Georgia governor signs sweeping mental health bill into law [View all]

Source: Associated Press

Georgia governor signs sweeping mental health bill into law

By SUDHIN THANAWALA
April 4, 2022

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday signed into law a bill aimed at bolstering the state’s dismal mental health care system by pressuring private insurers to improve coverage for mental health conditions.

HB 1013 — championed by Republican House Speaker David Ralston — also requires publicly funded insurance programs to spend more on patient care and authorizes loan forgiveness for people studying to become mental health professionals. It is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars in additional state funding each year.

“Today, we fulfill Speaker Ralston’s vision and that of so many others who have partnered for this accomplishment to bring hope to the many families across Georgia who have a loved one suffering from some form of mental or behavioral challenge,” Kemp said at the state Capitol.

Kemp was joined by Ralston, mental health advocates and lawmakers from both parties.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-health-georgia-mental-health-91901f9cf2f46d268db714fd9140ca26