State Rep. Demetrius Douglas introduced a bill in the Georgia House that seeks to broaden insurance coverage for yearly peripheral artery disease screenings in high-risk groups, according to the Georgia State House.
Labeled as HB1122 and introduced on Monday, Feb. 2 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill is officially titled: ’Insurance; group or individual accident and sickness plans; provisions’.
Based on the actual bill text, this summary outlines the bill’s stipulations as clarified for readers.
The proposed measure requires that most group and individual health insurance plans, the state health benefit plan, and Medicaid in Georgia provide annual peripheral artery disease screening for “at-risk” individuals effective Jan. 1, 2027. Those considered at risk include people age 65 and older, those ages 50 to 64 with certain risk factors, younger individuals with diabetes and an additional risk, as well as those with certain artery diseases. The bill outlines covered screening procedures, prohibits unique cost-sharing not applied to other benefits, excludes self-funded ERISA plans, and instructs Medicaid to request any federal approval needed.
Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. Lee Hawkins (Republican-27th), Rep. Carolyn Hugley (Democrat-141st), and two other lawmakers.
Douglas has also introduced three additional bills since the start of this legislative session.
He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
Douglas, a Democrat, has represented Georgia’s 78th House District since his election in 2013, succeeding Glenn Baker.
According to Georgia’s legislative process, a bill starts with a lawmaker, frequently approached by a constituent, and is drafted with the help of the Office of Legislative Counsel. After filing, the bill gets its first reading, is directed to a committee for discussion, and—if endorsed—moves to the floor for further readings, debate, and a vote. A bill needs approval by both chambers—sometimes with reconciliation in a conference committee if versions differ—before it goes to the governor. During the session, the governor has six days to respond; after adjournment (Sine Die), there are 40 days to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without a signature. The General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session starting the second Monday in January.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB666 | 02/27/2025 | Clayton Judicial Circuit; superior courts; provide for a sixth judge |
| HB101 | 01/17/2025 | State employees; annual public report on the amount of prescription drug rebates and other price concessions applied to premium reductions; provide |
| HB100 | 01/17/2025 | Prescription Drug Consumer Financial Protection Act; enact |
Information in this article is sourced from the Georgia State House. Find the original data here.
