Georgia-2009-HR1117-Introduced

By: Representatives Heckstall of the 62nd, Brooks of the 63rd, Dukes of the 150th, and Johnson of the 37th

Recognizing the need to assist Georgians who have recently lost their health insurance coverage and requesting that those in the medical industry hear the call for assistance; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, this resolution shall be known as the "Lovin' Georgia Healthy" plan; and

WHEREAS, the economic downturn is having a critical impact on Americans who are struggling to maintain or find jobs in an increasingly difficult environment; and

WHEREAS, many Georgians are having difficulty making ends meet in these exceptionally historic and challenging times; and

WHEREAS, countless Georgians have found themselves unemployed due to downsizing, layoffs, or employer bankruptcy due to the economic turbulence being experienced around the nation; and

WHEREAS, as a result of unexpected unemployment, thousands have been left without health insurance coverage to assist with routine visits to the physician, emergency health care, and unexpected illness; and

WHEREAS, many unemployed Georgians are unable to obtain health insurance, due to the sudden and unexpected financial situations they find themselves in, or have been denied access to health insurance due to preexisting medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, many of those who have recently lost their jobs and health insurance do not have the opportunity to be added to a parent or partner's health insurance policy; in many instances, two people in the same household have become unemployed at the same time; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia medical community is being called upon to help by increasing current patient loads by 3 to 5 percent in order to provide affordable health care to those recently unemployed who can show proof of having held health insurance within the last 18 months; and

WHEREAS, any help that can be provided by doctors, surgeons, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, specialists, hospitals, medical supply companies, medical service providers, and any others in the medical field would have a great impact on thousands who have found themselves recently uninsured through no fault of their own; and

WHEREAS, keeping Georgians healthy and able-bodied is important to this state's economic and overall prosperity, and it is incumbent upon all Georgians to do what they can to assist their fellow man in this time of unprecedented challenges.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize the struggles facing the citizens of this state and encourage the medical community of Georgia to participate in the "Lovin' Georgia Healthy" plan by providing assistance to those who have recently become unemployed and lost their health insurance coverage.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to members of the public and the press.