From TimesFreePress:

Under health care reform being pushed through Congress, “People who cannot already afford to purchase health care will be forced to purchase it or will be punished,” said Sen. Judson Hill, R-Marietta, one of the bill’s sponsors. “States have a right to provide further protection for citizens.”

There’s also a financial cost to the states if federal health care reform is passed. The Georgia Senate Budget Office estimates that expanded Medicaid coverage required under the current health care reform bill would cost Georgia an additional $1 billion per year.

Senate Bill 317 states that federal health care coverage will not be mandatory for Georgia residents and that those who prefer to purchase other health insurance, or none, won’t face penalties.

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