Governor Deal VETOES Language Restoring Bariatric Surgery Coverage

Today Governor Nathan Deal vetoed language in the 2013 FY state budget that directed the Department of Community Health (DCH) to restore coverage for bariatric surgery in the State Employee Benefit Plan.  The 2012 General Assembly added $1.75 million to the DCH budget along with language clearly stating the intent of the legislature to provide bariatric coverage for state employees.  Below is the message from Governor Deal stating his reasons for the veto.

Section 17, pertaining to the Department of Community Health, page 41, line 1276:

The General Assembly seeks to instruct the Department to restore the bariatric surgery benefit in the State Health Benefit Plan, effective January 1, 2013. This language limits the Department’s ability to effectively manage the State Health Benefit Plan and control expenses.  Therefore, the Department is authorized to determine benefits covered under the State Health Benefit Plan pursuant to the direction of the Board of Community Health and in accordance with the purpose of the program and the general law powers of the Department.

Governor Deal's veto of the language sends  the decision concerning restoration back to the Department of Community Health Board.  The next meeting of the Department of Community Health is scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 10:30 am at 2 Peachtree Street, N.W. - Fifth Floor Board Room in Atlanta.

Please contact the following DCH Board Members and ask them to restore the bariatric benefit with the funds appropriated by the General Assembly for that specific purpose.  

Ross	Mason	Chair	ross@hinri.com	dchboard@dch.ga.gov
Norm	Boyd	Vice Chair	dchboard@dch.ga.gov	dchboard@dch.ga.gov
Buddy	English, MD		(478) 922-1382	dchboard@dch.ga.gov
Jack	Chapman, MD		(770) 532-4444	dchboard@dch.ga.gov