ATLANTA— State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) commented today on Governor Nathan Deal’s budget proposal, which includes funding for the State Health Benefit Plan to cover the costs of hearing aids and prescribed special dietary foods for children. Governor Deal presented his budget on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at a joint budget hearing before the House and Senate.
“I applaud the Governor’s initiative to assist children and their parents through the allocation of these funds in the state budget,” said Rep. Lindsey. “I am very pleased to see that Governor Deal and his administration recognize this urgent need for our children. Through the use of these funds, the approval process for these children and parents will be more streamlined to insure quicker approval for these necessary items.”
During the 2013 legislative session, Rep. Lindsey introduced House Bills 73 and 74. House Bill 74, the Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Act, would establish a requirement for every health benefit policy executed within the state of Georgia to provide, replace, and maintain coverage for one hearing aid per impaired ear for persons aged 22 and under. House Bill 73, the Medical Food Equity Act, would create a requirement for every health benefit policy executed within the state of Georgia to provide coverage for physician-prescribed special dietary foods or formulas for specific medical conditions.
“It is my sincere hope that private health insurance carriers will follow Governor Deal’s lead and take immediate steps to similarly cover these critical medical needs,” continued Lindsey.
“I am very proud to work hard with the Georgia Medical Foods Coalition and Let Georgia Hear in their efforts to secure these funds. My colleague, Chairman Richard Smith has also worked closely with these groups in promoting this state initiative.”
For more information about HB 73, please click here. For more information about HB 74, please click here.
Representative Edward Lindsey represents the citizens of District 54, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Appropriations, Education, Ethics, Industry and Labor, Judiciary, and Rules committees.
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