Peach Pulse Archive 2024
JUNE 2024
Read the full blog to discover how a recent court ruling impacts health coverage in Georgia, support parents’ health care, and explore updated Medicaid and insurance resources for 2024.
Braidwood v. Becerra: What Georgians Need to Know
A recent decision by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for the Braidwood v. Becerra case has upheld a popular and important part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This ruling affirms that health insurers must continue to cover no-cost preventive services such as cancer screenings, vaccinations, and mental health checks. This decision directly impacts 4.6 million Georgians and over 150 million Americans who rely on these services to stay healthy without financial strain.
“We are pleased with the Court’s decision to uphold the ACA’s protections of no-cost, life saving preventive services. This ruling is a relief for Georgians who rely on these benefits to understand their risks for serious and chronic conditions, and to prevent or identify health issues early when they’re treatable and manageable,” said Georgians for a Healthy Future Executive Director Laura Colbert. “While these services appear to be secure for now, the court’s decision has left a door open for future challenges. In light of this uncertainty, GHF will continue to monitor this issue and remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure all Georgians have access to the preventive care they need to lead healthy lives.”
Preventive services allow for the prevention and early detection of health conditions and diseases. These services save lives and reduce the costs of care for individuals and the health care system as a whole.
In response to the court’s decision, GHF is urging Georgia’s health insurers to publicly commit to maintaining their coverage of no-cost preventive services, regardless of future legal outcomes. We’re also calling on our state lawmakers to add these protections into state law, so that Georgia families can count on these essential benefits in the future. This guarantee would promote better health across the state and support the future success of Georgia’s new health insurance marketplace, Georgia Access.
For more information, read GHF’s full statement on the decision here.
Following up on Father’s Day: Ensuring Health Care for All Georgia Parents
Every parent deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and access quality health care. Unfortunately, nearly 30 percent of the people in Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap are dads and moms. When parents are uninsured, they may struggle to afford regular check-ups, necessary medications, and unexpected health needs.
The repercussions of being uninsured extend to the whole family. When parents are unable to access health care, it affects their ability to care for their children and support their families. By closing the coverage gap, we can ensure that all parents have what they need to be at their best for their families.
Let’s honor parents by advocating for a health care system that is accessible to the whole family. The health of Georgia’s children depends on their parents’ ability to thrive and provide support.
Want to make a difference for Georgia dads and moms?
Join the Cover Georgia Coalition to join the movement to close Georgia’s coverage gap and ensure every family has access to the health care they need. Visit coverga.org to learn more and get involved.
Updated for 2024: GHF’s Medicaid and Insurance Resources
Did you know that GHF has fact sheets and resources designed to help you understand, enroll in, and use public and private health insurance in Georgia?
These tools include easy-to-understand information and updates so that you and your family can get covered, stay covered, and access the health care you need.
Available resources include:
- Updated Medicaid Income Limits: Get the 2024 income eligibility limits for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids to understand if you, your child, or your client may qualify for coverage
- Step-by-Step Insurance Application Guide: Learn how to apply for and renew your private health insurance coverage through the ACA with easy-to-follow instructions
- Uninsured in Georgia: Learn about Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program, whether you or someone you know may qualify, and how Georgia can go further to cover more uninsured adults
- Georgia Left Me Out: Learn about Georgia’s “coverage gap”, who it affects, and what can be done to fix it
- Frequently Asked Questions: Find answers to common questions about health insurance coverage and eligibility
- And so much more!
Do you need help with your health insurance? We’re here for you!
If you need help with your or a loved one’s Medicaid renewal process or have a life event that impacts your health insurance, we are here to assist you. Our team can answer questions about Medicaid, PeachCare, and private health insurance through the ACA. We can also help you navigate the renewal or application processes.
To request help with your health insurance, visit GHF’s Get Help with Health Insurance webpage and complete the assistance request form. You can also call us at 404-567-5016, extension 8.
GHF Wants To Hear From Georgians Like You!
Share Your Health Care Story Now!
Your story is powerful, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard loud and clear. Whether you’ve faced health challenges or achieved victories, your experiences matter deeply to us and to our lawmakers in Georgia.
Sharing your story helps lawmakers understand what’s working and what isn’t in our health care system. By telling your story, you show our leaders why laws and policies need to change to make health care more affordable, accessible, and beneficial for our communities. Let our GHF team collaborate with you to amplify your health care journey.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from those who are uninsured, enrolled in health care through the marketplace, dealing with medical debt, or covered by Medicaid.
Every story is valuable to us, so don’t hesitate to share yours now! Write it down or record it—either way, your voice matters. Plus, story contributors may be compensated for their time.
GHF In The News
- Axios Atlanta | June 1, 2024: Experts urge Georgia to reform health insurance system