House votes to allow sale of health policies from other states

The House on Thursday approved House Bill 47, which would allow the sale of individual health insurance policies approved by other states, even if the policies do not cover everything that Georgia law mandates.

Proponents of the bill, which passed 111-47, said it would increase consumer choice and allow insurers to offer cheaper policies. Opponents said consumers could end up with a policy that didn't include important coverage.

Georgia law currently mandates that all health insurance policies pay for a range of treatments and services, including breast cancer screenings and well-child visits.