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The Department of Community Health Thursday approved a benefit design that eliminates abortion coverage except in the case of the mother’s life being in jeopardy. The abortion restriction surfaced as a surprise benefit change this week and went without any board debate prior to the vote.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia will be confirmed as the winner of two major contracts in the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), which covers more than 650,000 state employees, teachers, other school personnel, retirees and dependents.

The abortion restriction mirrors a legislative effort during the 2013 Georgia General Assembly. The move was backed by Gov. Nathan Deal, but failed to pass the Legislature.

In a statement Thursday after the Community Health meeting, United pointed to a reduction in employee choice under the new state plan.

“Competition in the Georgia State Health Benefit Plan is good for plan members and for Georgia taxpayers, because competition drives innovation, quality and value,” United said. “Consumer choice is important in building an affordable, accessible and sustainable health care system, so it’s unfortunate that SHBP plan members such as teachers, state employees and retirees will no longer enjoy competition in the state health benefit plan.”

The medical provider industry has expressed concern that a single insurer for the SHBP could lead to lower payments, especially with the level of savings that the state expects.

Jimmy Lewis, CEO of HomeTown Health, an association of rural hospitals in Georgia, told Georgia Health News that he fears the new Blue Cross contract will hurt already struggling rural hospitals by paying them less.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/health/2013-08-08/state-benefits-pla
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Rep. Pat Gardner, D-Atlanta, said the board's action would be more restrictive than federal guidelines, which include abortions for rape and incest.

The decision Thursday by the board of the Department of Community Health means the policy will bypass state lawmakers, who didn't take action on similar legislation earlier this year. Under the policy, all abortion coverage would be banned in the state employee health plan except if the life of the mother is in danger. Currently, an estimated 672,000 members and dependents are enrolled in the state health plan. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/23099223/georgia-to-limit-abortion-coverag
e-in-employee-plan

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