Peach Pulse Archive 2025

• Crossover Day is Near! Stay updated on key health bills and what’s next in the legislative session.
• Cover Georgia Advocacy Day Recap: Advocates came together to push for closing Georgia’s coverage gap.
• Recent Publications: Get the latest insights on health care costs, Medicaid, and Black History Month advocacy.
• Help Us Advocate for a Healthier Georgia: Join us in fighting for a healthier Georgia by supporting our advocacy efforts.

Scroll down for more details and ways to take action!

GHF is tracking key legislation, including bills that impact Georgia’s health care workforce and efforts to close the state’s coverage gap. We’ll keep you updated on which bills survive Crossover Day and break down what it means for health care in Georgia. Stay tuned for updates, advocacy alerts, and more!

Participants met with lawmakers, shared their personal health care stories, and urged action on closing Georgia’s coverage gap. Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke out—your advocacy makes a difference!

GHF Submits Written Comments on Pathways to Coverage Program

On January 21, 2025, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) announced plans to submit a Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver Extension Application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. As part of the waiver extension process, DCH accepted public comments through February 20, 2025.

GHF submitted written comments during the public comment period to ensure that the needs and experiences of Georgians are reflected in the future of the Pathways program. Read them here.

Millions of Georgians Could Face Big Increases in Health Insurance Costs—Here’s What You Need to Know

Millions of Georgians could soon face higher health insurance costs as key financial help under the Affordable Care Act is set to expire at the end of 2025. Without action from Congress, over 1.2 million Georgians could see major premium hikes, forcing many to drop their coverage.

Our latest blog breaks down what’s at stake, how Georgia families will be affected, and how you can help protect affordable health care. Read more.

How Black-Led Movements of the Past Guide the Fight to Close Georgia’s Coverage Gap

Black-led movements have shaped policies that benefit everyone. That legacy continues today in the fight for Medicaid expansion. During Black History Month, we recognize the Black-led movements that have played a defining role in expanding rights and protections in our country’s history. From the abolition of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement, and from the fight for Social Security to the creation of Medicaid, Black advocates, and their allies have built a legacy of progress that has strengthened this country for everyone.

Expanding Medicaid isn’t just a policy choice; it’s a moral and economic necessity that would save lives, strengthen communities, and honor the legacy of those who fought for a more just society. Read more.

• Our health insurance navigators are helping Georgians find and enroll in affordable coverage through Georgia Access. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we’re here to help!
• As co-leaders of the Cover Georgia coalition, we’re advocating for solutions like Medicaid expansion and stronger health protections for Georgia families.

Your support fuels this work. With your help, we can continue advocating for policies that improve lives, provide essential services, and build a healthier Georgia—one powered by people like you.

• Take Action on Pathways: The public comment period for the Pathways to Coverage waiver renewal is open until February 20th. Speak up to help expand Medicaid eligibility and remove barriers for low-income Georgians.
• Legislative Updates: Stay informed with our weekly updates on key health care policy developments under the Gold Dome.
• We Decide Georgia Coalition: Join us in protecting local decision-making and advocating for policies that promote health and fairness across Georgia.
• HCU 2025 Highlights & Podcast Preview: Relive the key moments from this year’s Health Care Unscrambled, including the exclusive premiere of our new podcast, Health Care on My Mind.
• We’re Hiring: Passionate about making a difference? Apply for our part-time Director of Administration role and help power our mission.
• Support GHF: Help us create a “Healthier Future, Powered by People” by donating to support our advocacy efforts during the legislative session.

There’s so much to explore—scroll down to dive into the details and get involved!

Speak Up for Georgians Seeking Care

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has submitted a waiver extension request for the Pathways to Coverage program. The proposed changes still leave out hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Georgians, including:

• People with chronic conditions who are unable to work.
• Parents of children aged 6-19, including those with disabilities.
• Caregivers of adults with disabilities, and the elderly.

Pathways has struggled to meet its goals, enrolling only 6,500 participants. Just 3% of those who would benefit from full Medicaid expansion—and imposing barriers that make access unnecessarily difficult.

How You Can Help:

• Attend a Public Hearing:
  • Hearing 1: TODAY, January 31, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET (Join via Zoom)
  • Hearing 2: February 10, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET (Join via Zoom)
• Submit a Public Comment via email: Make your voice heard by sharing your input via email to advocate for expanding Medicaid eligibility and removing barriers. Simply click the button below to write your comment, and we’ll ensure it reaches the Georgia Department of Community Health.

The deadline for public comments is February 20, 2025. Let’s ensure every Georgian has access to the health care they need!

The legislative session is underway, and Georgians for a Healthy Future is keeping you informed with weekly updates on health care policy developments under the Gold Dome.

Why is this important? Because building a healthier future for all Georgians means staying connected, advocating for your community, and making sure your voice is heard where it matters most.

These updates provide:

• Major health policy developments you need to know.
• Bills on our radar, including plain-language summaries, sponsors, and GHF’s position.
• Action alerts with clear steps to reach out to your legislators when your voice can make a difference.
• Advocacy opportunities to join us and our partners at the Capitol to fight for a healthier, more equitable Georgia.

We encourage you to dive into each update—your voice has the power to shape Georgia’s health care future and gives you the chance to act quickly when your input can make the biggest impact.

Haven’t caught up yet? It’s not too late to join us and stay in the loop. Read the latest update by visiting GHF’s blog.

Georgia’s cities and counties play a vital role in testing innovative policies like paid family leave, local tobacco taxes, and internet access initiatives. These local efforts help close health and economic gaps for communities and demonstrate how effective solutions can be expanded statewide.

However, state lawmakers have increasingly relied on preemption—a tool that blocks local governments from implementing these innovative solutions. While preemption isn’t inherently bad and can sometimes be used to create consistency across the state, it has increasingly been used in ways that block local governments from implementing innovative solutions. This trend undermines local voices and prevents communities from making decisions that best meet their needs.

That’s why GHF launched the We Decide Georgia Coalition to protect local decision-making and advance policies that promote well-being and fairness for all Georgians.

As a coalition member, you’ll:

• Collaborate with GHF to fight harmful preemption policies.
• Advocate for innovative local policies that support health and equity.
• Empower your community to elevate its voice in state policy decisions.

Interested in joining? Sign up here!

If you’d like to learn more about how preemption impacts your community or have questions, contact GHF’s Senior Coalitions Manager, Knetta Adkins at kadkins@healthyfuturega.org.

Together, we can protect local decision-making and build a healthier, more equitable Georgia.

This year, we proudly unveiled our new tagline: “Healthier Future, Powered by People.” This phrase represents more than words—it’s a reflection of our deep commitment to putting individuals and communities at the heart of every decision and policy we advocate for. It’s about empowering everyday Georgians to lift their voices, share their experiences, and drive change that ensures everyone has access to the care they need.

Your support fuels this vision, allowing us to amplify the voices of those often overlooked, equip advocates with the tools they need, and create real, lasting solutions for Georgians across the state. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable Georgia—one powered by people like you.