of the cost savings from the rebate. Resulting in restricted and very limited plans for small groups, while simultaneously raising the cost on small groups. However, large businesses (self-funded) plans and the state of Georgia employee plans were exempt but not small businesses. Walker testified in opposition to the bill and was able to gather support of key legislators which resulted in the failure of the bill to pass.
Direct Primary Care
Successful in gaining support of the chairman of the senate committee on insurance pass a bill that would allow for direct primary care for consumers without health insurance. With the passage of the bill, uninsured in Georgia were granted the ability to sign up for a health insurance program paying a monthly subscription fee that provided access to a primary care physician.
Surprised Billing
Walker lobbied successfully for a bill to make surprise billing in Georgia a thing of the past.
Agent Compensation
Walker was effective in lobbying on behalf of insurance agents receiving compensation for providing services to consumers during a special enrollment period that resulted in the consumer enrollment on the health care exchange. The bill passed.
