Health care in Georgia isn’t working for everyone. Georgians are struggling with the current system. People navigate complicated processes, wait weeks for care, and drive hours to see a doctor. These aren’t just statistics; they’re real stories from people who rely on the state’s Medicaid program, Georgia Pathways, to meet their health needs.
In an exclusive podcast episode produced by Georgians for a Healthy Future, we hear directly from people living these challenges every day. Their experiences show the barriers to care in Georgia and highlight why we must act now to improve access for everyone.
Stories That Matter
Paul Mikell, an essential worker, shared his journey of enrolling in Pathways. Although he was eligible through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the process was far from easy. Even after approval, unexpected fees and confusing system updates made it difficult to get the care he needed.
Sherthea Jackson, a mother managing her children’s Medicaid, described how limited provider availability forces her to travel over two hours just to see a specialist. She’s not alone. Rural Georgians face severe doctor shortages, making timely care nearly impossible.
Medical student Hridaya Shah and hospitalist Toby Terwilliger see these issues from another perspective. They witness firsthand how delays in treatment, pre-authorization hurdles, and bureaucratic red tape prevent people from receiving the care they need. These challenges often lead to more severe health issues down the road.
The Cost of Inaction
These stories go beyond inconvenience. They highlight life-changing, sometimes life-threatening consequences. Families face financial hardship simply because they need to see a doctor. Patients suffer when prescriptions or medical equipment are delayed. Many give up altogether because the system is too difficult to navigate.
As Hridaya put it, “Physicians and community health providers want to help, but they are limited by policy. Lawmakers can reduce barriers to access and better support safety-net hospitals and health programs.”
What You Can Do Right Now
The state of Georgia has the resources to improve health care access, but we need to push for change.
Contact your legislators today and urge them to expand Medicaid. Every Georgian deserves access to affordable, quality health care. Click here to take action.
Sign up for updates from Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF). Stay informed and be part of the movement for better health care in Georgia: Sign up now!
Share Your Story Have you faced challenges accessing health care in Georgia? Your experience can help shine a light on the real impact of our state’s health policies. By sharing your story, you can help advocate for meaningful change and ensure that every Georgian gets the care they need. Tell us your story here!
Your voice matters—let’s make it heard!
Don’t wait. Your voice matters. Listen to the full podcast episode to hear these powerful stories and take action today.
Best intentions of Georgia 2022 behavioral health insurance law fall short with slow implementation
Jill Nolin
State leaders celebrated three years ago when they passed a bipartisan measure designed to step up enforcement of a federal law that requires health insurers treat mental health and substance…
