Georgia Insurance law effective July 1

Insurance companies licensed in Georgia will soon be able to sell health policies offered in other states that provide less coverage than Georgia currently requires.

The new law is one of dozens set to take effect in Georgia on July 1, the start of the state's fiscal year.

Among the others set to kick in on Thursday is a law that paves the way for communities to permit the Sunday sales of alcohol and another that allows billboard owners to clear cut many trees blocking their signs. A law cracking down on illegal immigration also had been set to take effect, but a federal judge on Monday blocked major portions of it.

Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream and developers spending $1 million or more to bring tourist attractions to the state will also be eligible for hefty tax breaks, under bills Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law.

The insurance law authorizes the sale of insurance policies across state lines for Georgia residents. Experts say it's among the first law of its kind in the nation.

Critics complain that it opens the door for watered down policies that don't cover services like diabetes care, mammograms or regular checkups for young children that are required under Georgia policies. But supporters say it could drive down prices by introducing more competition and allow the roughly 20 percent of Georgians who are uninsured to find a policy they can afford.

Although the law takes effect Thursday it could still be some time before any out-of-state policies are available to Georgia residents.

The state insurance commissioner's office must write and adopt regulations governing the policies and that process could take several months.

Even then, it's unclear how broad the impact will be.

The law covers only individual policies, not the larger group policies purchased by companies providing health coverage to their employees. Such individual policies comprise only about 4 percent of the health insurance market in Georgia, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. How many insurers operating in Georgia will offer up plans from other states is also an open question.

Graham Thompson, executive director of the Georgia Association of Health Insurance Plans, said the group is intrigued by the new law. But he said his members -- the seven largest insurers in the state -- will need to see how the regulations take shape before they decide whether to jump in.

"We remained neutral on the bill because it's so new," Thompson said. "But we are all for ways to offer affordable products to our customers ... the goal is great.

Insurance Commissioner gives storm tips - WTOC, Savannah, Georgia ...

It's a week into the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricanes do not typically make landfall in Georgia, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens say residents still need to be ready.

"The most important thing for a hurricane is you got to be prepared," said Hudgens. "If a named storm is going to be coming here with a direct hit on Savannah in this coastal area. Then you need to evacuate, especially if you are in a low lying area that is about to flood."

Hudgens is in town promoting the WTOC Hurricane Expo, which will be taking place on Saturday at the Home Depot on Abercorn Street. During the expo, residents will get a chance to talk one on one with the experts.

"You need to know what kind of coverage you have," said Hudgens. "If you are in a low-lying area you really need to get the federal flood insurance. A normal homeowner policy will not cover your home if it is covered by flood. If rain tears the roof off, and you have damage from rain coming in, then homeowners policy will cover it."

Hudgens said it's important for residents to make a list of all valuables, and take photos so you have proof of what you may lose. Keep your insurance policy numbers and agent's phone numbers in a safe place. if a disaster strikes contact your agent or insurance company immediately.

"That is my chief responsibility is protecting the consumers, so we need for them to be prepared," said Hudgens.

The insurance commission office has a new application that can help you take inventory of your home. It can actually scan in items and give you values for your possessions.

Jet

Park's annotated code of the state of Georgia, 1914, embracing the code of 1910 and amendments and additions thereto made by the General assembly in 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914, together with complete annotations from the judicial decisions through those contained in the 139 Georgia reports, 12 Georgia appeals reports, 212 Federal reporter, and 230 Supreme Court Reports

Acts passed by the General Assembly of Georgia

Park's Annotated Code of the State of Georgia, 1914: Civil; sect. 2159-3616

The code of the State of Georgia, adopted August 15, 1910