Deal signs SB 370 into Law

A measure limiting estate claims against Medicaid recipients in Georgia is now law. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 370 into law during a signing ceremony May 3 at the State Capitol.

The bill was sponsored by 50th District State Senator John Wilkinson of Toccoa. It passed both chambers and was sent to the governor’s desk during the 2018 legislative session.

Wilkinson told WNEG News that he is happy to see this bill become law and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on those who benefit from Medicaid services.

“For those in our state who are less fortunate, having claims made against your estate to cover those costs can have a detrimental effect on your finances,” Wilkinson said. “The current law causes some problems with inequities as far as how much can be claimed by the department, and this measure will make the process even across the board.”

Currently, the Department of Community Health may make a claim against a Medicaid recipient to cover the cost of medical assistance, unless that claim would cause unreasonable and substantial hardship. Senate Bill 370 waives any claim against the first $25,000 of an estate. This bill directs the department to subject an amendment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval no later than July 1, 2018.