Georgia HB506: Social services; Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; provide

What the bill says

To amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; to provide for requirements; to provide for submission of a state plan amendment or waiver, if necessary; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; to provide for requirements; to provide for submission of a state plan amendment or waiver, if necessary; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "49-4-159.5. (a) The department shall provide Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments as follows: (1) The medical assistance program shall provide coverage and shall reimburse any provider of medical assistance for tobacco cessation treatments for any recipient of medical assistance, including: H. B. LC 57 0195 (A) Any United States Food and Drug Administration medication approved for tobacco cessation when prescribed; and (B) Individual, group, and telephone counseling for tobacco cessation, as defined by the United States Public Health Services Guidelines or the United States Preventive Services Task Force; (2) A recipient of medical assistance shall not be limited in the number of covered tobacco cessation attempts for counseling treatments, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Shawn Still (R, 48) · primary sponsor
• Scott Hilton (R, 48) · primary sponsor
• Karen Mathiak (R, 82)
• Deborah Silcox (R, 53)
• Ron Stephens (R, 164)
• Michelle Au (D)

Latest actions

1. January 1, 2027: Effective Date
2. May 12, 2026: Act 624
3. May 12, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 10, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. April 2, 2026: House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
6. March 31, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
7. March 31, 2026: Senate Third Read
8. March 25, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
9. January 12, 2026: Senate Recommitted
10. January 12, 2026: Senate Taken from Table

Votes

• House Vote #835 (April 2, 2026): 168 yea, 2 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #894 (March 31, 2026): 48 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Vote #258 (March 6, 2025): 142 yea, 31 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB506?

HB506 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Social services; Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; provide.

What does HB506 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments; to provide for requirements; to provide for submission of a state plan amendment or waiver, if necessary; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB506?

Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (January 1, 2027).

Who sponsored HB506?

Shawn Still (R, 48), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB506?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70436