[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6699152,"mediaKeyId","2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae","parentId",2214928,"title","Hearing held on bill to broaden prosthetic and orthotic coverage; patients urge access while insurers flag medical‑necessity language","audioSeconds",1809,"startMs",1205000,"endMs",3014000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae&start=1205&end=3014","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae/thumbnail_1205000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6699152/Georgia/Hearing-held-on-bill-to-broaden-prosthetic-and-orthotic-coverage-patients-urge-access-while-insurers-flag-medicalnecessity-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6699152-e03d1f0138bee29e50644ec3c8bea780/orig.mp4?Expires=1777304524&Signature=eEUk69HDwVCBKaaw7zDB3p~9pUTFDkzy28pcV0rJM34wFGqE9dPtzW77T-30y5XFTMZRxmNEipkq7iB4dAV~XhLM8XzwbUA4LOg6Jzxx6LWPDkmtK4yaeFEDcRi5e-aMS1hUgomh-euuCU7JFu7S-6B17EBcQzSzfSllRIbHfwz6AgyuiA86n7t0pqeuhuX60W23iW1v~hRn463z193QgSs52qT1KhbhGrCNDcuAXSD5~Kq~zHaVM1sCdvljRqmsqaSZpKze7GUq1qb~ys1HyoXbyLpSMDghBAxQrx2lnhEV6IjW-kVGIoXekTrAFgFEQ5AhR3ntHB-ZiEEIbH9ZFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State of Georgia ","date","2025-02-03T21:11:26.317Z","article","The House Health Committee held a hearing on House Bill 87 on Wednesday. The bill would change how Georgia law and commercial insurers define medical necessity for orthotics and prosthetics so that coverage can consider individualized activities and goals — including showering, bathing, exercise and adaptive sports — and allow additional devices beyond the single device often authorized under current practice.

Representative David Clark, the sponsor, said HB 87 “aims to change the definition of medical necessity deemed by law for orthotics and prosthetics,” and described provisions intended to allow clinicians and licensed certified prosthetists/orthotists (CPOs) to evaluate an individual’s specific functional goals and prescribe devices to meet those goals.

Multiple people with limb loss, family members and clinicians gave personal testimony describing daily needs that current coverage does not consistently meet. Susie Barrett spoke about her son Elliot, born without a right leg, who requires frequent device replacements as he grows; she said many rural families lack nearby services. Brad O’Malley described paying out of pocket for heavy-duty braces after infection and paralysis left him dependent on expensive devices. O’Malley told members the devices he purchased cost approximately $3,000 each.

Merrill Wallace, who testified and said he later became a representative, described losing a leg after surgeries and then facing insurance limits that blocked access to a second device for running — a device he said he needed to pursue athletic goals and regain quality of life. Brandon Todd, a patient advocate, said he went through “loopholes” and nonprofit donations to obtain a running blade after losing a leg in a motorcycle crash.

Providers and rehabilitation organizations supported the bill. Abigail Thompson Garcia, director of government relations and advocacy for the Shepherd Center, a 52‑bed rehabilitative hospital in Atlanta, said patients frequently need more than one device to return to daily life and hobbies and asked the committee for favorable consideration.

Rachel Oyer, who identified herself as a private business owner, Alliance Prosthetics Orthotics, described operational questions insurers might raise: “One of the things that I would say, as opposition stands, is wondering how are we gonna cover the cost,” she said, adding she hoped for collaborative conversations and compromise.

The Georgia Association of Health Plans, represented by Jesse Wellington, flagged a specific drafting concern. Wellington said insurers object to language in the bill that would make the treating physician the sole determiner of medical necessity, noting that “there is no other part of a medical benefit that's sort of treated that way” and warning that the change could remove insurers’ ability to perform utilization review. He also pointed to a potential fiscal issue under the Affordable Care Act: expanding benefit classes beyond what existed in 2013 could have state budgetary consequences.

Committee members asked about frequency limits. The transcript records discussion referencing a current standard that limits replacements to one prosthesis every three years for some coverage categories; proponents said HB 87 would allow additional devices when medically appropriate (for example, separate devices for daily use and for running or showering). The hearing record did not produce a final drafting resolution; Wellington and the sponsor said they expected to continue negotiations and that the sponsor’s office would work on a fiscal note.

The committee conducted the hearing only; no vote was taken. Committee staff and the sponsor noted a fiscal note remains pending. Supporters urged the committee to advance a bill they said would improve mobility and mental health for people with limb loss or limb difference; insurers asked for language changes to preserve utilization review and avoid unintended fiscal exposure to the state.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Health 02.03.25","oneSentenceSummary","The House Health Committee heard testimony on House Bill 87 to expand what counts as medical necessity for prosthetics and orthotics, allowing additional devices for activities such as showering, running and adaptive sports.","taxTitle","Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Georgia","taxId",16937,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6699156,"Committee gives 'do pass' to bill covering harvesting and one-year storage of reproductive tissue for cancer, lupus and sickle cell patients",802,365000,1167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae&start=365&end=1167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae/thumbnail_365000.jpg","/articles/6699156/Georgia/Committee-gives-do-pass-to-bill-covering-harvesting-and-one-year-storage-of-reproductive-tissue-for-cancer-lupus-and-sickle-cell-patients","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6699156-515b8b1dff236f6cfcbdb07802d14ff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1777304524&Signature=U73Hyfis~S6rHaFOcUo1xgRh~-q5VUMSiR~SCYlxdmfHwX61RoRzSi8ucbM~eoRTVIYdoutcowHBLs-xqzAeUGetVZ8CdWAAuVhL5s9jlYrThuZAMjFzaFZb~jRqTauDHkog90jfEwZAGLS0BZIPT3X8R9Mpb~W-yjsAcBUNVS~km7cOe2tZAnHN88Gq8AtHZJfqPwjNZAsLB8Z3pNPiKrbjdEyKq-e5jujlX8i3-jsPrxa9YBteIS54Lh3TS9yUmNGu1w40pTTOuloZsNfNz2QW2-cNeU9GU6XbXQmUbDwsCtIBoZ7iq8sPOy~mMLbnsRV~FGJNL2QEjSay9VHGPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Health Committee on Wednesday gave House Bill 94 (LC520653) a do-pass recommendation after advocates and clinicians told the panel the measure would protect the future fertility of people facing treatments that can make them infertile.

Representative David Lumsden, the bill sponsor, told the committee HB 94 “will provide insurance coverage for costs associated with the harvesting and storage for up to 1 year of certain biological tissues necessary for future in vitro fertilization for those individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, lupus, or sickle cell.” He added, “This bill does not cover the cost of in vitro fertilization. It only addresses the cost of harvesting and storage.”

Supporters included reproductive endocrinologists and survivors who described urgent, time-sensitive decisions after a diagnosis. Jennifer Colas, a reproductive endocrinologist at Emory who said she was testifying as a private citizen and as part of the Georgia Fertility Network, said patients often must choose quickly whether to freeze eggs or sperm and that cost can force some to decline. “When the reason that they have to decline treatment is related to cost, it's truly heartbreaking,” Colas said, recounting both clinical experience and her own breast‑cancer diagnosis at 40.

Alexandra French, a breast cancer survivor who testified she was diagnosed at 31 and started chemotherapy three weeks after diagnosis, said being told treatment could jeopardize her ability to have children compounded the trauma: “There's nothing more painful than hearing that you have cancer. But to also be told that you may not be able to have a family is another gut punch.”

Lynn Goldman, president of the Georgia Fertility Network and a fertility attorney, explained why sickle cell was included in the bill’s list of diagnoses: Georgia has among the highest rates of sickle cell in the country, she said, making that addition particularly important for the state.

Committee members asked the sponsor several clarifying questions. Representative Maythead asked how the list of three diagnoses was selected; Lumsden said Emory clinicians proposed the list based on where the need most frequently arises. Representative Clark asked about age limits: HB 94 allows the insurance commissioner or insurers to set age criteria; the sponsor replied that implementation details on age would be handled by the insurance commissioner’s office.

Jesse Wellington, president of the Georgia Association of Health Plans, told the committee his members “don't have any concerns with this bill” and thanked the sponsor and advocates for working with insurers. After public testimony and committee exchange, a member moved the bill, a second was heard, and the committee chair called for and recorded an affirmative voice vote. The committee reported the bill do pass (LC520653).

What the bill would and would not do: it would require coverage of harvesting and storage of reproductive tissue for up to one year for people diagnosed with the three named conditions; it would not mandate coverage of the procedures for in vitro fertilization itself. The bill leaves implementation details such as allowable age ranges to the insurance commissioner or insurer rules, according to the sponsor and staff comments.

The measure drew broad support at the hearing from clinicians, patient advocates and survivors; insurers present said they were not opposed. The committee did not record a numerical roll-call tally in the hearing transcript; the chair announced the committee’s favorable recommendation by voice vote.

The bill now moves to the next step in the House process, where fiscal and policy reviewers and the full House will have opportunity to consider amendments and any fiscal impact statements.","The House Health Committee on Wednesday gave House Bill 94 (LC520653) a do-pass recommendation after advocates and clinicians said the measure would let people diagnosed with cancer, lupus or sickle cell preserve reproductive tissue ahead of treatments that can cause infertility.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6699141,"Committee hears proposal for statewide arts-and-health commission, proponents cite evidence on music, theater and arts improving mental health",1166,3867000,5033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae&start=3867&end=5033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae/thumbnail_3867000.jpg","/articles/6699141/Georgia/Committee-hears-proposal-for-statewide-arts-and-health-commission-proponents-cite-evidence-on-music-theater-and-arts-improving-mental-health","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6699141-b6463987bc4f8eccdd3bb1d011decd23/orig.mp4?Expires=1777304525&Signature=G001C33h6V0dTRFQSGONPTd245T3Hgnhn-LScQvWEQOpnApUFH9pQdmaEHduXJfRGJ1vqXP47LUYlbgbNasCeCHc81V22uLldWw24NQRsv0ePC4KxBO2kXKLW~nGxILi~DBUhyngHFJfPXnwBXgbQq0e4XZkkrQNrSc3f4W-H1KmU1Q1YpfIFGej-RykOyDN27liWjPg6mzh4c8V8Y7~0jp1voeINdseohiTKuTim-qTnk9YxFiTA4DrpuqcmBJQfD-T0WDIwC8wtI9GRgIWDZTEJuESnWf2uwF36qva7FyEO~0~nollvJ0WC965eh-dVY3UQPhhzTH0ii1eSYLpsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Health Committee heard testimony on House Resolution 117, a proposal to examine and promote the use of arts‑based interventions to improve population mental health and well‑being.

Representative Tommy Scofield (testimony recorded as Representative Scofield) introduced the item as an effort to explore how arts interventions can be used as a public‑health tool. Eve Bird, director of the mental health program at the Carter Center, told the committee that arts engagement can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness and cited international research and modeling suggesting investments in arts can improve quality of life and yield economic benefits. “Exposure to even low doses of arts has significantly improved the feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness,” Bird said.

Erin Jones, senior director of sales and audience development at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and long‑time chorus member, described studies the orchestra has helped convene and said music and music therapy can lower cortisol, reduce anxiety and improve outcomes for people with major depressive disorder. Jones summarized findings she attributed to multiple studies: “Just listening to relaxing music lowers your cortisol levels by nearly 60%,” and “for the treatment of major depressive disorders, music therapy shows a 25 percent improvement in symptoms,” which she offered as evidence in support of the resolution.

Christopher Moses of the Alliance Theatre discussed research showing that arts field trips and in‑person arts experiences can increase concentration, tolerance for multiple viewpoints and a sense of hope among young people. Moses described a seven‑year experimental study the Alliance conducted with the University of Arkansas showing improved academic and social outcomes for students who attended cultural field trips.

Panelists and representatives from arts institutions explained ongoing projects: the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s partnership with the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Research Center for concerts aimed at people with dementia and caregivers; examples of hospitals using creative arts for trauma‑informed work with children; and Massachusetts and Rhode Island models of state arts‑and‑health initiatives cited as precedents for coordinated action.

Committee members asked about why a state commission or resolution was needed when arts and music are already widely available on digital platforms and through churches and community groups. Witnesses emphasized the difference between passive, individual consumption and organized, live or community arts interventions that produce measurable health benefits; Christopher Moses highlighted the community and shared‑experience aspects of live performances. Panelists urged the committee to support the resolution as a first step to evaluate options and scale evidence‑based arts‑for‑health programs in Georgia.

The resolution was in committee as a hearing item; the transcript indicates HR 117 was not printed and no committee vote occurred. Supporters asked the committee to consider a commission or further study to align arts organizations, health systems and policymakers around scalable interventions.","House Resolution 117 — a proposal to explore an arts‑and‑health commission and broaden use of arts‑based interventions in health settings — received testimony from the Carter Center, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theater and other arts organizations. Witnesses cited studies and program examples and urged the legislature to 'kick the tires'",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6699144,"Hemophilia of Georgia presents programs, 340B participation and telehealth expansion to committee",551,3299000,3850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae&start=3299&end=3850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae/thumbnail_3299000.jpg","/articles/6699144/Georgia/Hemophilia-of-Georgia-presents-programs-340B-participation-and-telehealth-expansion-to-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6699144-cddc37c227bccec7124baae90fa8f634/orig.mp4?Expires=1777304525&Signature=d4ev1FWjpWvsQ27K4OIq6nllGNymr8hi5AtKLbpf59knLwNaEmlPOcfG5V7DdX8~jDgCTRZpiImgit7GB9HT3K6F9F-ZH5hrt9PRo5WWX~TyRwNoVXBrask5nFwsaS2u4Dcn-xy4Mobz7LWqXxDFshGNIyRyI5D9CkZ0unRvPXNFr6TlSPqnNlKAf-3n~y48DPwkXnZl8qyn~XfBw4RchpsmpK-GuTHKXRTSM1J7d1YQSIyPbV7AnwWDy7Wt8pjhVg6KmDiB3bVjDQKt5Y0yz5aQgq8Bbmn-3D-W-aZggjSCBusBvG-SsILx8CdoVX3lsmGilQpkuetSEBagktNTEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michelle Condie, senior director of advocacy for Hemophilia of Georgia, briefed the House Health Committee on the nonprofit’s programs, federal‑program participation and recent expansion of telehealth services.

Condie said Hemophilia of Georgia has provided services in the state for more than 50 years and now personally treats about 2,000 patients in Georgia. The organization participates in the federal 340B program and uses pharmacy revenues to fund patient assistance and wraparound services, Condie said. She told the committee the typical cost of care for a person with a bleeding disorder in a “healthy year” is between $300,000 and $500,000 and that costs can exceed $1 million in the event of hospitalization or complications.

The group described two internal assistance programs: a client assistance program that helps insured patients with deductibles and co‑pays (eligibility noted in testimony as up to 500% of the federal poverty line) and an insurance premium assistance program for uninsured patients (eligibility described as between 133% and 500% of the federal poverty line). Condie said the organization also operates emergency assistance for rent, dental, supplies and other needs and provides social work and nursing outreach across the state.

Condie said the nonprofit receives about $400,000 per year from the Department of Public Health to support insurance premium and deductibles assistance and that the group helps connect patients to five hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) in Georgia plus two hybrid telehealth sites in Savannah and Perry. She said the 340B‑funded programs allowed the organization to reconnect more than 200 patients who had not been seen in years and that telehealth/remote services improved access for people who previously could not travel to centralized care.

Condie outlined policy priorities including protecting 340B program funds, expanding telehealth and broadband access, mental‑health support and attention to gene‑therapy developments in the bleeding‑disorders community.

The committee thanked Condie for the presentation; no committee action was taken during the session.","Hemophilia of Georgia described services for people with bleeding disorders, participation in the 340B program, a client assistance program and a $400,000 annual grant from the state Department of Public Health that helps patients pay premiums and deductibles. The group said it treats about 2,000 patients in Georgia and highlighted newly expanded",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":46,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6699148,"Committee approves resolution recognizing a \"Biomedical Research Day\" in Georgia",230,3244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae&start=3014&end=3244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2214928-5ea66a3abe8fe210057a3d1768db37ae/thumbnail_3014000.jpg","/articles/6699148/Georgia/Committee-approves-resolution-recognizing-a-Biomedical-Research-Day-in-Georgia","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6699148-990811a29b89f9960e8e70363db97355/orig.mp4?Expires=1777304525&Signature=UyU7Np3G~K-qit00NWXovl-nLCpfbSuMq~7ZvzEO5E~xn60h50Q2gSpDF54x~Z9Jx5OYp~G6uj~1EU2yVvpNE39ihds3eDSBeSdCH~fkgR1WB~8E57CDocJXGujgCwXXxLhQB4xtjPOAbii96JY2EAr2cQA3jfdAvgwUaDoCaFypVAbqCnmlIKfaecbNFr8h-ZlSff1wdYtIWsSuyKtyNcQGtYyIq7cbLwzF4pEj7tTmmQ6Oar4xcZXmkug8voWAKDqSXg~YOKfkP0TcE2BynewNWAsRaglmEcW3uWVNAoh9IMVPIL9dS6wDYG9X~VysjhjPmQwy-meBlHJkkIC9~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Imani Barnes presented House Resolution 69, which would designate the third Thursday in April as Biomedical Research Day to acknowledge the contributions of biomedical researchers and research technicians.

Barnes, who said she is a biomedical research scientist at Emory University, told the committee the recognition would increase public awareness of biomedical research’s role in advancing treatments and cures and spotlight the work of laboratory technicians, veterinarians and scientists. Representative Bennett and other members expressed support, calling the resolution timely and appropriate given the state’s research institutions.

After brief discussion the committee took a voice vote; a member moved and seconded the resolution, the chair called for those in favor and the transcript records affirmative voices. The chair announced the resolution passed.

The resolution is a ceremonial recognition for awareness and does not create a program or new funding stream.","House Resolution 69, introduced by Representative Imani Barnes, would designate the third Thursday in April as Biomedical Research Day to recognize the contributions of biomedical researchers, technicians and veterinarians in advancing treatments and public health. The committee passed the resolution by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hearing held on bill to broaden prosthetic and orthotic coverage; patients urge access while insurers flag medical‑necessity language

Committee gives 'do pass' to bill covering harvesting and one-year storage of reproductive tissue for cancer, lupus and sickle cell patients

Committee hears proposal for statewide arts-and-health commission, proponents cite evidence on music, theater and arts improving mental health

Hemophilia of Georgia presents programs, 340B participation and telehealth expansion to committee

Committee approves resolution recognizing a "Biomedical Research Day" in Georgia