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HB 988

State employees; require health benefit plan to cover hormone replacement therapy for biological women experiencing perimenopause and menopause when such therapy is ordered or prescribed

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill mandates state employee health plans cover hormone replacement therapy for menopausal and perimenopausal women when medically prescribed.

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Bill Summary · HB 988

Legislative bill overview

HB 988 would mandate that Georgia state employee health benefit plans cover hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for biological women experiencing perimenopause and menopause when prescribed by a healthcare provider. The bill specifically targets coverage requirements for this treatment in the state health insurance programs that cover government employees and their families.

Why is this important

Perimenopause and menopause can significantly impact quality of life, work productivity, and health outcomes through symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and mood changes. By requiring insurance coverage, the bill addresses a potential gap where HRT may not be covered or may require high out-of-pocket costs, making treatment more accessible to state employees during a life stage affecting roughly half the population.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Requiring HRT coverage will increase health plan expenses, which could affect state budget allocations or premium costs for covered employees and employers
  • Medical necessity debate: Some may question whether HRT should be mandated coverage versus left to individual healthcare decisions and insurance plan design, particularly given ongoing medical discussions about HRT risks and benefits
  • Scope of coverage: The bill specifies "biological women," which may raise questions about eligibility definitions and whether coverage should extend to transgender or non-binary individuals also experiencing menopause

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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