Peach Pulse Archive 2025

• Medicaid Turns 60, But Its Future Is Under Threat: New federal policy changes are already affecting Medicaid in Georgia, putting coverage and access at risk for almost 2 million Georgians.
• Marketplace Discounts Are Set to Expire: Enhanced tax credits that help 1.4 million Georgians afford health insurance could disappear at the end of the year.
• Save the Date: A Night to Celebrate Progress & Possibilities. Join us on September 11 for an inspiring event honoring Georgia’s health advocacy efforts and the community behind them.
• Share Your Story, Your Experience Matters: Whether you’ve used Medicaid, Georgia Pathways, or Georgia Access, your story can help inform better policies and protect health care for others.

Scroll down for more details!

Today, more than 2 million Georgians rely on Medicaid. That includes:

• Children
• Pregnant and postpartum people
• People with disabilities
• Older adults
• And adults with very low incomes

Medicaid also helps fund services at Georgia’s hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and local clinics. It’s a lifeline for families — and for our health care system as a whole.

But this legacy program is now under real threat.

The recently passed federal budget legislation has made significant changes to how Medicaid works. These changes are already affecting states like Georgia. Here’s what that means:

• Less federal support over time: The federal government is gradually lowering how much money it gives states for Medicaid. That means Georgia may have to pay more out of its own budget — or start cutting back on services, staff, or coverage.
• More red tape for state agencies and families: The law now requires states to do more paperwork, more frequent eligibility checks, and stricter tracking of people’s income and work activity. But it doesn’t provide funding or staff to help manage all that extra work. For Georgia (where Medicaid applications already take weeks or even months to process), this will likely lead to even more delays and denials.
• Work requirements will expand nationally despite Georgia’s poor results: The new federal law requires states to implement work reporting requirements for their Medicaid programs. Georgia is the only state that is currently implementing such a requirement for Medicaid, and it has not gone well. As of June 30th, just over 8,000 people have successfully enrolled in Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program since it launched two years ago. State leaders claimed the program could enroll 30,000 Georgians in the first year, but complicated applications, strict work rules, and narrow eligibility have kept most people out. Continuing with Georgia’s failed experiment will just trap uninsured Georgians in a carousel of unnecessary government hurdles.

As we celebrate Medicaid’s 60th birthday, we’re reminded of just how much it has done for our families and our state — and how much it still needs our protection.

These threats aren’t going unnoticed. The Cover Georgia Coalition has been closely tracking these harmful changes and pushing back to protect Medicaid coverage, funding, and access for Georgians. The coalition brings together advocates, community leaders, and everyday Georgians who believe health care should be available to all Georgians, no matter their income, zip code, or job status.

Ready to take action? Click here to let your members of Congress know how you feel about their vote on HR1! (If they voted to approve the bill (like all of Georgia’s House Republicans did), let them know that you won’t forget this vote. If they voted against the bill, tell them thank you!)

If these tax credits expire at the end of the year — which is what’s currently planned — monthly costs could rise by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many families. (If you buy your coverage through Georgia Access or the ACA, try out this calculator to see how your premiums might change.)

As many as 690,000 Georgians could lose their coverage as they are forced to choose between paying for insurance or other basic needs like rent, groceries, or child care. We recently shared a blog that breaks down these changes. Check it out here. 

Congress still has time to protect us from these cost increases! Click here to urge Congress to extend these tax credits!

Celebration of Progress & Possibilities 2025

• Thursday, September 11, 2025
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM
• Bona Fide Deluxe, 1454 La France Street NE, Ste 110, Atlanta, GA 30307

This annual event brings together advocates, partners, volunteers, and supporters who help shape a healthier Georgia. Since 2008, GHF has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with community members and advocates to transform challenges into opportunities and turn awareness into action.

Attendance is free, and we suggest a donation of $20 or more if you’re able. Your support powers our advocacy, sustains our momentum, and helps us continue creating possibilities for a healthier future.

Want to make an even deeper impact?

Become an event sponsor! Sponsorships start at just $300, and sponsors will be recognized during the program for their generous support of GHF’s mission.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

We want to hear from Georgians who’ve recently:

• Applied for Medicaid or Georgia Pathways
• Struggled to get covered or faced delays
• Used Georgia Access but had trouble affording a plan
• Lost health coverage and aren’t sure what to do next

Your voice matters. We’re collecting stories to help shine a light on how recent health care changes are affecting real Georgians, and to advocate for policies that work better for everyone.

Click here to share your story or forward this link to a friend or loved one who may want to speak up.

Your support powers this work, {{FirstName or ‘Friend’}}. Thank you for standing with us!

Donate today to fuel our fight for health care justice in Georgia.

• 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.