March
2015

THE WATCHER
News from Georgia Watch
Georgia Watch is dedicated to keeping you up to date on our progress to protect and empower consumers during the session.  We update our blog regularly with legislative content. The 30th day of each legislative session is known as Crossover Day. In order for a bill to become law in a given year, it must pass either the House or Senate and move over to the other chamber for consideration by Crossover Day, which this year is Friday, March 13. See our overview of what has happened since the session began here.
RURAL HOSPITAL STABILIZATION COMMITTEE OVERLOOKS MEDICAID EXPANSIONRural
On February 23, 2015, the Rural Hospital Stabilization Committee (RHSC), formed by Governor Deal, issued a final report outlining its suggested solutions for Georgia's struggling rural hospitals.  While we support the Committee's recommendations, we joined fellow advocacy organizations in expressing disappointment that the Committee did not identify closing coverage gap through Medicaid expansion as a potential solution.  You can read our response here. 
CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES AGREE TO POSITIVE CHANGES FOR CONSUMERScredit
The three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and Transunion have agreed to several changes that will benefit consumers going forward.  Two major changes include the hiring of independent reviewers to handle credit report disputes, and a lengthened period before medical debt can be reported to the agencies will promote greater transparency for consumers. Read the full story>
FEDS PUBLISH FINAL REGULATIONS FOR NONPROFIT HOSPITALSIRS
On December 31, 2014, the Treasury Department and the IRS issued long-awaited final regulations that clarify requirements for nonprofit hospitals regarding their financial assistance policies and the methods by which they assess and address the needs of their community. Read more>
GEORGIA WATCH RECEIVES AWARD FROM PAYDAY LENDING SETTLEMENTcypres
Earlier this month, we were honored to receive a grant of more than $56,600 from unclaimed proceeds of a settlement reached by Barnes Law Group with payday lender Cash America International, Inc. The $36,000,000 settlement ended a 9-year battle over the legality of high-interest payday loans made to more than 25,000 Georgians from October 2001 to April 2006. Georgia Watch provides financial literacy education to consumers and advocates against predatory practices, including payday and other high interest lending. The awarding of these funds to Georgia Watch was ordered by the Honorable Toby B. Prodgers, Cobb County State Court Judge. We are grateful for this support for our efforts to protect consumers.
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