Peach Pulse Archive 2026
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse
This month, we are thanking everyone who joined us at the One Nation, Overcharged popsicle stand and Ice Cream Festival stops — helping GHF mark one year of a federal law that has made coverage harder to afford. We are also spotlighting an innovative model for health and housing in Atlanta, and inviting you to join the fight for a health care system that works for everyone.
- Save the Date: Join us September 9 at City Winery Atlanta for our Celebration of Progress and Possibilities 2026.
- One Nation, Overcharged:
- Thank You for Showing Up: A look back at this month’s summer treat and engagement events.
- Take the Next Step: Join our virtual rally on the health care affordability crisis, Thursday, August 20 at 6:00 PM.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications and Resources:
- A New Model for Health and Housing: How Mercy Care and Pennrose built affordable housing alongside a health clinic in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, and what it means for communities in Georgia.
- One Year Into a Worsening Affordability Crisis: Since H.R. 1 became law, more than 500,000 Georgians have lost or dropped their Marketplace health coverage.
- GHF’s Comments to DCH on the New Medicaid Work Requirement: GHF submitted comments raising concerns about gaps in the state’s proposed rules ahead of the August 13 board vote.
- Share Your Story: Share your experiences with GHF and Families USA before the September 15 deadline.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage on Georgia’s Medicaid expansion debate and a PolitiFact fact check featuring GHF’s work.
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse
This month, we’re covering a new national campaign, stories from Georgia caregivers and advocates, and the latest on what’s at stake for health coverage across the state.
Here’s what’s inside this month’s Peach Pulse:
- One Nation, Overcharged: GHF joins a national campaign demanding a health care system that puts people over profits.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications and Resources:
- Share Your Story: Your experience matters. If you or someone you know has been impacted by Medicaid changes, premium increases, or hospital cuts, we want to hear from you — deadline is September 15.
- EPSDT Unscrambled: Last month we shared the video. Now download the fact sheet to learn what EPSDT covers and put it in the hands of families who need it.
- June is Men’s Health Month, and we have two blogs that spotlight important issues for the health and well-being of Georgia men:
- Male Caregivers: Caregiving takes a toll most people don’t see. GHF Caregivers Advisory Group members Armstrong S. and Joey J. share what it has cost them and what they are calling on policymakers to do.
- Men Locked Out of Coverage: Guest blogger Geo Ayala of Serving At-risk Families Everywhere (SAFE) on why Georgia’s health coverage policies are failing low-income men.
- Take the Next Step: Join us this summer at a One Nation, Overcharged Popsicle Stand event near you.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage from GPB and the Bulwark.
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse
Here’s what’s inside this month’s Peach Pulse:
- Thank You for Getting Georgia Covered: The Getting Georgia Covered campaign wrapped on May 19. Check out the highlights and see how you can support GHF’s year-round enrollment work.
- Youth Mental Health: What Is EPSDT? More than 1.2 million Georgia youth have access to free mental health screenings and treatment through Medicaid. Watch our new video to learn more.
- Governor Kemp’s Final Say on 2026 Health Care Priorities: The legislative session is over and the Governor has signed, vetoed, and withheld. Get the full breakdown on what passed and what got cut from the budget.
- Georgia’s Uninsured Crisis Is a Mental Health Issue: In a new guest blog for Cover Georgia, Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon writes about the coverage gap as a mental health crisis and what Medicaid expansion would change. Read the blog.
- GHF’s 2025 Annual Report: A look back at a year defined by what we protected, and what we built for what comes next. Read the report.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage from Georgia Public Broadcasting, WABE, Georgia Recorder, and more.
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse
Here’s what’s inside this month’s Peach Pulse:
- Meet Our New Leadership Team Members: Join us in welcoming Shanae Lee, Director of Finance and Operations, and Jennifer Ratner, Director of Development & Communications, to the GHF team.
- Coming in May: Getting Georgia Covered: Our spring giving campaign kicks off May 13. Watch for our kick-off email, or make an early gift today to power our enrollment assistance work.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications & Resources: This month, we’re sharing:
- A new interactive dashboard tracking how Georgia insurers are meeting their mental health parity obligations
- For Medicaid Awareness Month: Cover Georgia’s latest blog on why Medicaid works, what’s at risk, and how Georgia can strengthen coverage for more families
- A new hotline where Georgians can share how rising premiums are affecting their lives
- The 2026 Legislative Session is a Wrap: Sine Die has come and gone. Get caught up on the FY27 budget deal, bills that passed (and the ones that didn’t), and what to watch for as Governor Kemp’s May 12 signing deadline approaches.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage from WABE, GPB, CNN, Atlanta Business Chronicle, and more!
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse?
The legislative session is moving fast, federal policy changes have put coverage at risk for hundreds of thousands of Georgians, and our team has been busy producing new tools and resources to keep you informed and ready to act. Here is what we have for you this month:
- Legislative Updates: Budget negotiations are in the final stretch, and Crossover Day is just around the corner. We are tracking committee activity, bill movement, and what it all means for health care access in Georgia. Read the latest legislative updates on our blog.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications and Resources: This month, we’re sharing:
- Our new policy brief on what rising costs and federal policy changes mean for Georgia Access enrollees
- What to do if you missed Open Enrollment, and how a Special Enrollment Period might help
- GHF Leadership Recognized for Health Equity Work: GHF’s Executive Director, Laura Colbert, is a finalist for a major health equity award.
- How to stay connected with Cover Georgia and join the push to close Georgia’s coverage gap
- Power our work this session: Your support helps us track legislation, share timely updates, and advocate for policies that expand access to care across Georgia. Every gift makes a difference during this critical time.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage from GPB, WABE, and more!
What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse?
Here’s what’s inside this month’s Peach Pulse:
- Legislative Updates: We’re tracking early bill movement, committee activity, and what it all means for health care access in Georgia. Catch up on the first two legislative updates of the session to stay in the loop. Read the latest legislative updates on our blog.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications & Resources:
This month, we’re sharing:- A recap of Health Care Unscrambled 2026, including highlights from our legislative panel and keynote discussion with Katie Keith
- How rising health insurance costs are affecting Georgia families and why your story matters
- New insights into the challenges family caregivers are facing and why caregiver support matters now more than ever
- How to stay connected with Cover Georgia and join the push to close Georgia’s coverage gap
- Advocacy Days at the Capitol: Advocacy days are happening throughout the session. Check out upcoming opportunities to show up, speak out, and meet with lawmakers about the health care issues that matter most.
- Power our work this session: Your support helps us track legislation, share timely updates, and advocate for policies that expand access to care across Georgia. Every gift makes a difference during this critical time.
- GHF in the News: Recent coverage from Capital B ATL, GPB, HealthBeat, and more!
What’s Happening at the Capitol
The 2026 Georgia legislative session is underway, and we’re already seeing important developments on health care policy and funding.
Session kicked off with big questions about affordability. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol on January 13th, facing a changed health care landscape due to last year’s federal tax and budget bill (H.R.1). Governor Kemp delivered his State of the State address and released his budget proposals, which included investments in medical workforce training but left other major health care and coverage challenges unaddressed. We also hosted Health Care Unscrambled 2026, bringing together national experts and state lawmakers to discuss these challenges and consider state-led solutions. See more about HCU 2026 below!
Key bills from last session are back in play, including HB 291, legislation to certify community health workers, and SB 131, which would strengthen mental health parity enforcement. Read the Week 1 legislative update.
Budget week revealed health spending priorities. State agencies presented their funding requests during joint appropriations hearings, giving us early insights into health spending priorities for the year ahead. The Governor’s budget proposals show modest growth in health care spending, with new investments in behavioral health housing vouchers and crisis services, but notable gaps remain, particularly around coverage affordability and rural hospital support. Read the Week 2 legislative update.
Understanding Georgia’s Budget Timeline
Georgia’s budget process can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know:
Two Budgets, Two Years:
- Amended Fiscal Year 2026 = Updates to the current year’s budget (July 2025 – June 2026)
- Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 = Brand new budget for next year (July 2026 – June 30, 2027)
The Process:
- January: Governor proposes budgets; agencies explain their needs (we are here)
- February–March: Lawmakers debate and make changes
- March: Final budgets pass on the last day of session (Sine Die)
- April–May: Governor signs budgets into law
Why This Matters: The amended budget shows how Georgia is spending its reserves right now. The FY 2027 budget shows whether the state is preparing for long-term challenges or just short-term needs.
Our team is tracking committee activity, monitoring new legislation, and breaking down what it all means for Georgians. These weekly updates are your go-to resource for understanding what’s happening under the Gold Dome and how it connects to health care in your community.
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Peach Pulse | ACA & DACA Coverage Changes, Medicaid Challenges, and September’s Celebration
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Peach Pulse | Medicaid Turns 60, Health Care Still Under Threat, a Special Celebration Ahead & More!
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MORE >
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.
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May 2024
ADVOCATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS IN GEORGIA
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s important to remember that our commitment to raising awareness and improving mental health care doesn’t end here.
GHF proudly attended the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum earlier this month. The event convened many professionals dedicated to improving mental health for Georgians across the state. Key highlights were the engaging bipartisan discussions and thought-provoking presentations throughout the forum. These conversations are crucial for advancing mental health access in Georgia.
Nearly half (46%) of Georgia adults believe mental health is the most pressing issue facing the state today. However, Georgia has yet to take a fundamental step to increase access to mental health care: closing the coverage gap.
Closing the coverage gap means enabling uninsured, low-income adults to enroll in health insurance, ensuring they have access to necessary medical care. This would allow Georgians to receive preventive health services before developing a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Two years ago, Georgia passed the Mental Health Parity Act, landmark legislation that improved access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment for Georgians with health insurance. This bill strengthened the state’s mental health infrastructure by requiring insurers to cover mental health services the same as physical health services, creating a system to report unfair coverage denials, and increasing access to trained professionals and care coordination for insured Georgians in crisis. However, Georgians in the coverage gap remain without access to most of these benefits.
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APRIL 2024
THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION MAY HAVE ENDED,
BUT OUR WORK IS YEAR-ROUND!
The legislative session may have wrapped up, but GHF’s efforts to enhance health care in Georgia are far from over.
As we move into May, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 session and plan for future advocacy.
In our final 2024 legislative session update, we shared some noteworthy health investments in the state budget and highlighted some significant bills that have been passed, including but not limited to:
- HB 1339, which establishes a Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission;
- HB 1010, which extends parental leave for state employees; and
- HB 404, also known as the Safe at Home Act, which establishes tenant protection for renters in Georgia.
We are pleased to share that the Governor has already signed these three bills into law.
MORE >GEORGIA’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS TOMORROW
Stay Informed with GHF Updates.
Tomorrow, March 28th, marks the end of the legislative session, known as Sine Die. This week will be busy at the Capitol with lawmakers working long hours to finish bills and budget changes before midnight on Thursday.
GHF is closely monitoring several pieces of legislation, including proposals that would make it easier for mental health and substance use providers to serve Georgians; damage access to evidence-based medical care for transgender youth; and slash Georgia’s Housing Tax Credit.
Stay updated by following GHF and #gapol on social media. Next week, we’ll share a legislative update summarizing what was achieved and what wasn’t during this year’s session.
MORE >CROSSOVER DAY IS HERE!
Today marks Crossover Day, a pivotal point in Georgia’s legislative session where bills must be approved by their originating chamber. Once approved, the bills move across the Capitol to the other chamber. Bills that fail to pass out of their chamber of origin by the end of Crossover Day are unlikely to become law this session. (There are occasional exceptions to this rule.)
In the remaining days of the session, GHF will continue to advocate for closing the coverage gap, among other issues. Earlier this week HB 1339 was passed by the House and has moved on to the Senate chamber. This legislation – while primarily focused on the state’s certificate of need program for hospitals – includes a provision that would establish a Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission to explore closing Georgia’s coverage gap in the 2025 or 2026 legislative session.
While HB 1339 signals legislative interest in finding a solution, lawmakers have the power to close the coverage gap right now. Delaying access to health care for hardworking Georgians is costly for families, harms the state’s workforce, and strains rural hospitals. Rather than agreeing to study the issue, lawmakers should work together to pass legislation that allows Georgia to close the coverage gap this year. Contact your Senator today and urge them to close the coverage gap now! (See our full action alert in the next section below.)
With four weeks remaining in the session, committees are working quickly to hear and vote on legislation. Expect a lot of activity today, and be sure to look out for updates about health and housing legislation in our email update this Monday.
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Thank you for (virtually) joining us!
Thanks to you, GHF’s 11th annual Health Care Unscrambled was a huge success! We were thrilled to have so many advocates, policy makers, health care providers, and public health professionals join us for this year’s virtual event!HCU 2021 sessions available on-demand!
Not a morning person? Had another meeting during one of this year’s Health Care Unscrambled sessions? No worries! Recordings of each session are available in our digital program now. Our digital program also features photos, slides, and materials from each session for your convenience.
Don’t forget! GHF has you covered for the 2021 Georgia legislative session. Review GHF’s 2021-2022 policy priorities, track health-related legislation, and contact your elected officials on our website and in your inbox each week.
Ask your local public health officials to prioritize equity when giving out the COVID-19 vaccine
Communities of color, low-income families & individuals, immigrant communities, and rural areas in Georgia have been hardest hit by COVID-19. In order for Georgia to successfully and effectively recover from COVID-19, our state needs a vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes equity and puts the communities hit hardest at the front of the line.
Your local public health (PH) officials are making a lot of specific decisions about how vaccines are distributed in your community. You have the chance to influence those decisions now! Ask your local PH district leaders to present their plans to the community, including how racial equity is built into the plan, and get public input. Contact your public health officials today!
Ask your legislator to commit to Medicaid expansion!
Over 560,000 Georgians are still waiting for Georgia leaders to make the right choice and expand Medicaid. State leaders can expand Medicaid at any time and we are asking them to publicly commit to doing just that in 2021! By expanding the Medicaid health insurance program, thousands more Georgians would gain health coverage and access to care if they become sick without the worry of unaffordable medical bills afterward. Georgia is one of only 12 states that have not yet done the right thing by expanding Medicaid. Our legislators can make 2021 a brighter, healthier year for all Georgians! Ask state leaders to make a New Year’s resolution for Medicaid expansion today.
GHF welcomes three new board members
Chastity Walker, Jenny Besse, and Abbie Fuksman have all joined the GHF Board of Directors! These three board members bring a breadth of experience and knowledge that will help to inform and guide GHF’s work over their terms of service. Join us in welcoming our new board members and learn more about GHF’s Board of Directors and Staff on our website.
GHF is hiring a full-time Organizing Manager!
You can join the GHF team by applying to be our new Organizing Manager! The Organizing Manager will be responsible for directing collaborative coalition strategies and leading outreach, education, & organizing initiatives directly with Georgia consumers. The Organizing Manager will work closely with the rest of the GHF team to advance policies that foster a healthy, equitable Georgia. Please visit GHF’s Employment Opportunities page for more information about this position and how to apply.
Annual Legislative Suppers, Breakfasts Go Digital As The Legislative Session Gets Underway
GPB | January 11, 2021
Advocates hope lawmakers step-up to fill mental health need amplified by pandemic
Union Recorder | January 13, 2021
Providers Sue Trump Administration Over Approval Of Georgia Plans To Nix Healthcare.gov
WABE | January 15, 2021
Georgia’s slow COVID vaccine rollout exposes broad public health shortfall
Georgia Recorder | January 20, 2021
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Mark your calendars
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our 11th annual Health Care Unscrambled, with a virtual twist!
Our annual Health Care Unscrambled event is a special, annual opportunity for health advocates and stakeholders to hear from state policymakers about what they plan to tackle in the year ahead, to learn about emerging health policy issues from nationally-renowned experts, and to better understand the health experiences of Georgia consumers. Because of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, GHF’s 2021 Health Care Unscrambled will take place virtually with sessions on January 7, 8, and 14th.
In recognition of these tough economic times, we are offering this year’s program at no cost to individual attendees. For those who can afford it, we hope you will consider donating $10 for each session you plan to attend or a sponsorship.
Sponsorhip opportunities are available!
Open enrollment begins November 1st!
Healthcare.gov opens for business this Sunday, November 1st! Consumers can browse available plans now and enroll in affordable, comprehensive coverage from November 1 to December 15, 2020. Nine out of 10 Georgians qualify for financial help to afford their plan. If you are one of the many Georgians who have lost a job or health coverage this year, now is the time to shop and get covered!
Follow GHF on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn and share messages about the opportunity to gain health insurance, the availability of financial assistance, and how to find enrollment help.
Georgians deserve better!
Tell state leaders the Governor’s plan falls short and Georgians need Medicaid expansion
State and federal leaders announced this month the approval of Governor Kemp’s proposal to bypass Medicaid expansion and the likely approval of his proposal to reshape Georgia’s private insurance market. When given the opportunity to weigh in on these plans, Georgians overwhelmingly said that they prefer a full Medicaid expansion and do not want to separate from the ACA marketplace.
Georgia’s approved Medicaid plan will expand coverage to only a fraction of low-income, uninsured Georgians. Despite steep job losses due to the pandemic, Georgia adults could only apply for and enroll in Medicaid coverage if they can prove they work (or do other government-approved activities) at least half-time.
Georgians deserve better! All Georgians should have affordable, quality health coverage, especially during a pandemic. But state leaders continue to ignore calls for such policies. Visit CoverGA.org and tell your state leaders that it’s time to do more for the health of Georgia.
Know before you go!
A consumer health advocates guide to the 2020 elections
As this year’s election season peaks, Georgians have the opportunity to learn more about the elected positions on their ballots, the decision-making power each has, and how each impacts the health and well-being of Georgians. Voters’ decisions about this fall’s candidates up and down the ballot will have an unprecedented impact on our state’s COVID-19 response, other immediate consumer health issues, and long-term well-being in Georgia. Our Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections blog series helps you understand the role that elected officials play in your health care and coverage. Read the series before you head to the polls:
- Ten health care questions for Georgia candidates
- A consumer health advocates guide to the 2020 elections:
The last day to cast your vote is this Tuesday, November 3, 2020! Don’t miss your chance to be a #HealthCareVoter!
*GHF is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization. We do not endorse or support any candidates or political party.
GHF supports community health workers
GHF joins Community Voices for Health to support Georgia’s community health workers
Community Voices for Health – Georgia is a new initiative led by Georgia Watch, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgians for a Healthy Future, and Georgia ACT with support from the Rober Wood Johnson Foundation. The focus of this initiative is to develop and strengthen engagement in health advocacy among Georgia’s community health workers (CHWs.) CHWs’ relationships with community members allow them to serve as liaisons between health care, social services, and communities in need. While advocacy and engagement are essential to this role, many CHWs lack the training or support to be as effective as possible. GHF and our project partners are working to address this gap by building the capacity of Georgia’s community health workers to engage in effective community organizing and civic advocacy through training, technical assistance, and peer learning. Check out this blog from Public Agenda for more about this exciting work.
Join our mission
Your chance to join GHF’s board of directors!
Are you interested in shaping a healthy and more equitable future for all Georgians? GHF’s Board of Directors is seeking passionate and experienced advocates to join our mission. This is your opportunity to raise your voice, connect with like-minded people, and use your unique skills to make a difference on the health issues that matter most to you! We are especially interested in applicants with legal, financial/accounting, and human resources expertise. Visit GHF’s volunteer page to let us know why you would make a great addition to our Board of Directors!
GHF in the news
Ambetter policyholders to get $58 million in ACA rebates
Albany Herald | October 12, 2020
Feds approve Georgia health insurance changes sought by Kemp
Washington Post | October 15, 2020
Georgia Gets Approval For Medicaid Work-Requirement Plan
WABE | October 15, 2020
Feds approve Georgia health insurance changes sought by Kemp
ABC News | October 15, 2020
Breaking Down Georgia’s Waiver Plans After Capitol Ceremony
GBP | October 15, 2020
Challenges loom after federal approval of Kemp health plan
Georgia Recorder | October 16, 2020
Kemp rolls out Medicaid plans
Valdosta Daily Times | October 19, 2020
GA Individual Market Reform Approved Over Industry Objections
HealthPayerIntelligence | October 19, 2020
Governor Kemp’s Georgia health insurance changes get the federal nod
Live Insurance News | October 21, 2020
#SouthernSolidarity
Tune in to the Southerners for Medicaid Expansion digital vigil
Georgia has come together with our Southern state peers for a new initiative called Southerners For Medicaid Expansion. Together we are calling for Medicaid expansion across our region as a powerful way to address racial disparities, effectively address COVID-19, and support rural hospitals and their communities.
Join Cover Georgia and Southerners for Medicaid Expansion tomorrow, October 1st at 7pm for a special digital vigil. Led by Stacey Abrams and Reverend William Barber, this #SouthernSolidarity event will remember the lives who have been lost and honor those still suffering from the denial of health care access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join us this tomorrow, October 1st for this moving call-to-action.
Thank you for taking action!
Over 1,000 comments submitted to protect Georgians’ health care!
In August and September, we asked you (for the final time, we think) to weigh in on Governor Kemp’s plans to remake Georgia’s private health insurance system. You did it again! By last week’s deadline, Georgians submitted 1085 comments telling federal health officials that they do not support Gov. Kemp’s plan to dismantle healthcare.gov and leave consumers at the mercy of for-profit insurance companies. Thank you for speaking up!
Federal health officials will now review Governor Kemp’s health care plan and by mid-February, will decide whether or not to approve it. GHF and the Cover Georgia coalition will keep you updated on the latest developments and action opportunities. Stay tuned!
Georgians in the Driver’s Seat wants to hear from you
Fill out our updated survey for a chance to win!
Georgians experiencing some of the biggest challenges getting to and from health care services rely on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). NEMT is a free service for Medicaid members who do not have their own means of transportation to get to health appointments and services. The program is especially important for people with disabilities, seniors, rural residents, and people of color, but sometimes it falls short of its promise.
In order to ensure NEMT works well for all Georgians who need it, we need to hear from the people who already use it! We updated the Georgians in the Driver’s Seat survey for the COVID-19 world, when transportation challenges may look different than they used to. Your responses help our team understand how we can best fight for a better NEMT system.
By filling out our newly updated survey you will be entered in a weekly drawing to win a $20 gift card. Enter the drawing at the end of the survey.
Know before you go!
A consumer health advocates guide to the 2020 elections
As this year’s election season begins (now through November 3, 2020!), Georgians have the opportunity to learn more about the elected positions on their ballots, the decision-making power each has, and how each impacts the health and well-being of Georgians. Voters’ decisions about this fall’s candidates up and down the ballot will have an unprecedented impact on our state’s COVID-19 response, other immediate consumer health issues, and long-term well-being in Georgia. Our Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections blog series helps you understand the role that elected officials play in your health care and coverage. Read the series before you head to the polls:
- Ten health care questions for Georgia candidates
- A consumer health advocates guide to the 2020 elections:
- Georgia’s General Assembly
- U.S. Congress
- Coming next week: U.S. President
*GHF is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization. We do not endorse or support any candidates or political party.
You are (virtually) invited!
Don’t miss GHF’s next Georgia Voices for Medicaid event!
Join Georgians for a Healthy Future and The Arc of Southwest Georgia on Wednesday, October 14th from 1-2 PM for the Georgia Voices for Medicaid community event. You will leave the interactive session with a better understanding of Medicaid and the role it plays for Georgians and in our health system. You will also develop skills to be an effective health care advocate and learn about resources to keep you up-to-date on the latest health advocacy opportunities in Georgia. This event will take place virtually. To attend, RSVP below and complete the pre-survey (it tells us if we’re doing our jobs well)!
GHF in the news
Kemp’s plan to block the federal ACA insurance exchange under fire
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | September 04, 2020
Inside Georgia’s latest attempt to change how people access Obamacare
PBS | August 28, 2020
The Final Countdown
Last week, federal officials kicked off what will likely be the final public comment period on Gov. Kemp’s plan to remake private health insurance in Georgia. We’ve once again made it as easy as possible for you to raise your voice in support of quality, affordable health care for all Georgians!
The Governor’s newly-revised plan is made up of two parts:
1. Reinsurance—which would help to lower premiums for health plans sold on through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace (healthcare.gov) starting in 2022; and
2. The Georgia Access model—which would block Georgia consumers from the most widely-used and preferred way to shop for and buy health coverage and instead force Georgians to go through profit-driven insurance companies and web brokers
Health officials are asking for final comments from Georgians about the Governor’s plan. Submit your comment today. The deadline for comments is September 16th. Don’t miss your chance to say how this plan will affect you, your loved ones, and Georgians across the state.
Georgians with mental health or substance use conditions at risk under the Gov.’s plan
For the next few weeks, GHF & our Cover Georgia partners will be spotlighting some of the impacts that Governor Kemp’s plan will have on certain groups of Georgians. This week we are drawing attention to the significant risks posed by this proposal to Georgians with mental health and substance use disorders. The plan is likely to reduce access to MH and SU services, leaving Georgians with even fewer ways to get to find or maintain recovery. Learn more at CoverGA.org and check back weekly for more!
Get Your Tickets!
Give ‘Em Health trivia night kicks off Sept. 15th!
Our first-ever Give ‘Em Health trivia night is coming up in just a few short weeks! On Tuesday, September 15th, we promise a fun evening of friendly competition and fellowship, if you promise not to cheat by Googling the answers! In addition to supporting GHF’s advocacy for a healthier, more equitable Georgia, your trivia night ticket opens the (virtual) door to:
- Mind-bending questions about health, politics, Georgia, and popular culture!
- Special appearances by your favorite health advocacy celebrities!
- Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams!
We have taken this event fully virtual to protect the health of all event attendees, but this won’t be another boring Zoom meeting. RSVP today and invite your friends to join your team!
Sponsorship opportunities are available
A Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections
Elections of state senators & representatives are consequential for Georgia’s health
GHF is pleased to present our Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections blog series!
This November Georgians will cast their votes for a state senator and representative to represent their local community in Georgia’s General Assembly for the next two years. Voters’ decisions about the candidates in these race will shape state laws related to health and health care, determine how state money is spent to keep Georgians healthy, and influence Georgia’s response to COVID-19 and the resulting economic recession. Despite being little known, Georgia’s state senators and representatives have real-life and consequential impacts on the health of our state. Learn about how your state legislators influence the health of your community in our new blog. Look for more blogs in this series in the coming weeks!
*GHF is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization. We do not endorse or support any candidates or political party.
Georgia Featured on Southern Storyteller Spotlight
GHF & advocates across the South launch new campaign for Medicaid expansion
Georgia is one of only 12 states that have yet to expand Medicaid so that low-income adults can have health insurance coverage. Georgia and seven other non-expansion states spanning the Southern U.S. have come together for a campaign called Southerners For Medicaid Expansion!
Last week GHF hosted Georgia’s Southern Storyteller Spotlight with Dr. Karen Kinsell of Clay County, Georgia as part of the Southerners for Medicaid Expansion campaign. Alyssa Green, spoke with Dr. Kinsell about the realities of health care in rural South Georgia, the difficulties faced by her neighbors and patients, and how Medicaid expansion is a vital part of building a prosperous, healthy future for rural communities. If you missed this great discussion, it is available now on GHF’s Facebook page!
Stay tuned for more events and advocacy opportunities in our Southerners for Medicaid Expansion campaign!
Join Our Mission
Your chance to join GHF’s board of directors!
Are you interested in shaping a healthy and more equitable future for all Georgians? GHF’s Board of Directors is seeking passionate and experienced advocates to join our mission. This is your opportunity to raise your voice, connect with like-minded people, and use your unique skills to make a difference on the health issues that matter most to you! Visit GHF’s volunteer page to let us know why you would make a great addition to our Board of Directors!
GHF in the News
Prices on Georgia’s insurance exchange shaping up to stay fairly stable
Gwinnett Daily Post | August 10, 2020
Insurance exchange prices to see small increases
Albany Herald | August 12, 2020
MORE >
Give ’em Health!
Join GHF for Give ‘Em Health trivia night on September 15th!
Our first-ever Give ‘Em Health trivia night is an exciting, energetic event that will bring together GHF friends and supporters for a health-themed trivia extravaganza. Join us on September 15, 2020 as we gather online for an evening of fun, friendly competition and some of the most topical health trivia we can come up with.
Give ‘Em Health trivia night will feature two rounds of mind-bending questions, special appearances by well-known guests, and healthy prizes for the top teams!
We have taken this event fully virtual to protect the health of all event attendees, but this won’t be another boring Zoom meeting. GHF’s dynamic trivia hosts will provide the music, fun, and entertainment that you expect from an in-person event! RSVP today and invite your friends to join your team!
Sponsorship opportunities are available
Celebrating 55 years of Medicaid!
Join us in celebrating the 55th anniversary of Medicaid!
Thursday, July 30, 2020 marks the 55th anniversary of Medicaid! The public health insurance program covers half of Georgia kids, half of births in the state, and three out of four Georgians in long-term care (like nursing homes). Without Medicaid, low-income Georgia families would have almost no way to enroll in health coverage. Now, the program is proving even more important as our state battles the coronavirus. Medicaid is key to Georgia’s COVID-19 response because it is one of the fastest ways for the federal government to send resources to Georgia and health care providers struggling to meet the needs of Georgia patients and families.
Here are four ways you can celebrate with us and support Medicaid on its 55th birthday:
- Attend the Medicaid Saves Lives! virtual rally tomorrow, July 30th at 6:00 p.m. with guest speakers Stacey Abrams and Daniel Dawes!
- Schedule a virtual Georgia Voices for Medicaid training by contacting Alyssa Green at agreen@healthyfuturega.org
for more information. - Use and share GHF’s updated fact sheets and resources!
- Share your Medicaid story!
Welcome!
GHF welcomes new Story Collection Coordinator
Last month, GHF welcomed Lois Hairston as its new Story Collection Coordinator. In this role, Lois will work to collect, develop, and amplify the stories of Georgia individuals and families so that their voices are heard as state leaders make decisions that impact their health. We are so pleased to have Lois join the GHF team. You can visit our website for more on Lois and for her contact information.
Welcome Lois by sharing your health story!
Your story is one of the most powerful tools available as we advocate for the health and wellness of Georgians. Sharing your real life experiences can shape the decisions made by Georgia’s leaders about the state’s response to COVID-19 and the economic recovery, Medicaid expansion, and a host of other health issues. If you are uninsured, recently lost your insurance, have sought COVID-19 testing or treatment, are caring for a loved one who is sick, or have another health care story to share, tell us a little bit about your experience here. Then Lois will get in touch to learn more. Thank you for your generous input!
Thank you for speaking up!
511 comments made about Gov. Kemp’s plan to dismantle healthcare.gov
Three times now, we have asked you to be a health care hero by telling officials what you think of Governor Kemp’s plans to forgo Medicaid expansion and to erode consumer protections in private insurance. And once again you came through! By last Thursday’s deadline, 511 Georgians told health officials that they do not support Gov. Kemp’s plan to dismantle healthcare.gov and leave consumers at the mercy of for-profit insurance companies. Thank you for speaking up!
Governor Kemp’s health care plan will now be sent to federal health officials who will ask for your input at least once more in the coming months.
Wrapping up the 2020 Georgia legislative session
Legislators join GHF to recap the 2020 Georgia legislative session
Following the close of the 2020 legislative session, Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute hosted a wrap-up conversation to highlight the session’s most important health-related outcomes. Special guests Senator Chuck Hufstetler and Representative Kim Schofield joined in to tell us how the legislature’s work will impact your health, health care, and health coverage. If you missed this great discussion, it is available now on GHF’s Facebook page!
Governor Kemp signs comprehensive surprise billing legislation
After five years of persistent advocacy about the heavy toll of surprise medical bills on consumers, Georgia has adopted comprehensive new protections that safeguard consumers’ wallets and access to care. On July 16th, Governor Kemp signed the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act into law! Georgians for a Healthy Future and our partners at Georgia Watch are proud to have played a role in the adoption of this important consumer policy. Georgia is now the 16th state to adopt comprehensive protections against surprise medical bills, covering an estimated 2.5 million Georgia residents.
Updated weekly: Helping you manage COVID-19
GHF has new and updated resources to help you manage during the COVID-19 pandemic
GHF is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these links for the most up-to-date information and resources.
- Mental health & addiction recovery in the time of COVID-19 — easy-to-use
resources and supports available to Georgians for their mental health or substance use recovery needs - Your health coverage, care, and well-being — easy-to-
understand information about how to access health services, what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment, and how to meet your and your family’s basic needs (housing, food, etc.) - Health insurance options for Georgians during COVID-19— An estimated 1.4 million Georgians have lost their health coverage due to job loss. If you or someone you love is in this situation, this blog will help you enroll in new, affordable health coverage
- COVID-19 Policy Priorities for a Healthy Georgia — tracks state and federal actions taken to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the economic well-being of Georgians
GHF in the news
State Revises Insurance Waiver Request And Pushes Timetable Back
Georgia Health News, WABE | July 15, 2020
Georgia officials put insurance waiver plan on hold
Albany Herald | July 15, 2020
Kemp Signs Maternal Mortality, Surprise Billing Legislation Into Law
WABE | July 17, 2020
Thank you!
Thank you for supporting GHF on #GivingTuesdayNow
Earlier this month you helped GHF and other non-profits celebrate #GivingTuesdayNow as we collectively respond to COVID-19! As the voice for Georgia’s health care consumers, GHF advocates for the state policies and systems that are essential for a strong, effective response to the pandemic. GHF will continue our efforts to protect and promote your health and well-being as the pandemic and its economic fallout evolve.
If you missed being a part of #GivingTuesdayNow, we hope that you will consider supporting our advocacy today. Donate here and consider making your donation a monthly gift. Thank you for your generosity and partnership!
Your support in action
The generosity of our donors has already contributed to a healthier, more equitable Georgia! The highlights of GHF’s 2019 work and the difference it makes for Georgia individuals and families is captured in our first-ever annual report! Download the report to find out how your donations mobilized community members, made pressing health issues visible in the media, and fostered collaboration with decision-makers and partner groups to achieve change for all Georgians.
Commenters are 9-to-1 opposed to Governor Kemp’s Medicaid Waiver
Outnumbered: Georgians ask for Medicaid expansion
GHF’s new analysis reveals that 9 out of 10 Georgians who commented on Gov. Kemp’s Medicaid plan were opposed to it. Most commenters preferred Medicaid expansion because it would cover more Georgians and makes more financial sense.
During a FaceBook Live conversation about the Outnumbered report last week, nationally-recognized Medicaid expert Joan Alker said, “A state like Georgia is tying one arm behind its back in responding to this pandemic by not picking up the Medicaid expansion because of Medicaid’s role as a first responder…the pandemic has laid bare the urgency and moral imperative with the kind of disparities that are shocking and just ripping our country apart.”
When state leaders reconvene at the state Capitol next month, they have the opportunity to take action on the issue. Ask Gov. Kemp and your state legislators to take swift action to expand Medicaid today!
Share the Outnumbered report with your family, friends, and social networks and ask them to take action for Medicaid expansion today!
Updated weekly: Helping you manage COVID-19
GHF has new and updated resources to help you manage during the COVID-19 pandemic
GHF is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these links for the most up-to-date information and resources.
- Mental health & addiction recovery in the time of COVID-19 — in an easy-to-understand way, lists resources and supports available to Georgians who want support for their mental health or substance use recovery
- Your health coverage, care, and well-being — provides easy-to-understand information and links about how to access health services, what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment, and how to meet your and your family’s basic needs
- COVID-19 Policy Priorities for a Healthy Georgia — tracks state and federal actions needed to successfully overcome the current public health crisis and protect the economic well-being of Georgians
Your story is one of the most powerful tools available as we advocate for the health and wellness of Georgians. Sharing your real-life experiences can shape the decisions made by Georgia’s leaders about the state’s response to this crisis and our economic recovery. If you are uninsured, recently lost your insurance, have sought COVID-19 testing or treatment, are caring for a loved one who is sick, or have another health care story to share, we want to hear from you. Thank you for your generous input!
Community health workers, we need you!
Support your CHW peers by joining the Community Advisory Board
The COVID-19 emergency, particularly the disease’s impact on communities of color, has drawn attention to the unequal health experiences that Community Health Workers (CHWs) encounter daily in their work. As part of the new Community Voices for Health— Georgia (CVHG) project, Georgia Watch, GHF, and our project partners are launching a Community Advisory Board to support CHWs’ efforts to make a difference in their communities through civic engagement and advocacy.
The CVHG project team is seeking five interested CHWs to join the Community Advisory Board. The Board will guide and advise the CVHG project so that it meets the real needs of CHWs and the communities they serve.
You can learn more about CVHG and the Community Advisory Board here.
When you’re ready to apply, complete the online application here.
GHF in the news
Pandemic Pushing Medicaid Numbers Higher As Many Lose Work
Georgia Health News, WABE | May 12, 2020
Commenters pan Kemp’s Medicaid expansion plan as too limited
Georgia Recorder | May 14, 2020
Study: More than 1.4 million Georgians lost health insurance
Valdosta Daily Times | May 20, 2020
Stay safe, stay home, get tested
Staying home is still the best option
Thank you to everyone who continues to do their part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home! By staying home and following physical distancing guidelines you are actively helping to defeat this disease and protect Georgia’s essential workers. Even as Georgia moves to “re-open,” we encourage you to continue to fight COVID-19 by staying home if you have the option.
So that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy, don’t forget about these other healthy habits:
1. Avoid group gatherings and crowded businesses
2. Stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live with you (That’s about 2 arm lengths!)
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
4. Wash your hands often
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, and phones
7. Do not swallow, eat, or otherwise put any disinfectant or other cleaning product inside your body. If someone you know ingests a cleaning product, call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
Get Tested: Georgia has expanded who qualifies for a COVID-19 test
GHF remains committed to bringing you useable information and resources during this pandemic. Here are a few updates that you may find helpful:
Expanded COVID-19 testing—if you or someone you know meets these criteria, you may qualify for a COVID-19 test:
- People with symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste and/or smell.
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers
- Persons living in long-term care facilities or other group residential settings
- People 65 years of age and older
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Household members or caregivers of any of the groups above
- People with symptoms who are not a part of any of the groups above may also be approved for testing, as capacity allows
You can find a test by contacting your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up at a testing site without an appointment.
Join us in May!
Are you in? Giving Tuesday Now is May 5th!
GHF is asking for your support on Giving Tuesday Now! Giving Tuesday Now will take place this Tuesday, May 5, 2020. This exciting and inspiring day aims to support non-profits across the U.S. as they respond to COVID-19. If you can afford to donate, we hope that GHF is among the non-profits that you support this Tuesday!
Your support of GHF:
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- Provides up-to-date information and resources to Georgians so they know how to stay healthy, and get help with their health, homes, or finances;
- Activates health advocates across the state in support of policies that promote Georgia’s health and wellness;
- Sends the stories of Georgia individuals and families, and the best available data, to Georgia leaders to inform their decision making; and
- Brings together partner groups to collectively advocate for increased testing, strong consumer protections in public and private health insurance, Medicaid expansion, and the many other policies that are necessary to an strong, effective pandemic response.
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Donate today to ensure that Georgians for a Healthy Future can remain a strong, responsive voice for all Georgians now and in the future!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Virtual Edition
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7th! Join the Georgia Parent Support Network, Voices for Georgia’s Children, GHF, and others to advocate for children’s mental health. As the COVID-19 pandemic strains the mental health of Georgia children and youth and their ability to access behavioral health services, you can advocate for solutions! Be a part of this special day. This year’s event will take place online on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 from 9:00 – 10:30 am and you can register here.
Be a health care advocate from home
Your story is powerful. Share it with us!
Your story is one of the most powerful tools available as we advocate for the health and wellness of Georgians. Your real life experiences can shape the decisions made by Georgia’s leaders about the state’s response to this crisis and our economic recovery. If you or a loved one have lost your health insurance; are uninsured; recently lost your insurance; have sought COVID-19 testing or treatment; have other physical or mental health needs that you are trying to address during this time; are working in a job that exposes you to COVID-19; or have another health care story to share, we want to hear from you. You can share your experiences here. Thank you for your generous input!
Be an advocacy leader with the Georgia Health Action Network
Join the Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) for updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF! GHAN is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop consumers into effective agents for change. GHF welcomes all who are interested to join our monthly GHAN calls. During these calls, GHF staff share current advocacy opportunities, best practices for engaging with policy makers about timely issues, and answer member questions about organizing for positive change.
Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
GHF in the news
What Kemp’s shelter in place order means for Georgians
Georgia Health News, Coastal Courier | April 6, 2020
Staying Home: What Kemp’s Shelter-In-Place Order Will Mean
Georgia Health News, WABE | April 6, 2020
Stay safe, stay home
A few ways to spend your #StayHome time
Thank you to everyone who is doing their part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home! As you avoid group gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently, you are actively helping to defeat this pandemic. The GHF team wants to give you a few other ways that you can be a health advocate while staying at home:
1. Fill out the Census at 2020census.gov (The Spanish language version is available at 2020census.gov/es.)—If you’ve already filled out your Census form, ask a friend if they’ve done theirs.
2. Thank a health care worker—we put together four custom coloring pages to say thank you to Georgia’s health care workers for their work to protect and heal Georgians during this time. Print, color, and share it with your favorite health care worker. If you share it on social media, tag us (@healthyfutureGA) so we can re-share!
3. Ask Gov. Kemp and your state legislators to expand Medicaid so fewer Georgians go untracked and untreated during this pandemic.
4. Keep up with GHF on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We will keep you updated with timely action alerts and Georgia’s health advocacy news.
Your health coverage, health care, and well being
How to access health care & use your health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic
During this pandemic, it is more important than ever that you to have the information and resources you need to navigate the health care and health insurance systems. Last week, we launched this page with information about how to access health care services and what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment. The page also includes links to mental health resources, financial assistance for mortgage and rent payments, food assistance, and other help that you and your family may need. We will keep this page updated as things change and with links to helpful resources as they become available.
GHF is fighting for Georgians
An evidence-based public policy response is essential in fight against COVID-19
Georgians for a Healthy Future believes that our state can successfully overcome the current public health crisis if Georgians adhere to the advice of public health experts and our state’s leaders swiftly adopt evidence-based policies that protect the health and safety of all Georgians. GHF has identified a suite of public policies that we believe Georgia’s elected leaders must adopt in order to:
- Maximize health system capacity and public safety;
- Increase access to quality, affordable health care for all Georgians;
- Center equity as part of the public health and economic responses; and
- Meet the basic needs of Georgians and their families.
In the coming weeks, GHF will track which policies are fully implemented, partially adopted, or not taken up at all, and will provide updates accordingly. Follow along on our blog.
GHF in the news
Struggling rural health care system to get tested by COVID-19 outbreak
Georgia Recorder | March 17, 2020
Right around the corner
Changes in health care for Georgians coming soon
In March 2019, Georgia lawmakers approved SB 106, the Patients First Act. The law allows Georgia leaders to make potentially seismic changes to health coverage in the state. These changes could impact the way that you, your friends and family, and Georgians all across the state access and pay for health care. Georgia leaders are expected to announced their proposed changes in the next few weeks.
What to expect
Because Georgia leaders are using health care “waivers” to make their proposed changes, they must seek input from the public about their ideas. Here is what you need to know about the coming public comment periods:
- The public comment periods are your chance to weigh in about how the changes will impact you, your loved ones, and your community!
- There will be multiple public comment periods and they are all equally important! Make a plan to comment each time.
- GHF and our Cover Georgia partners will let you know when the public comment periods begin and end and will provide an easy way for you to have your say.
- In other states, public comments from people just like you have been the most powerful tool available to expand quality coverage to more people.
Make a plan to let state leaders know how their ideas will impact you and your family! Your comments can bring affordable, quality health coverage to all Georgians. Stay tuned!
Call for nominations
Less than 2 weeks left to nominate a health care hero
GHF will host its tenth annual Health Care Unscrambled legislative breakfast on January 14, 2020. This year’s event includes the presentation of the Linda S. Lowe Advocacy Award, which is given each year to an advocate whose work advances access to quality, affordable health care in Georgia.
We want you to tell us who should be recognized!
Nominees can be professional or volunteer advocates who work to achieve policy change for marginalized populations. This award is named in honor of Linda Smith Lowe. Linda dedicated her career to serving as an advocate on behalf of under-resourced Georgians who need a voice on health and human services issues.
Read about last year’s awardee and nominate your own health care hero!
Submit your award nominations by Monday, November 4, 2019.
Just in time for open enrollment
GHF releases annual Getting Georgia Covered report
Georgians for a Healthy Future is pleased to release its annual Getting Georgia Covered report. The annual publication tells the story of how Georgia individuals and families are faring in Georgia’s health insurance marketplace. It examines how last year’s open enrollment period differed from the previous five, presents enrollment and cost data and identifies policy opportunities to increase enrollment, ensure access to care, address affordability, and protect Georgia consumers.
Mark your calendars! Healthcare.gov opens for business on November 1st! Consumers can browse available plans now and enroll in coverage from November 1 to December 15, 2019. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and share messages about open enrollment to help raise awareness about the opportunity to gain health insurance, the availability of financial assistance, and how to find enrollment help.
Rural roofer is stuck in coverage gap
Rural Georgians continue to struggle without coverage
Philip is a part-time roofer living in Fort Gaines, Georgia, a rural community in the southwest region of the state. While repairing a roof at work, Philip suffered a knee injury and a herniated disc in his back. Because he is uninsured and can’t pay much, Philip has been repeatedly refused the medical care that he needs to recover and get back to work.
Like Philip, 360,000 low-income Georgians, many of whom are uninsured, live in small towns and rural areas across the state. They have the most at stake in the debate over whether or not to close Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap. For these rural Georgia residents, health coverage would open doors to physicians and health services that they need to stay employed or get back to work. Read more of Philip’s story and see how your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Health costs rise for workers, firms
Valdosta Daily Times | September 29, 2019
Tough Choices: High uninsured rate takes toll on free clinics
Statesboro Herald | October 02, 2019
Save the date
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our tenth annual Health Care Unscrambled policy breakfast.
Each January we bring together legislators, advocates, and national thought leaders to discuss the health care issues facing Georgians. A morning dedicated to finding solutions that improve the health and well-being of all Georgians, Health Care Unscrambled is an event you don’t want to miss. RSVP today!
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
GHF wants to hear from you!
Georgians in the Driver’s Seat launches rider satisfaction survey
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a free service provided to Medicaid-covered Georgians who do not have their own means of transportation to get to health appointments, the pharmacy, and other health facilities. The program is especially important for people with disabilities, seniors, rural residents, and people of color, but sometimes it falls short of its promise. In order to ensure NEMT works well for all Georgians who need it, we need to hear from the people who already use it!
If you have used NEMT or know someone who has, we want to hear from you! Please answer a few questions in our NEMT rider survey. Your responses will help the Georgians in the Driver’s Seat team fight for much-needed improvements in Georgia’s NEMT system.
Make your voice heard through the Georgia Health Action Network
Join the Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) for more updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF!
GHAN is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop grassroots consumers into effective agents for change. GHF welcomes all who are interested to join our monthly GHAN calls. During these calls, GHF staff share current advocacy opportunities, best practices for engaging with policy makers about timely issues, and answer member questions about organizing for positive change.
Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
In case you missed it
Aging with dignity: Georgia seniors need Medicaid
Sherry is 77 years old and lives independently in Murray County in north Georgia. Sherry is one of over half a million seniors and people with disabilities in Georgia who depend on Medicaid and Medicare to live and age in their communities. Thanks to Medicaid, Sherry is able to afford the medications she needs to live a functional and healthy life. Medicaid and Medicare also make it possible to spend her weekdays at RossWoods Day Center where she does arts and crafts and takes part in social activities designed to keep her brain and body healthy. For 168,000 seniors like Sherry who typically live on low, fixed incomes Medicaid makes the difference and helps to pay the costs of their Medicare coverage. Read more of Sherry’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Kemp backs new health plan for rural Georgians
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | September 03, 2019
Kemp Backs New Insurance Option Aimed At Rural Georgia
WABE | September 03, 2019
Anthem is in yet another contract dispute with a Georgia health system
The Georgia Sun | September 03, 2019
Anthem Faces Contract Standoff, Launches New Health Plan In Georgia
WABE | September 04, 2019
High uninsured rate takes toll on free clinics
The Union Recorder | September 27, 2019
Employer survey again shows higher costs for workers, firms
Gwinnett Daily Post | September 27, 2019
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Happening Now
What’s next with waivers
In March Georgia lawmakers approved the Patients First Act which allows state leaders to make changes to Georgia’s Medicaid and private insurance system using two kinds of health care waivers (an1115 Medicaid waiver and a 1332 waiver). The waivers are expected to be completed by the end of this year and could mean big changes for Georgians and the way they access and pay for health care. Learn more about the waiver timeline here.
These waivers could cover thousands of low-income Georgians but so far Georgia leaders have not committed to making sure that happens. Ask Governor Kemp to use the Patients First Act to expand coverage to as many Georgians as possible.
You will have the opportunity to influence and shape Georgia’s plans for health coverage! Public comment periods for both waivers may begin as early as October 2019. We will make it easy for you to understand the waivers and help you send comments to state and federal decision makers. Check out our new fact sheet for information about how you can influence Georgia’s plans.
Behavioral health at all ages
Two new resources help Georgia adults and youth behavioral health services
Georgians for a Healthy Future is excited to release two new resources to help young people, adults who care for children, and others find needed mental health and substance use recovery services. Mental Health for Your Children and Young Adults helps adults recognize early indicators of behavioral health issues in kids and points the way to services and resources. Understanding Your Behavioral Health helps young adults and others recognize the signs of behavioral health issues in themselves or friends and family, and assists in finding the right health supports. Download and share today!
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Georgia Voices for Medicaid
Webinar brings “Georgia Voices for Medicaid” to your computer
Last year, Georgians for a Healthy Future traveled across the state to host Georgia Voices for Medicaid, a series of community events that helped Georgians better understand Medicaid. Attendees also developed skills to be strong health care advocates. Now, we have published a webinar to bring that content to you! Watch and share this video to learn more about Medicaid and how you can advocate to strengthen it!
Thank you to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for their support to create this video series!
Housing is Health networking event
Bringing together housing providers & health advocates
Join GHF, the Georgia Supportive Housing Association, andCommunity Solutions on Tuesday, July 30th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the Housing is Health networking event. The informal event will take place at Community Solutions offices at Telephone Factory Lofts at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA. RSVP now to join colleagues and friends for an evening of connecting across sectors!
GHF in the news
State studies health insurer complaints
Stateboro Herald | May 1, 2019
Georgia Finds Many Valid Complaints Against Health Insurers
WABE | May 2, 2019
I-TEAM INVESTIGATION: Patient’s First Act could greatly change Medicaid in Georgia
WRDW | May 23, 2019
Could Georgia Consider Work Requirements For Medicaid?
WABE | June 6, 2019
20k Ga. children lost health coverage in 2018 as uninsured rate grows nationwide
Gainesville Tims | June 9, 2019
RSVP NOW!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the Capitol 2019
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the Capitol is tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. In order to highlight and combat rising suicide rates among Georgia’s youth, this year’s theme is “Suicide Prevention: Strategies that Work.” Join the Georgia Parent Support Network, Voices for Georgia’s Children, GHF, and others to advocate for children’s access to lifesaving mental health services.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
State begins search for health care waiver consultants
Governor Kemp’s administration just announced the next steps they will take to implement SB 106, legislation that allows the state to make changes to Georgia’s Medicaid program and private insurance market through health care “waivers”. The state’s announcement outlining how it will hire consultants to draft the proposed waivers is only the beginning of a process that could result in big changes to Georgia’s health coverage and care systems. Your voice is key to ensuring that these waivers include provisions that support and protect Georgians across the state.
As the process moves forward, GHF will keep you updated about opportunities for advocacy so that you can help us fight for a Georgia where all residents have a pathway to meaningful, affordable health coverage. Read GHF’s blog, Governor signs Patients First Act: What’s next? to learn more about what to expect.
EMPOWERING YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
GHF releases three new advocacy videos
GHF recently released three new videos designed to help you become an effective advocate. When your voice is heard, you have the power to bring about change. All you need are the right tools! GHF’s new videos cover essential advocacy skills including sharing your story, meeting your legislators, and using social media for advocacy. Watch and share these videos to help make an impact on the issues you care about most!
Thank you to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for their support to create this video series!
A recap of the 2019 Georgia legislative session
Last week, Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute hosted a webinar to wrap-up the 2019 legislative session. If you missed out on this informative event you can catch up now. Our “Changes in Health Care and Policy in the 2019 Legislative Session” is now available on GHF’s YouTube channel! In this video, we highlight the most important health-related developments in this year’s legislative session, examine the state budget, look back at missed opportunities, and discuss this year’s relevant study committees. Watch now find out how your work, health care, or your coverage may be impacted.
Want more?
Join the Georgia Health Action Network for more updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF. The Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop grassroots consumers into effective agents for change! Through monthly calls and email action alerts, GHAN participants get the most current information available about pressing consumer health issues in Georgia and have the opportunity to plan and lead advocacy efforts locally and across the state. Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
GHF IN THE NEWS
Georgia releases data on complaints against insurance companies
The Georgia Sun | May 1, 2019
Surprise billing tug of war continues
Albany Herald | March 26, 2019
Change to surprise billing measure gains ground but draws criticism
Georgia Health News | March 25, 2019
Change To Georgia Surprise Billing Measure Gains Ground But Draws Criticism
WABE | March 25, 2019
CON issue revived in state Senate
Albany Herald | March 22, 2019
Kemp backs bid for CON changes, gets House panel OK on waiver plan
Georgia Health News | March 21, 2019
Kemp Backs Bid For Certificate-Of-Need Changes, Gets House Panel OK On Waiver Plan
WABE | March 21, 2019
Kemp backs bid for CON changes, gets House panel OK on waiver plan
Gwinnett Daily Post | March 21, 2019
Bills that passed Georgia House a “first step” on drug transparency
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | March 6, 2019
Effort to tamp down surprise ER bills faces trouble in Georgia House
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | March 18, 2019
Happening now: Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol
Tell your elected officials to take action today!
Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol is happening now! Health advocates are at the state Capitol today speaking with legislators about the need to build a pathway to health insurance coverage for all Georgians. We need you to raise your voice with them!
Advocates will be speaking to their state representatives about SB 106, the Patients First Act, which passed the Senate earlier this week. This legislation, as written, falls short of the promise to put a health insurance card in the pockets of all Georgians because it leaves out thousands who would be covered under a full Medicaid expansion (or a similar 1115 waiver) and will likely cost the state more to cover fewer people. Additionally, the bill allows the Governor to make potentially seismic changes to private health insurance in Georgia through 1332 waivers with little accountability. The good news is that it’s not too late for House members to make a few changes that would allow this legislation to benefit more Georgians at a lower cost to the state.
Your state representatives need to hear from you today! Call or send an email to your elected officials today and encourage them to get the best deal that will ensure all Georgians have coverage!
New releases!
New fact sheets put waivers in context
On Tuesday, the Senate passed SB 106, the Patients First Act. The bill allows Georgia’s Governor to pursue two kinds of health care waivers that could make significant changes to health coverage for Georgia consumers: an 1115 Medicaid waiver and 1332 State Innovation waivers. GHF’s partner, Georgia Watch, together with other Cover Georgia coalition partners, has released a fact sheet to help you understand 1115 waivers and how they relate to Georgia’s current debate about Medicaid expansion. Additionally, GHF released a sister fact sheet to help you understand 1332 waivers and how they may impact private health insurance plans in Georgia. Download both today!
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Updated for 2019: A Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the Georgia Legislative Session
GHF’s annual Consumer Health Advocate’s Guide is your map for navigating the Georgia legislative session. This annual booklet provides information about Georgia’s legislative process, legislators, and committees, key agency officials, advocate contacts, and more. Experienced advocates and new volunteers will find their way around Georgia’s Capitol more easily with the information provided in this year’s guide.
(Interested in a hard copy? Contact Michelle Conde.)
Medicaid helps seniors too
Maintaining independence for seniors
Charlie Ellison is 87 years old and a long time resident of Dalton, Georgia. Charlie is one of over half a million seniors and people with disabilities in Georgia who depend on Medicaid and Medicare to live with dignity in their communities. Charlie’s Medicaid coverage allows him to visit RossWoods Adult Day Services each day and reduces the costs of his medications so that he remains as healthy and independent as possible. For 168,000 seniors like Charlie who typically rely on low, fixed incomes, Medicaid makes the difference. Read more of Charlie’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Momentum builds to seek waiver to cover more Georgians under Medicaid
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 5, 2019
What is Certificate of Need? Explaining a Likely Health Care Fight at the Gold Dome
WABE | February 5, 2019
Kemp to seek Medicaid, Obamacare waivers for Georgia
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 8, 2019
What’s in the funding deal for health care
Politico Pulse | February 14, 2019
Lawmakers, Advocates Skeptical of Kemp’s Medicaid Waiver Plan
WABE | February 15, 2019
Senate panel backs waiver bill to insure more Georgians
Gwinnett Daily Post | February 20, 2019
Georgia Senate committee approves Medicaid waiver proposal
Athens Banner-Herald | February 20, 2019
Health care waiver bill passes out of committee. Here’s what it could mean for your family
The Georgia Sun | February 20, 2019
Georgia Senate committee approves Gov. Kemp’s Medicaid waiver proposal
FOX 5 Atlanta | February 20, 2019
Under the Gold Dome, lobbyists are sparring over your health care costs
The Georgia Sun | February 22, 2019
Stalemate or solution? Legislative fight over surprise billing renewed
Georgia Health News | February 22, 2019
Georgia legislative fight over surprise billing renewed
Athens Banner-Herald | February 25, 2019
Surprise hospital bills under review
Statesboro Herald | February 25, 2019
GHF kicks off 2019 legislative session with Health Care Unscrambled breakfast
Thanks to you, this year’s Health Care Unscrambled breakfast was a big success! We were thrilled to have a room packed with advocates, policy makers, and others who joined us for this year’s event. This year’s program began with a personal story from consumer Lori Murdock, who shared her experience struggling to manage a chronic disease without health insurance because she was caught in Georgia’s coverage gap. Our knowledgeable legislative panel then provided valuable insights into the health policy issues they plan to tackle during the 2019 legislative session and in the following months. Afterwards, Dr. David Blumenthal, President of the Commonwealth Fund, brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to our conversation about how innovations in health care and coverage can help us achieve better health outcomes for all Georgians.
You can read the highlights of breakfast on our blog, and be sure to check out our Facebook album to see photos of the event!
Don’t forget! GHF has you covered for the 2019 legislative session. You will receive weekly updates about the health debates at the State capitol, can track health-related legislation on our website, and more.
Save the date
Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol!
Please join us at the state capitol on Thursday, February 28th from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm for Cover Georgia Day! We will be asking state legislators to put insurance cards in the pockets of low-income Georgians who cannot get affordable health care coverage under current law. This is your opportunity to speak to your elected officials and let them know that you support closing Georgia’s coverage gap.
Be on the lookout for further details. An RSVP link will be available soon.
In case you missed it
GHF releases 2019 policy priorities
Georgians for a Healthy Future released its 2019 policy priorities at this year’s annual Health Care Unscrambled legislative breakfast. These annual priorities outline the issues that GHF believes are most pressing for Georgia consumers and are best addressed by the state legislature. GHF will work to move all of these issues forward by engaging state policy makers, consumers, and coalition partners throughout the legislative session and the remainder of the year.
- Increase the number of Georgians with health insurance.
- Stabilize Georgia’s health insurance Marketplace
- Ensure access to care and financial protections for consumers purchasing private health insurance.
- Set and enforce standards that provide for equitable coverage of mental health and substance use treatment services by health plans.
- Prevent nicotine use and addiction by young Georgians
- Support partners in integrating health and equity in the policies across every sector to address social determinants of health that prevent equitable access to care and equitable health status.
Get to know Georgia’s Project Aware
Georgia’s state leadership has made serious efforts to improve Georgia’s system of care through the infusion of additional dollars for children’s mental health services in the state budget and through innovative programs like Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience Education (AWARE). Georgia Project AWARE is a youth mental health initiative focused on improving the experiences of school-aged youth in Georgia. You can begin to learn about Georgia’s Project Aware on our blog and be on the lookout for Getting to know Project AWARE: Part II, where we’ll learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid and how it helps educators meet the social and emotional needs of their students.
GHF in the news
Health care could have ‘big year’ in Georgia’s legislature
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | January 11, 2019
Health care agenda: Will longtime disputes be resolved in the legislature?
Gwinnett Daily Post | January 11, 2019
Health issues face state Legislators CON law, surprise billing, medical marijuana will draw lawmakers’ attention
Albany Herald | January 12, 2019
NAIC Names 2019 Consumer Liaison Representatives
National Association of Insurance Commissioners | January 15, 2019
Georgians for a Healthy Future encourages stakeholders to become Medicaid advocates
Making a Difference magazine | January 17, 2019
‘Waiver’ on the way? Kemp signals a plan to increase coverage
Georgia Health News | January 17, 2019
Democrat Trammell says fiscal analysis proves case for Medicaid expansion
Gwinnett Daily Post | January 23, 2019
MORE >
Open enrollment ends soon
Enroll in health insurance before December 15th!
If you or someone you know needs health insurance in 2019, now is your chance to enroll! If you are not covered by Medicaid or job-based insurance, you can shop for coverage and find out if you qualify for financial help. You have until December 15, 2018 to sign up in one of these three ways:
- Online through healthcare.gov,
- Over the phone by calling 1-800-318-2596, or
- In person by visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov to find a list of enrollment assisters, insurance agents, and brokers in your area.
Mark your calendar to make sure that you are covered in 2019!
Already covered?
Help us spread the word about open enrollment on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Make sure your family and friends know that now is the time to enroll in health insurance, they may qualify for financial help, and enrollment help is available.
Health Care Unscrambled 2019
Keynote speaker announced!
GHF is excited to welcome Dr. David Blumenthal, President of the Commonwealth Fund, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Health Care Unscrambled legislative policy breakfast! Dr. Blumenthal will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to our conversation about how innovations in health care and coverage can help us achieve better health outcomes for all Georgians.
We invite you to join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our ninth annual Health Care Unscrambled on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Georgia Freight Depot. This annual event brings together legislators, advocates, and national thought leaders to discuss the health care issues facing Georgians and solutions to address them. RSVP today so you can be part of this exciting event!
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
New release November
GHF has two new Medicaid resources!
GHF’s new story book and fact sheet bring attention to the difference Medicaid makes in the lives of Georgians every day and the potential it has to serve those who are currently uninsured. The Medicaid Matters to Georgia storybook shares the real health care stories of Georgia children and families. Our new Medicaid Matters for Georgia fact sheet outlines the basics about Medicaid in Georgia. We hope these new resources help policymakers, advocates, and consumers better understand the importance of ensuring all Georgians have access to quality, affordable healthcare. We invite you to read and share both with your friends, colleagues, and partners.
Getting Georgia Covered 2018
With just weeks left in this year’s open enrollment, Georgians for a Healthy Future releases its annual Getting Georgia Covered report. The annual publication tells the story of how Georgia individuals and families are faring in Georgia’s health insurance marketplace. This report examines how last year’s open enrollment period differed from the preceding four, examines enrollment and cost data, assesses the consumer experience, and identifies policy opportunities to increase enrollment, ensure access to care, address affordability, and protect consumers.
In case you missed it
Donors choose GHF on Georgia Gives Day!
Georgia Gives Day was Tuesday, November 27th and many of you generously chose to support GHF with your donations. THANK YOU!
Don’t worry if you missed it! You can still donate to GHF through our #10for10 giving campaign in celebration of our tenth anniversary! Become a monthly donor today!
GHF in the news
How midterm elections may impact Obamacare, Medicaid coverage in Georgia
Gainesville Times | November 12, 2018
#HealthCareVoter
Got plans this Saturday?
We invite you to join Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute on Saturday, October 27th at 11:30am at New Life Church in Decatur for Georgia Health Care Voter Day! Learn how Georgia can build healthier communities and a thriving future, and show state leaders that you’re a #HealthCareVoter! After the event, attendees living in DeKalb County can go together to vote early! The nearest early voting location is across the street at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Register below!
Before you go to the polls!
Georgians across the state are being asked to decide how they will cast their votes in November. The decisions made by voters like you will directly impact consumer health issues in Georgia like access to health care, affordability of health insurance, the opioid crisis, and health disparities. Our Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2018elections blog series helps you understand the role that elected officials play in your health care and coverage. Read the series before you head to the polls:
- Eight questions for health care voters to ask Georgia candidates
- A consumer health advocates guide to the 2018 elections: Georgia’s Governor
- A consumer health advocates guide to the 2018 elections: Georgia’s General Assembly
- Coming this week: A consumer health advocates guide to the 2018 elections: Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner
*Georgians for a Healthy Future is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization. We do not endorse or support any candidates or political party.
Health Care Unscrambled 2019
RSVP today!
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our ninth annual Health Care Unscrambled legislative policy breakfast on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Georgia Freight Depot. Each January, we bring together legislators, advocates, and national thought leaders to discuss the health care issues facing Georgians and solutions to address those issues. RSVP today so you can be part of this exciting event!
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Coverage makes the difference for Georgians
New release: Medicaid Matters for Georgia
GHF has a new resource available to help Georgians get the facts on Medicaid. This fact sheet provides information about who is eligible for Medicaid in Georgia, what health services and supports are covered, and why Medicaid is a good investment for Georgia. Read and share the Medicaid Matters for Georgia fact sheet today.
Stories from Georgia’s coverage gap: rural Georgians left behind
After suffering from a sudden stroke, Priscilla lost her job and her health insurance coverage, leaving her on the hook for all of the hospital costs that accumulated as she recovered. She remains unable to work or live alone but was fortunate enough to find a physician where she still receives the limited follow-up care she can afford. For rural Georgia residents like Priscilla, health coverage would open doors to the physicians and services that they need to stay employed or get back to work. Read more of Priscilla’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
In case you missed it
#GHFcelebrates10
Georgians for a Healthy Future is celebrating ten years as the voice for Georgia health care consumers! We’re revisiting some of ourbiggest accomplishments from the past decade and we need your help to continue the celebration. Join us in celebrating our past successes and join our #10for10 giving campaign to help us accomplish a whole lot more in the next ten years!
GHF in the news
How Medicaid has candidates divided on health care
Gainesville Times | October 17, 2018
How crowdfunding is a digital age answer for medical costs
Gainesville Times | October 4, 2018
Medicaid expansion would benefit rural Georgia
Albany Herald | September 27, 2018
Medicaid expansion would benefit rural areas the most, report says
Georgia Health News | September 26, 2018
Georgia’s rural communities would benefit most from Medicaid expansion, report says
The Telegraph | September 26, 2018
Closer Look: Advocates for Medicaid expansion in Ga.; Old Farmer’s Almanac Predictions; and more
WABE | September 10, 2018
Medicaid expansion question fuels Georgia governor’s race
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | September 10, 2018
Before you go to the polls
What health care voters need to know
Georgians across the state are being asked to decide how they will cast their votes in November. The decisions made by voters like you will directly impact critical consumer health issues in Georgia like access to health care, affordability of health insurance, the opioid crisis, and health disparities.
To help you make decisions about the candidates on your ballot, we put together a list of eight questions to ask of candidates seeking your support.
One week to get your tickets!
Join the celebration!
There’s just one week left to get your tickets to GHF’s fourth annual Consumer Health Impact Awards! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the achievements of four amazing awardees who have made great contributions to building a healthier future for all Georgians. This event will also commemorate GHF’s ten-year anniversary as the voice for Georgia health care consumers! RSVP today to join the celebration!
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GHF selected for Child Health Leadership Network
GHF’s Executive Director will participate in team from Georgia
GHF’s Executive Director, Laura Colbert, was one of four leaders from Georgia selected to participate in the Child Health Leadership Network. This leadership development program helps state-based teams of child health advocates improve the well-being of children and families in their state through policy change and effective leadership. The Child Health Leadership Network is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Atlantic Philanthropies. Read more about the Child Health Leadership Network and the Georgia team here.
In case you missed it
What you should know about GCAL
GCAL provides 24/7 online and telephone support for Georgians who are seeking services for or in crisis as a result of developmental disabilities, mental health, or substance use conditions. You can call 800-715-4225 or visit mygcal.com if you or someone they care for is facing a behavioral health crisis or in need of services. Get to know more about GCAL in GHF’s newest post from our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies blog series.
GHF goes to Athens!
Georgians for a Healthy Future hosted a Georgia Voices for Medicaid training this month in partnership with Athens for Everyone. The Georgia Voices for Medicaid trainings are designed to give participants the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for timely, important health care issues impacting Georgians. If you were unable to attend, catch up on with our latest blog post. You can also join us for our next training event in Albany or contact Alyssa Green at agreen@healthyfuturega.org
GHF in the news
Atlanta-based organization to host Medicaid advocacy training in Athens
WUGA | July 31, 2018
Ruling allows for purchase of cheaper insurance
Albany Herald | August 3, 2018
Unusual but welcome: 2 health insurers opt to cut Ga. exchange rates
WABE | August 24, 2018
MORE >New release!
My Health Resource Guide
GHF has a new resource available to help consumers navigate the often confusing health care, health insurance, and social services systems. Included in the guide are sections about health insurance, finding a health care provider, and accessing mental health and substance use treatment services. The guide also points consumers to social services that fulfill other basic needs like transportation to and from health appointments, housing and food assistance, and legal support. A printable pdf version of the My Health Resource Guide is available below.
Celebrating 10!
Join us for GHF’s 10th anniversary celebration!
On September 6th, GHF will be kicking off our 10th anniversary celebration at the Consumer Health Impact Awards. In keeping with this very special occasion, we will be recognizing the work of four exceptional awardees who have made strides for countless Georgia consumers. We invite you to join us for this inspiring and festive evening! Don’t miss it!
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Sponsorship opportunities are available
GHF welcomes new board member
Dr. Jean O’Connor joins GHF’s board of directors
Dr. Jean O’Connor is a consultant for the Task Force for Global Health on chronic and other non-communicable diseases, and previously served as the chronic disease prevention director and chief policy officer for the Georgia Department of Public Health. She brings to GHF an expertise in population health improvement, a passion for improving the systems and policies that influence health outcomes, and a deep resume of health policy accomplishments. Please join us in welcoming Dr. O’Connor to the GHF board of directors!
On GHF’s blog
Coverage saves lives
Queenesther recently underwent surgery to remove an ectopic pregnancy that was causing severe health issues and could have proved fatal. Thanks to her Medicaid coverage she received timely, quality care and has been able to focus on caring for her young family. Queenesther is fortunate compared to many low-income parents because the state legislature has so far refused to extend health coverage to most low-income parents. Read more of Queenesther’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
GHF hosts new health advocacy training in Atlanta
Georgians for a Healthy Future hosted a Georgia Voices for Medicaid training this month in partnership with the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center. The Georgia Voices for Medicaid trainings are designed to give participants the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for timely, important health care issues impacting Georgians. If you were unable to attend, catch up on with our latest blog post. You can also join us for our next training event in Athens or contact Alyssa Green at agreen@healthyfuturega.org or 404-567-5016, ext. 2 to schedule a training in your community.
GHF in the news
Federal funding for ACA ‘navigators’ to drop dramatically in Georgia
Georgia Health News | July 12, 2018
MORE >
Strengthening Medicaid for all Georgians
Georgians can’t afford to wait
Teresa is one of the 240,000 Georgians who fall in the coverage gap. Because she has been uninsured since 2009, Teresa has to find alternative treatments for a serious dental condition that she developed five years ago. Earlier this month, Virginia voted to extend health insurance coverage to people like Teresa. Georgia’s Governor and state legislature can follow suit and close our state’s coverage gap at any time. Read more about Teresa’s story and five other great reasons that Georgia should follow Virginia’s example on our blog.
Become a voice for Medicaid in Georgia
Georgians for a Healthy Future is partnering with community groups across the state to host a series of Georgia Voices for Medicaid trainings. You can attend if you are interested in learning more about Georgia’s Medicaid program, who it covers, how it benefits the state, and how you can be a strong health care advocate. Join us for one of these upcoming trainings:
- Thursday, July 19th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm in downtown Atlanta
- Friday, August 10, 9:30 am – 11:00 am at the Athens Clarke County Library in Athens, GA
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Don’t see a training near you? Email Alyssa Green at agreen@healthyfuturega.org to schedule a training in your community.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies
Get to know the Georgia Apex Program
Some of the state’s recent $21.9 million investment in children’s mental health will fund an expansion of the Georgia Apex Program, a school-based mental health program that aims to improve early identification of, access to and coordination of behavioral health services for students who need them. The Apex Program has demonstrated strong, positive results in its initial two years. Get to know the Georgia Apex Program in GHF’s newest post from our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies blog series.
#Protectourcare
Federal government continues to attack consumer health care and coverage
Threats to health coverage and consumer protections continue to emerge from the federal government. The Department of Health and Human Services has released a new rule to increase access to association health plans and is expected to release another shortly that expands short-term limited duration plans. Both rules put consumers at risk by increasing access to skimpy insurance plans without robust protections and pushing up premiums for those with pre-existing conditions who need more comprehensive coverage. The federal government’s actions in two court cases also threaten coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and for adults covered by Medicaid. GHF will continue to monitor these developments and will communicate how they may impact you and your family.
Powerhouse Policymaker Awardees Announced!
Help us celebrate these deserving policymakers!
The Powerhouse Policymaker Awards are given each year to local or state policymakers in Georgia who have exhibited excellence and courage in championing health issues in public policy. This year’s awardees are state Representative Bob Trammell and Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Frank Berry! Read more about our award recipients here and stay tuned for more awardee announcements soon.
We hope you will join us on September 6th to celebrate these champions for health! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
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GHF in the news
Trump administration rule allows cheaper, skimpier health plans
Atlanta Journal Constitution | June 19, 2018
MORE >
Save the date!
Celebrate our 10-year anniversary at this year’s Consumer Health Impact Awards
Mark your calendar for the fourth annual Consumer Health Impact Awards on Thursday, September 6th at the Venetian Room! We will celebrate GHF’s 10th year of advocating for Georgia’s health care consumers and spotlight the great work of health advocates and policymakers making a difference. Announcements about this year’s awardees will be made next month. Please plan to join us in September!
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Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Strategic Plan 2018-2020
GHF adopts new strategic plan ahead of 10-year anniversary
Georgians for a Healthy Future celebrates its ten-year anniversary this year! Prompted in part by this milestone, our leadership launched a new strategic planning effort to chart a path forward for the next phase of GHF’s work. We are excited to share the results with you! We hope that you will find inspiration in our new strategic plan and we invite you to take and active role in helping us achieve the success we have envisioned. To read more about our 2018-2020 strategic plan, check out or newest blog post or download the plan today. 
Medicaid Matters for Moms
Two moms, two Medicaid stories
Thanks to Medicaid, Valerie can take care of the health care needs of her three children. Without Medicaid and left in Georgia’s coverage gap, Susie struggles to manage a cancer diagnosis and other health conditions, while caring for her granddaughter full time.
Mother’s Day might be over but Medicaid remains an important asset for some Georgia moms and their kids, while others remain uninsured because of Georgia’s inaction to extend the program. See the difference Medicaid makes in the lives of the extraordinary moms. Read more about Valerie and Susie’s experience on our blog or share their stories on Facebook or Twitter.
Your story is powerful! Share your health care story with us today!
In Case You Missed It
GHF hosts educational forum about children’s behavioral health
On Tuesday, May 15th, GHF hosted Strong Foundations: Building a System of Care to Address the Behavioral Health Needs of Georgia Children. The forum explored the behavioral health needs of Georgia children and youth, Georgia’s publicly-supported behavioral health landscape, and successes and opportunities in the current system of care. In conjunction with the event, GHF released a new behavioral health fact sheet titled Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, available for download here.
If you missed the event, a recording of the webcast is available here.
To see photos, review materials, and read more about our Strong Foundations event, please visit the event page.
Get Involved
Learn, engage, participate
GHF needs you to make a difference! Join us in shaping the landscape for a healthier Georgia. Your time, donations, and advocacy make the difference in mobilizing consumers for change and crafting policy that works for Georgia consumers. Volunteering with Georgians for a Healthy Future provides an opportunity to raise your voice, connect with like-minded people, and make a difference on the health issues that matter most to you. Inspired to take action? Volunteer, donate, advocate, or contact Michelle Conde at mconde@healthyfuturega.org.
MORE >The Fight to Prevent Youth Substance Use
Power of prevention: A new opportunity for providers to address youth substance use
As a result of sustained advocacy efforts by GHF and the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, Georgia’s Medicaid agency has made an exciting change that will help prevent and identify substance use disorders among Georgia youth and others with Medicaid coverage. The change allows health care providers to use Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral of Treatment (SBIRT), an evidence-based, public health approach that is used to initiate conversations about substance use behaviors, guide follow-up counseling, and connect people to treatment if needed. Because Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids cover half of all Georgia youth, increasing access to SBIRT may significantly decrease substance use among young Georgians and help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic in the state. Read more about SBIRT and this beneficial policy change on our blog.
Are you a health care provider and want to know how you can use SBIRT in your practice? Check out our new fact sheet.
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Upcoming Events
Strong Foundations: Building a System of Care to Address Behavioral Health Needs of Georgia Children
Please join GHF on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 8:30am – 12:00pm for a discussion of children’s behavioral health in Georgia. Presenters and panelists will provide a variety of perspectives and expertise to help attendees understand Georgia’s system of care, learn about services and programs available to young Georgians with behavioral health needs, and recognize opportunities to strengthen the system through collaboration. Join us in person or via webcast for this exciting and important event!
Why Medicaid Matters
For Travis, Medicaid means employment and giving back to the community
Travis suffered from a series of strokes when he was 11 years old that left him with several physical disabilities. Because he is one of the 250,000 Georgians with disabilities to be covered by Medicaid, Travis is able to work and be an advocate. Medicaid is essential to ensuring that people with disabilities, like Travis, are able to lead fulfilling, independent lives as active participants in their communities. Read more about Travis’s experience on our blog or share his story onFacebook or Twitter.
Your story is powerful! Share your health care story with us today!
In Case You Missed It
Webinar: Recap of the Georgia legislative session
The 2018 Georgia legislative session ended on March 29th and with it came changes to health care and coverage in Georgia. GHF partnered with the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute to provide you with a recap of what bills and resolutions passed and which didn’t during the session. In addition to successful legislation, we discussed this year’s relevant study committees, and examined the state budget, including important items for health advocates and consumers. If you missed the webinar, you can catch up by watching the archived recording here.
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SHARE YOUR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE STORY!
Recently released HHS numbers
show that health insurance enrollment in Georgia and across the country is going strong. The Affordable Care Act is what has made these coverage gains possible, yet Congress has prioritized repealing this landmark legislation without clarifying what would replace it. We need your stories and your voice to ensure our policymakers understand the consequences of repealing the law. Please consider submitting your story, or the stories of the people that you serve, of how the ACA has benefited you. Whether it’s being able to afford coverage through the availability of tax credits, not being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, or being able to stay on a parent’s plan until age 26 – we need to hear from you!
ANNUAL HEALTH CARE UNSCRAMBLED
Looking forward to 2017
Please join us for our 7th annual Health Care Unscrambled policy breakfast. We are excited to host former CMS Deputy Administrator and nationally renowned Medicaid expert, Cindy Mann. As our keynote speaker, she’ll walk through what advocates need to know about how the proposed changes to health care programs like Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Marketplace coverage being discussed in Washington could impact Georgians, their families, and community. As always, our featured speaker will follow a bipartisan panel of legislators at the forefront of Georgia’s health care debates. Tickets are $50 (and could make a great holiday present!). We hope to see you there!
GHF ADDRESSES SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Health Beyond Health Care
In November GHF convened experts and advocates from a range of sectors including housing, criminal justice reform, education, and transportation for a discussion about social determinants and how we can break down silos to advance health. In conjunction with the convening, we released a new publication, Health Beyond Health Care: Opportunities to Advance Health by AddressingSocial Determinants.
You can find photos from the forum on our Facebook page.
RECORD BREAKING GEORGIA GIVES DAY!
GHF raised $4,380 on Georgia Gives Day!
We are overwhelmed by the over 70 donors who gave so generously on Georgia Gives Day. This year, the health care stakes are higher than ever, and many of the gains we have made over the past several years in health care coverage and access to care are at risk. We will continue to fight for quality, affordable health care for you, your friends and family, and all Georgians. Thank you for supporting our work!
ICYMI: GHF’S POST-ELECTION BLOG POST
If you unplugged post-election you might have missed our post-election analysis, What’s Next for Health Care Consumers.
The election results have the potential to dramatically shift the health care landscape nationally and here in Georgia. It’s still too soon to know precisely what policy changes will occur and what their impact will be, but advocacy at both the state and federal levels on behalf of Georgians who need access to quality, affordable health care has never been more important. Read more…
SUPPORT GHF WHILE YOU SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Did you know that you can support GHF throughout the holiday season? Amazon Smile allows you to select a nonprofit to support. If you choose GHF, every time you shop through Amazon Smile a portion of your purchase goes to support our mission. Signing up is easy! Thank you for your continued support!
GHF IN THE NEWS
Exchange sign-ups in Georgia higher than last year’s
Georgia Health News | November 30, 2016
2016 elections already influencing Georgia policy
Augusta Chronicle | November 13, 2016
Georgia Republican could be at center of effort to undo Obamacare
AJC | November 10, 2016
How will a Trump presidency affect health care in Georgia?
Georgia Health News | November 9, 2016
NEW PUBLICATION
Collaborating for Consumers
This August, GHF invited both advocates and enrollment assisters to the second annual Getting Georgia Covered summit. Bringing these two groups together was the first step in fostering ongoing conversations and partnerships to ensure that health coverage translates into meaningful access to care for Georgians. Through the summit, GHF collected feedback and input for a report that highlights how assisters and advocates can team up for consumers. We invite you to read and share Collaborating for Consumers: How Assisters and Advocates Can Inform Policy, in which you will find opportunities and best practices for collaboration to achieve our shared goals.
GHF RECEIVES COMPETITIVE GRANT AWARD
We are proud to announce that GHF has been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. The Foundation works to connect the passions of philanthropists with the purposes of nonprofits. Awards were given through a highly competitive process and we are excited about this partnership as we continue to work to ensure quality, affordable health care for all Georgians. Read the Foundation’s press release.
DID YOU KNOW…
Closing the Coverage Gap Means More Breast Cancer Screenings for Women
Uninsured, low-income women often face financial barriers to receiving recommended screenings for breast and cervical cancer, and in Georgia, minority women face additional breast cancer disparities. Women who live in expansion states are 25 percent more likely to get screened. Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Health Beyond Health Care: A Starting Point for Addressing the Social Determinants of Health Through State Policy
There is a growing recognition that factors outside the formal health care system such as safe and affordable housing, access to transportation, and criminal justice reform also impact the health of individuals, families, and communities. Join GHF to discuss how health intersects with these sectors and how advocates from across sectors can work together for policy change.
Health Care Unscrambled 2017
Please join us for our seventh annual Health Care Unscrambled breakfast. Each January we bring together legislators and advocates to discuss the health care issues facing Georgians and how this legislative session might address them. This year’s event includes special national speaker, Cindy Mann, former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and a discussion of the upcoming session with a bi-partisan panel of legislators. This event will be held at the Georgia Freight Depot; tickets are $50. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Go to event page.
UPCOMING PUBLICATION
Market ChangesA NIGHT TO REMEMBER: THE 2016 CONSUMER HEALTH IMPACT AWARDS
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Last week’s 2016 Consumer Health Impact Awards was a truly wonderful event. We enjoyed celebrating Linda Smith Lowe Health Advocacy Award winner Tim Sweeney who flew in from Oregon for the event. Carole Maddux reminded us what selflessness really is. And both Senator P.K. Martin and Representative Stacey Abrams showed us what can happen when our policymakers work together for the benefit of all Georgians.
You can find the rest of the photos on our Facebook page and see if your tweet made our Storify story of the night here.
DID YOU KNOW…
…that the majority of Georgians in the coverage gap are working?
They’re working in some of Georgia’s most important economic sectors, such as construction, transportation, education, and retail. Lower-wage workers are less likely to have access to affordable health coverage through their jobs than workers at higher-wage jobs. Closing the coverage gap will increase health coverage for hundreds of thousands of workers without job-based coverage and is a smart investment in hard-working people who enable Georgia to prosper. Share this infographic to spread the word!
FOR NOW…
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
As we approach the 2017 legislative session, we have the opportunity to close the coverage gap and ensure that some becomes all. Check out our new video about the Georgians stuck in the coverage gap and our opportunity to close it.
We’re asking that you be a part of the movement and contribute $25 to our campaign to close the coverage gap. Your contribution will allow us to travel across the state, meeting with and raising up the voices of Georgians in the gap. It will fund our media efforts so that everyone, from Blue Ridge to Bainbridge, will know that these people can’t wait. The time to close the coverage gap is now.
ENROLLMENT UPDATES
GHF & Consumer Assistance
Although we are primarily a health advocacy organization, GHF has provided direct enrollment services to Georgians in the last three open enrollment periods. Last year, GHF primarily focused on more complex consumer cases such as resolving coverage issues with the Marketplace and insurance providers, payment issues, tax filing and reconciliation issues, and issues with supplemental documents. How did it go? Read more in Pranay’s blog.
Partnering with Enroll America
GHF is now several weeks into our training partnership with Enroll America. GHF was selected as the first organization, nationally, to participate this year in the Leadership Academy in a train-the-trainer model. Read more about what we’re doing here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Conversation with Author Daniel Dawes
October 25, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
RiRa, 1080 Peachtree St. NE
For a second installment in our book discussion and networking series, we’re meeting with Daniel Dawes, author of 150 Years of Obamacare.
Attorney Daniel Dawes is a nationally recognized leader in the health equity movement and has led numerous efforts to address health policy issues impacting vulnerable, underserved, and marginalized populations. Dawes was instrumental in shaping the Affordable Care Act and through that experience has come to write 150 Years of Obamacare. The book provides a comprehensive and unprecedented review of the health equity movement and little-known leadership efforts that were crucial to passing important public policies.
Go to event page.
Health Care Unscrambled 2017
January 12, 2017 7:30 – 11:00 AM
The Freight Depot
It is that time of year! We hope you’ll join us again for Health Care Unscrambled as we look ahead at the 2017 legislative session. Stay tuned for more about our speakers and panelists!
Go to event page.
GHF PRESENTS AT COMMUNITY CATALYST’S ANNUAL SOUTHERN HEALTH PARTNERS CONVENING
GHF Policy Analyst Meredith Gonsahn presents on accurate provider directories
This September, Meredith was asked to present at Community Catalyst’s Southern Health Partners convening. She covered the passage of SB 302, a bill passed in the 2016 legislative session requiring, among other things, that health insurance provider directories be accurate. Wondering how it happened? Check out our new video, How A Bill Becomes Law (For Real).
IN THE NEWS
Augusta hospitals, clinics providing better care
The Augusta Chronicle | September 27
Georgia again ranks high in rate of uninsured
Georgia Health News | September 13
Hall residents lose insurance options as providers pull out of Affordable Care Act
Gainesville Times | September 12
Georgia’s big business key to health care challenge
Marietta Daily Journal | September 7
Task force unveils options to cover uninsured in Georgia | Georgia Health News
Georgia Chamber pitches conservative-friendly blueprint for Medicaid expansion | AJC
Ga. Chamber Releases Plan for Expanding Health Care Access | WABE
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know that not everyone with a low income qualifies for Medicaid in Georgia today? Georgia has very restrictive Medicaid eligibility guidelines; adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid, regardless of their income. Here’s who qualifies:
- Elderly, blind, and disabled people with incomes below 75% of the federal poverty line (FPL) – $13,200 for an elderly couple
- Parents with minor children with annual incomes below 38% FPL or $7,600 for a family of three
- Pregnant women with incomes below 225% FPL, or $26,500 for an individual
- Children are eligible for Medicaid and Peachcare at varying incomes levels as they age, and one in two Georiga kids is covered by those programs
If that was new information for you, share the infographic to the left on social media to spread the word.
POSTCARDS FOR COVERAGE
Who doesn’t love to get mail?
and age, but it still holds a lot of meaning to most people. If someone took the time to write you a letter to ask you to do something, wouldn’t that get your attention? Now imagine if you got multiple letters asking you to do something for your family, friends, and neighbors. That’s exactly what happened for a majority of Georgia’s state Senate and House members. In July, we mailed out over 1,100 postcards asking our legislators to close Georgia’s coverage gap. Read more about the postcard project here. If you haven’t signed the petition yet, it’s not too late! You can add your name here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – STUDY COMMITTEES
Study committees are right around the corner!
Some of the most pressing and contentious health and insurance issues facing Georgians will be front and center during legislative study committee meetings this fall. Below are the committees in which GHF will be actively engaged on the advocacy and policy fronts:
Senate Study Committee on Surprise Billing Practices (SR 974)
This study committee is charged with assessing laws to protect consumers against surprise billing.
Senate Study Committee on Premium Assistance(SR 1056)
The committee will closely examine models and policies for premium assistance programs as an alternative to Medicaid expansion and is anticipated to be a forum for a robust discussion about policy options to close the coverage gap.
Senate Study Committee on Opioid Abuse (SR 1165)
This study committee will look at legislative approaches Georgia can take to stem the rise of opioid addiction and related overdose deaths.
For more on these and other study committees, check out Meredith’s blog post.
GHF PRESENTS AT THE NAIC SUMMER MEETING
GHF’s Executive Director Cindy Zeldin attended the summer meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) last week in her capacity as a consumer representative to the NAIC. Cindy presented information on Georgia’s provider directory legislation (SB 302) on a panel during the meeting’s Consumer Liaison session. The consumer representatives as a group also released a new policy paper on prescription drug access and affordability, Promoting Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs: Policy Analysis and Consumer Recommendations for State Policymakes, ConsuemrAdvocates, and Health Care Stakeholders. Read more about the meeting and report in Cindy’s blog.
GET TO KNOW OUR AWARDEES
Tim Sweeney
For more than 10 years Tim set the standard for reliable and responsible health policy analysis in Georgia. His insights and analysis equipped Georgia’s health advocacy community with the information needed to be a strong voice for consumers. Tim will be awarded the Linda Smith Lowe Health Advocacy Award. More.
Carole Maddux
Carole lives and breathes health care access through her work leading Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center in Pickens County. She provides a clear, moral voice for systemic change in health care, speaking out on behalf of Medicaid expansion and other important public policies. Carole will receive the Community Impact Award.More.
Rep. Stacey Abrams
As Minority Leader, Rep. Abrams leads her caucus in its efforts to enact legislation across a range of complex issues, always making time for health care. A tireless champion of Medicaid expansion, Rep. Abrams will receive the Powerhouse Policymaker Award. More.
Sen. P.K. Martin
Sen. Martin’s SB 302 is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that sets basic standards for provider directories and protections for consumers who rely on them. A second term legislator who isn’t afraid to take on complicated issues, Sen. Martin will receive the Powerhouse Policymaker Award. More.
Tickets are now available! RSVP here.
GEORGIA’S EMERGING OPPORTUNITY TO TURN THE TIDE ON SUBSTANCE USE
Substance use prevention should be at the forefront of the minds of Georgia policymakers as they convene the Opioid Abuse Senate study committee (SR 1165) to identify strategies to address the opioid epidemic in the upcoming months. Substance use can oftentimes be prevented and reduced through a public health approach such as SBIRT – screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment. As part of our advocacy and policy efforts to make the case for greater use of SBIRT, GHF and the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse commissioned a fiscal analysis of the costs and benefits of supporting SBIRT through Medicaid. Stay tuned for the release of the full report and white paper outlining key findings.
PARTNERING TO COVER KIDS
Despite a sharp drop in the rate of uninsured children since 2014, Georgia still has 189,000 uninsured children. Their families are without the financial protection that comes with coverage. To address this need, people who regularly work with children need to be aware of the importance of health coverage to children and have the resources they need to connect kids and families with coverage quickly and easily.
That’s why GHF partnered with the Georgia Departments of Education and Public Health to conduct a webinar called “Covering Kids.” Read more about the webinar and the CEU credits available for nurses.
ENROLLMENT UPDATE
New Policy Report Released
This month, GHF released our new enrollment report, Getting Georgia Covered: What We Can Learn from Consumer and Assister Experiences During the Third Open Enrollment Period. Inside the report you’ll find:
- Key themes in consumer and assister experiences during the 2016 open enrollment period
- Best practices for outreach, enrollment, and reaching eligible Georgians who remain uninsured
- Policy opportunities to increase enrollment, improve access to care, and address affordability issues
Getting Georgia Covered
Health advocates, service providers, and enrollment assisters combined forces this month for a day of learning, sharing and planning at our second annual Getting Georgia Covered summit. From more about the event and speakers, click here. For event photos, check out our Facebook photo album!
MEDIA COVERAGE
Task force unveils options to cover uninsured in Georgia
Georgia Health News | August 31, 2016
Blue Cross To Be Sole Obamacare Insurer In Most Ga. Counties
WABE | August 30, 2016
State accepts new hike in Blue Cross exchange premiums
Georgia Health News | August 23, 2016
Blue Cross may bump up rates on Georgia insurance exchange
Georgia Health News | August 19, 2016
Aetna Latest Insurer To Leave Georgia’s Insurance Exchange
WABE | August 17, 2016
Another big defection from Georgia insurance exchange
Georgia Health News | August 16, 2016
Aetna pulls out of Obamacare exchanges in Georgia, 10 other states
Georgia Report | August 16, 2016
HOW WE THINK ABOUT HEALTH
The complex factors that contribute to health
At GHF, we have historically spent much of our time and energy on ‘traditional’ issues in health care – health insurance, access to care, costs to consumers, and health care quality and value. But we all know there’s so much more to health than that. Factors like education, housing, criminal justice and corrections, and transportation all impact our health and well-being. These factors are called social determinants of health.
This year, GHF is launching a new project to bring together stakeholders and advocates from across sectors to identify promising policy initiatives that can address the social determinants of health. Read more about the project here.
ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY FOR LGBT GEORGIANS
Georgians for a Healthy Future teams up with Georgia Equality and The Health Initiative
Together, we are working to help Georgians who have faced discrimination in health care report it so we can help stop it from happening again. Learn more about this project and initiative here.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint online with the Office for Civil Rights. Please also tell us about your experience so we can help you navigate the complaint process and identify systemic issues that should be addressed through public policy. Want to stay up-to-date on this project and issues impacting the health care of LGBT Georgians? Let Anna know and we’ll keep you posted!
A WIN FOR GEORGIA HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS
Department of Justice moves to block major health insurance mergers
Two weeks ago, the DOJ announced they will file suit to block both the Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna health insurance mergers. Earlier this month, GHF released a policy report, Proceed with Caution: Proposed Health Insurance Mergers Could Harm Georgia Consumers, which details Georgia’s current health insurance market and how these mergers could decrease competition and access to care while increasing prices. Read more about what this means and check out Georgia Health News’s coverage as well an interview with GHF Executive Director Cindy Zeldin on WABE’s A Closer Look
A GREAT CONVERSATION!
Thank you to those who joined us for “A Conversation with Author Mike King”
We had a great time on July 19th with friends and advocates talking with Mike King, author of A Spirt of Charity: Restoring the Bond Between America and Its Public Hospitals! The conversation centered around the past, present, and future of health care in America and in Georgia. You can find pictures from the event here.
ICYMI: CONSUMER HEALTH IMPACT AWARDEES ANNOUNCED!
Please join us in congratulating our four awardees!
We are thrilled to recognize this group of amazing consumer health care advocates! We encourage you to learn more about them, their commitment, and their impact. This year’s celebration will be on September 28th at Park Tavern. We hope you will join us as we honor their dedication and that of advocates across the state. RSVP
JOIN US FOR OUR 2ND ANNUAL ENROLLMENT SUMMIT
August 16, 2016 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sloppy Floyd Building
Please join us for a half-day summit focusing on opportunities for collaboration between health care advocates, providers, policy experts, community-based nonprofit organizations, and enrollment assisters to better reach our shared goals of improving health care coverage and access to care in Georgia. Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr. Pamela Roshell, Region IV Director, US Department of Health and Human Services
- Dr. Bill Custer, Director of the Center for Health Services Research and Associate Professor, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
- Heather Bates, Deputy Director, Enrollment Assister Network, Families USA
- Sandy Anh, Associate Research Professor, Georgetown University Center on Health Insurance Reforms
This is a free event. Lunch will be provided. RSVP
ENROLL AMERICA
We are excited to announce that we have been selected to be a part of the Enroll America Get Covered Academy – Leadership Track! The Leadership Track will focus on expanding our knowledge of best practices for outreach, enrollment, and reaching the remaining uninsured. Additionally, GHF will be the only organization in the Academy that is participating in the “train-the-trainer” curriculum. This specialized training will allow GHF staff to be trained on Enroll America’s Get Covered Academy topics and best practices to ultimately impart this knowledge to enrollment assisters throughout the state. Stay tuned for further updates on how we will take advantage of this opportunity and thank you to Enroll America for your support!
IN THE NEWS
A Closer Look
Rose Scott and Jim Burress | WABE
As feds file suit over insurance deals, Georgia postpones hearing
Andy Miller | Georgia Health News
Invest in our state by closing the coverage gap
Laura Colbert | Georgia Health News
MORE >CLOSING THE COVERAGE GAP UPDATE
It’s been an exciting month for Close the Gap advocates!
We are pleased to see that several of Georgia’s leaders have expressed to the press that they are willing to take a second look at closing Georgia’s coverage gap. We hope to work with our state leaders in the coming months to build further support and to find a solution that works for all Georgians. Below you’ll find a few links to articles covering the conversation happening at the Gold Dome.
Louisiana’s expanding Medicaid, Georgia should too
Flagpole | June 22
Task force aims to reshape Georgia stance on health coverage
Georgia Health News | June 21
Why a Ga. GOP chair wants to ‘re-examine’ Medicaid expansion
WABE June 15
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING
1,000 names is a strong showing – but we need more!
Share the above infographic with a message encouraging your social network to add their names! You can find the petition here.
DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!
A Conversation with Author Mike King
July 19 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Warren City Club
Health care advocates and friends – please join us for a book signing and conversation with Atlanta journalist Mike King, author of A Spirt of Charity: Restoring the Bond Between America and its Public Hospitals. His new book explores the role of public hospitals in our health system, weaving Georgia’s history – and the history of Grady – into this national story. In advance of the event, our executive director, Cindy Zeldin sat down with King to talk about his book. Read their conversation here.
We will provide appetizers and there will be a cash bar. This is a free event. RSVP here.
Getting Georgia Covered: How Consumer and Assister Experiences can Increase Enrollment and Inform Policy
August 16 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sloppy Floyd Building
Please join us for our second annual enrollment summit. This year we are focusing on strengthening relationships between the health policy community and the enrollment assistance community. The summit will include speakers from the Georgetown Center for Health Insurance Reforms, Families USA, and Region IV HHS. Learn more about the agenda and RSVP here.
2016 Consumer Health Impact Awards
September 28 6:30 PM
Park Tavern
Tickets are now on sale for the 2016 Consumer Health Impact Awards! Three awards recipients have so far been revealed; join us in congratulating them!
- Community Impact Award – Carole Maddux, Executive Director, CEO of the Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center
- Powerhouse Policymaker – Senator P.K. Martin
- Powerhouse Policymaker – House Minority Leader, Representative Stacey Abrams
Only July 11th we’ll be revealing the recipient of the Linda Smith Lowe Health Advocate Award, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Twitter! You can preview some of the silent auction items here and RSVP here.
OUT AND ABOUT WITH GHF
Keeping up the Drumbeat for Youth Substance Use Prevention
This June, we joined advocates from other states in Philadelphia for the Community Catalyst Substance Use Disorders Advocacy Convening. The three-day conference gave us valuable insight for the next phase of our advocacy and policy efforts to expand the use of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) through the activation of Medicaid codes for youth. Activating Medicaid codes would allow providers to be reimbursed for the time they spend conducting SBIRT and would encourage greater use of the tool. Read more about this project and the convening here.
Peachtree Corners Festival
Georgia’s many summer festivals provide a unique opportunity for GHF and our partners to get out in the community and talk with people about how health policy impacts their lives and how they can be advocates. On June 11th and 12th, we continued our summer festival outreach with an information and education booth at the Peachtree Corners Festival. Read more about the festival and our conversations with people in the coverage gap here.
Women’s Day at Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church is a cornerstone of advocacy and social justice in Atlanta. On June 20th, Laura Cobert, Director of Outreach & Partnerships, was invited to join their Women’s Season celebrations to talk about the importance fo closing Georgia’s coverage gap. She spoke to a crowd fo about 60 women on a day when the theme was health and self-care. To read more about the event and Laura’s presentation, click here.
IN THE NEWS
Task force aims to reshape Georgia stance on health coverage
Georgia Health News| June 21
HEALTH CARE UPDATES
An Important Step Towards Health Equity
On May 13, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule implementing Section 1557 of the ACA, an important milestone in the movement towards health equity. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in all health programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance through HHS, are administered through HHS, or are established under Title 1 of the ACA. Notably, Section 1557 marks the first time that sex discrimination in health care is prohibited and clarifies that gender identity and sex stereotyping are included in this definition. For more check out this blog post.
Yield for Consumers: Insurance Mergers in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Insurance will hold hearings this summer on proposed health insurance company mergers that, if approved as requested, could limit choice and increase costs for Georgia health care consumers. Georgia regulators have the opportunity through these hearings to assess the merits of these mergers and to place conditions on them that can mitigate negative outcomes for consumers, but advocacy is needed to accomplish this. Read on for more about mergers, how GHF plans to engage in the hearing process on behalf of Georgia health care consumers, and how you can weigh in.
#Enrollment365
The weather is heating up and the official start of summer is just around the corner, but here at GHF we’re already looking ahead to one of the hallmarks of fall: open enrollment! Earlier this spring, new renewal policies and consumer shopping tools were announced and health insurance plans released their initial rate filings, giving us early insights into what we might expect in the upcoming open enrollment period: November 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017. But while we’re busy preparing for OE4, we also know that health insurance enrollment happens year-round. Read on for more about new rules for special enrollment periods, rate filings, and how to stay up to date on all things enrollment.
THE IMPACT OF THE CONSUMER VOICE
Does a strong consumer voice make a difference in health policy outcomes? At GHF, consumer engagement is woven into each of our initiatives to bring the needs and voices of Georgia health care consumers into the public policy process. Over the past two years, one of our top priorities has been maximizing health insurance enrollment and ensuring that once enrolled, consumers can access the care they need. Our work in this area, along with that of similar efforts in seventeen states, was recently evaluated by Mathematica. The evaluation focused on the activities and outcomes of the eighteen Consumer Voices for Coverage projects funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Learn more about the evaluation findings here.
COVER GEORGIA UPDATES
Cover Georgia Spring Summit
This month, members of the Cover Georgia Coalition met for a half-day meeting to discuss what advocates can do to make sure that Georgia closes its coverage gap in 2017. If your organization is interested in joining the coalition, reach out to Laura Colbert. If you are an individual advocate who’d like to join the movement here are three ways you can get involved:
- Share an infographic on social media about the coverage gap
- Sign the petition to close the coverage gap
Join the Georgia Health Action Network to receive updates on progress and prompts to reach out to legislators, engage on social media, and other quick actions
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Conversation with Author Mike King
The Warren City Club
July 19, 2016
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Health care advocates and friends – please join GHF for a book signing and conversation with Atlanta journalist Mike King, author of A Spirit of Charity: Restoring the Bond Between America and Its Public Hospitals. His new book explores the role of public hospitals in our health system, weaving Georgia’s history – and the history of Grady – into this national story. You can read more about his book here. We look forward to an evening of lively conversation about the role of safety net hospitals here in Georgia and throughout America. We will provide a light dinner and there will be a cash bar. This is a free event. RSVP here.
Consumer Health Impact Awards
Please join us for our second annual Consumer Health Impact Awards! This event shines a spotlight on advocates, community leaders, and state policymakers working to improve health in Georgia through service and advocacy. RSVP for the event here.
We will be announcing 2016 awardees in the coming weeks – look out for that announcement!
IN THE NEWS
Some rates in Georgia insurance exchange could soar in 2017
Andy Miller, Georgia Health News
Ruling against Obamacare a win for GOP, but impact for Georgia on hold
Tamar Hallerman, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
GHF IN THE COMMUNITY
GHF Presents at Connections 2016
GHF’s Cindy Zeldin and Laura Colbert presented at the Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s 2016 Connections conference. They shared GHF organizational strengths that foster and support the development of strategic partnerships and cooperation. Check out Laura’s blog post about the conference for resources and more!
GHF joins League of Women Voters for Annual Meeting
On Saturday, April 21st, GHF’s Whitney Griggs spoke to the Fulton County League of Women Voters about health care issues addressed in the 2016 legislative session. She highlighted bills focused on health care disparities and the coverage gap.
GOVERNOR DEAL SIGNS BIPARTISAN PROVIDER DIRECTORY LEGISLATION
GHF and partners attend signing of SB 302
Last week, Governor Deal signed SB 302 into law! GHF advocated throughout the Legislative Session for this bipartisan bill to improve the accuracy and usability of provider directories. SB 302 is an important step towards making provider directories the accurate and functional tool that consumers need to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families. Georgia’s proactive move is being noted by national partners – check out the coverage!
Consumers Union – Consumers Score Victory with Georgia Provider Directory Legislation Signed into Law
Families USA – How States Are Improving Consumers’ Access to In-Network Health Care Providers
Community Catalyst – Protecting Health Care Consumers in the Peach State
For more information and resources on provider directories, check out our blog post.
NEW AT HEALTHYFUTUREGA.ORG
Infographics page
We know you care about advocating for a healthy future – it’s why you signed up for our emails! We also know you’re busy. So we’ve been working on ways you can learn, engage, and participate in the way that works best for you! One such avenue is through our infographics page. There you’ll find infographics on the issues you care about and easy buttons to share them on social media! If you’re on Pinterest, you can also follow our infographics board.
APRIL EVENTS
Inman Park Festival – GHF goes to the community
This past weekend, GHF had a table at the Inman Park Festival. Whitney and Laura were on hand to talk about the coverage gap and other GHF priorities. We collected dozens of close the gap postcards and gave out goodies to those that stopped by! Thank you to our partners at Feminist Women’s Health Center for joining us at the festival!
Post Legislative Session Webinar
If you weren’t able to attend our April 5th webinar, Changes in health Care and Policy in the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session, don’t worry, you can watch it here. The webinar reviews bills, resolutions, and budgetary items discussed during the 2016 Legislative Session that may impact Georgia’s health care system and health care consumers. Have questions that didn’t get answered? Email Laura!
PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
American Diabetes Association – Georgia Chapter
GHF is excited to partner with the Georgia chapter of the American Diabetes Association to support health advocacy work that can improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. Advocacy collaborations involve participation in the effort to pass SB 302, expansion of the American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School training program, and a Diabetes Advocacy Day at the Capitol in 2017. For information on involvement with the American Diabetes Association please contact Rebecca Drake.
The mission of the Georgia chapter of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes in the state.
SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 28, 2016
Join us for the 2nd annual Consumer Health Impact Awards!
We had a blast celebrating advocacy and health advances in Georgia with you last year and we can’t wait to do it again! Voting is now open for the Linda S. Lowe Health Advocacy Award and for the Community Impact Award. Know a person or organization whose work deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today! If you’re interested in sponsoring you can learn more here. RSVP here.
GHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Deep Shah
Dr. Deep Shah, MD, MSc is a senior internal medicine resident at Emory University School of Medicine/Grady Memorial Hospital. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he won a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in comparative social policy at Oxford. Deep then went to Harvard for medical school. He has worked as a policy fellow for Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue. He serves on the American College of Physicians’ Medical Practice and Quality Committee and Committee and Council of Resident/Fellow Members. After residency, he plans to marry his interests in primary care, health administration, and public policy.
Melanie Porter
Melanie recently retired from John Deere, where she worked in several diverse capacities, including Director and then Vice President of the Agri Services division of the company. Melanie led HR teams in Mergers and Acquisitions, integrating new businesses into John Deere, and was then appointed to lead a newly created HR area of Change Management, where she and her team designed and developed processes and tools that enabled aligned teamwork and supported individual and team performance improvement. She then returned to HR Operations, leading a team providing HR expertise and leadership to all the corporate functional areas of the company. Melanie also served as a Master Coach at John Deere, guiding leaders in their career objectives. She was proud to serve six years as Vice Chair of the Board for Community Health Care, Inc., an organization that provides excellent, affordable in-patient medical, dental and behavioral health care to over 35,000 patients annually.
IN THE NEWS
Study says United exit will hurt some exchange enrollees
April 19 | Georgia Health News
State document hints at downside to insurance mergers in Georgia
April 13 | Georgia Health News
The 2016 Legislative Session has Ended
Moving Forward
The 2016 Legislative Session has come and gone. If you’re still catching up on everything that happened, check out our legislative tracking page to see what passed, what didn’t, and what’s been signed by the Governor thus far. You can also find our video series, Consumer Health Advocacy Today (CHAT), on ourYouTube page.
Click here to read a letter from our Executive Director, Cindy Zeldin, as she reflects on the session and what’s ahead for Georgia’s health care consumers.
If you missed our webinar earlier today on changes in health care policy in the 2016 legislative session, join the Georgia Health Action Network to receive the recording.
Closing Georgia’s Coverage Gap
Working together to close the coverage gap
GHF and the Cover Georgia Coalition are gathering stories and signatures! Stories like Tracy’s help to put a human face to Georgia’s decision not to expand Medicaid. If you fall into the coverage gap, your story can make a difference in convincing our lawmakers to close the gap. To share your story, email Whitney.
If you’d like to show your support for closing the gap you can sign this petition to close the coverage gap and share it with your friends, family, and social network.
In addition to the petition, GHF & Cover Georgia are collecting post cards, like the one above, to show lawmakers that their constituents support closing the gap. If your organization would like hard copies of postcards, like the one above, to help collect signatures in your outreach, let us know! We’re also available to give presentations on the coverage gap and what it means for all Georgians. For more information about presentations, email Laura.
Save the Date!
The Consumer Health Impact Awards are back!
After an amazing first year, we are thrilled to announce the date for the second annual Consumer Health Impact Awards! Nominations for this year’s awardees start soon and now is the time to start thinking about who should take home the 2016 Linda Smith Lowe Advocacy and the Community Impact Award! Already know you want to go? You can RSVP here. Sponsorship opportunities can be found here.
GHF Welcomes New Staff Member
Sarah Dobra – Director of Development & Operations
GHF is excited to welcome Sarah to the GHF team! In her role she will provide operational, development, planning and evaluation, and editorial support to ensure that we’re functioning well across programs and projects. Prior to joining GHF, Sarah was the Disparities Manager and Cancer Care Delivery Research Program Coordinator at a community cancer center in Savannah, Georgia. In this position Sarah successfully leveraged community partners to support cancer prevention and screening activities to address cancer disparities as part of a larger community network. Sarah obtained her law and master’s in Public Health degrees at Tulane University and holds a B.A. from the University of Oregon. Sarah can be reached at sdobra@healthyfuturega.org – join us in welcoming her!
GHF in the News
Bill aims to erase errors in insurers’ medical directories
by Andy Miller, Georgia Health News
“Directory errors can be common. For example, a “secret shopper” survey done by Georgians for a Healthy Future found numerous errors in four “silver-level” HMOs in Atlanta that the consumer group examined. The survey found that one in five primary care doctors listed as participating in a plan’s network were not actually in that network, Cindy Zeldin, executive director of the consumer group, told GHN on Wednesday…” Read more.
MORE >Getting What You Pay For
GHF and Georgia Watch host policy forum on network adequacy, surprise out-of-network billing, and provider directory accuracy.
Early in February, GHF and Georgia Watch partnered to host policymakers, stakeholders, and advocates at a policy panel on important health insurance consumer protections. The event opened with remarks from Senator Dean Burke and included presentations from Consumers Union’s Julie Silas, Georgia Watch’s Beth Stephens, and GHF’s Meredith Gonsahn. If you missed the event, you can find presentations and materials below!
Julie Silas’s presentation: Finding Policy Solutions for Provider Directories and Surprise Medical Bills
Meredith Gonsahn’s presentation: Improving Network Adequacy and Provider Directory Standards in Georgia
Video interviews with Julie Silas on network adequacy and provider directories
Who was there? Check out the photo album.
New Policy Briefs
Ensuring Access to Care: Setting and Enforcing Network Adequacy Standards
When consumers enroll in a health insurance plan, they gain access to a network of medical providers. This network must be adequate to ensure that consumers enrolled in the plan have reasonable access to all covered benefits. The goals of this policy brief are to:
-explain the importance of network adequacy for access to care
-outline current network adequacy standards in Georgia
-summarize recent policy activity around network adequacy
-set forth consumer-oriented principles for network adequacy standards in Georgia
-provide policy recommendations to achieve network adequacy in Georgia.
Ensuring Access to Care: Improving Provider Directory Accuracy and Usability
Provider directories are the primary tool available to consumers to determine whether the plan they are selecting has a narrow or broad network and to identify which providers are in their plan. As such,these directories should be accurate, up-to-date, and should truly function as a tool. The Georgia Legislature has taken the first steps to addressing these issues through SB 302, the Provider Directory Improvement Act. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is now in the House Insurance Committee for consideration.The goals of this policy brief are to:
-explain the role provider directories play as a tool for consumer decision-making
-describe current provider directory provision in Georgia
-describe common problems with provider directories
-outline recent policy activity around provider directories
-highlight other state examples of provider directory improvments
Legislative Updates
GHF and partners take to the Gold Dome!
Whitney and Laura have been spending extra time at the Capitol lately with our coalition partners. Many organizations host lobby days during the legislative session when grassroots advocates can come to the Capitol to make legislators aware of issues that they care about and advocate for relevant legislation. Our partner organizations have invited GHF to attend many lobby days to talk to their attendees about closing Georgia’s coverage gap and other items on our policy agenda. Whitney and Laura have also provided coverage gap lapel stickers so this issue is visible to all people in the Capitol, especially legislators. Thank you to all our partners for sharing your lobby days with us and helping to foster new coverage gap advocates!
GEAR Update: Special Enrollment Period Changes
At the beginning of last year’s open enrollment period, GHF created GEAR, the Georgia Enrollment Assister Resource Network (GEAR). GEAR is a coalition of enrollment assisters and those closely involved in the enrollment process. Now the open enrollment is passed, GEAR is turning to tax time and special enrollment periods (SEPs). Last month, CMS announced the new special enrollment confirmation process. Georgians will now be required to provide sufficient proof to the marketplace to determine their SEP eligibility. Failure to provide supporting documents may lead to the denial of coverage. At GHF we advocate for policies that make enrollment in health insurance more inclusive and fight policies that put up unnecessary barriers. We want to hear from you about this! If you’re an enrollment assister and are experiencing trouble enrolling consumers during a special enrollment period, let us know! If you’d like to join the GEAR network, you can do that here.
GHF Welcomes New Board Members
Aliyya Haque
Sylvia Caley
Sylvia returns to the GHF’s board of directors. She is an associate clinical professor at Georgia State University and is director of the Health Law Partnership (HeLP), a medical-legal community collaboration among Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society and the College of Law at Georgia State. Caley has extensive experience in health care, health law and policy, and poverty law, and her work-related interests have centered on the intersection of health and poverty. She is a member of the Grady Health System Ethics Committee and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Bioethics and public Affairs Committee. Caley teaches courses on health policy and legislation and clinical skills. She also lectures extensively on legal issues affecting child health and well-being
GHF in the News
Closer Look – WABE
59:18: Cindy Zeldin, executive directory og GHF, expamines current state legislation related to healthcare and health policy.
A small, surprising step toward a big change in health coverage? – Georgia Health News
“The bill may not get very far this year, with time running out in the General Assembly session and without the fiscal impact yet studied. But a Senate health committee broke new ground by holding a legislative hearing on a proposal, SB 368, that would create a Medicaid expansion alternative in Georgia…”
ACA enrollment tops 587,000 in Ga., but insurers nervous over sign up rules – Georgia Health News
“More than 580,000 Georgians signed up for coverage in the insurance exchange during the third open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act…”
Bipartisan Cooperation on Health Care in Georgia, But Not Medicaid Expansion – Atlanta Progressive News
“Medicaid expansion may be dead for the year, but there appears to be bipartisan cooperation on other health policy issues..”
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INTRODUCING THE GEORGIA HEALTH ACTION NETWORK (GHAN)
What is GHAN?
GHAN is your way to keep up with and take action on the health care policy issues you care about. By signing up to be a part of GHAN you’ll receive action alerts with things you can do, like sign a petition, share an infographic with your social network, or contact your legislator to raise awareness and advocate for important consumer health issues. To join GHAN, email Anna.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The Georgia Legislative Session is in full swing
It is a short session this year and it’s amazing we’re already almost a month in! GHF is at the Capitol every day, advocating for consumer health care protections. To see a list of the bills we’re tracking,click here. We’re very excited that Senator P.K. Martin has introduced a bill, SB 302, that would increase transparency and the usability of health insurance provider directories. The bill has strong bipartisan support and is scheduled for a hearing Monday, so stay tuned for that update! Conversations also continue around surprise medical bills, network adequacy, and closing the coverage gap.
Read the Week One update.
Read the Week Two update.
Read the Week Three update.
If you’re more of a visual person, you might want to check out our video series, CHAT (or Consumer Health Advocacy Today) where we talk to policy makers and experts about what’s going on under the Gold Dome.
OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS
GHF helped over 100 people get covered
Open enrollment formally concluded on January 31, 2016 and 587,845 Georgians enrolled in the Marketplace (healthcare.gov).
Throughout open enrollment, GHF worked to get Georgians enrolled through direct service and the creation of GEAR (or the Georgia Enrollment Assister Resource Network). GEAR is the new central hub of resources for Georgia’s enrollment assisters and community partners who work with consumers to educate them on their health and health care coverage options. If you are interested in learning more about GEAR or want to sign up for the newsletter, email Whitney. Additionally, during this open enrollment period we have provided enrollment assistance to 78 applicants and their families, totaling 141 Georgians. Of those, 91% received financial assistance.
WHY THE COVERAGE GAP MATTERS
On January 19th, GHF’s Outreach and Engagement Manager, Whitney Griggs, was in Savannah talking to people who fell into the coverage gap. One of them was Henry. Henry had been working as a super heavy hauler, but had to stop working in 2008 to take care of his diabetes and other health issues. He intended to return to driving once his health problems were under control, but he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and could not return to driving or working. He is currently managing several severe health issues, including diabetes, blood clots in his lungs and legs, thryroid cancer, and COPD. Although, he is able to get some of his care from St. Mary’s, he has many unpaid medical bills. He must rely on his elderly mother to help pay some of his costs, which he says is difficult because she lives on a fixed income. Stories like Henry’s highlight the need for Georgia to close its coverage gap to make sure all Georgians are able to get the care they need. If you or someone you know has a story of being uninsured that you would like to share, please contact Whitney.
6TH ANNUAL HEALTH CARE UNSCRAMBLED
Starting the Year Off Right
There’s something wonderful about a room full of people talking about how to improve Georgians’ access to quality, affordable health care. No matter the path we advocate for, the end goal is the same. This year we hosted a bipartisan legislative panel that included Reps. Lee Hawkins and Debbie Buckner and Sens. Greg Kirk and Emanuel Jones. Following the legislative panel, two national experts, Sue Polis from Trust for America’s Health and Lynn Quincy from Consumers Union, spoke on emerging trends in health care policy. Check out this blog to see pictures from the event, read the media’s write up, and watch interviews with the panelists.
GHF IN THE NEWS
Last Call to Enroll for 2016 Insurance Under the Affordable Care Act
New York Times | January 29, 2016
Legislative panel reflects divide on Medicaid expansion
Georgia Health News | January 14, 2016
Rare metal: Where are the Platinum plans?
Georgia Health News | January 4, 2016
The holidays are behind us and the legislative session is here! Here’s what you need to know about December before we get too far into January!
Upcoming Events
Health Care Unscrambled 2016
It’s not too late to register! Health Care Unscrambled, GHF’s signature event, is this Thursday. Join us for breakfast and conversation with a bipartisan panel of legislators who are focusing on health policy issues under the Gold Dome this session. Then stick around for a deep dive on emerging issues for health advocates with Lynn Quincy of Consumers Union and Sue Polis from Trust for America’s Health.
RSVP
Webinar: A Look Ahead at Health Care Policy in the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session
Can’t make it to Health Care Unscrambled? You can still get the information you need to advocate on health care policy issues in the 2016 legislative session by attending our upcoming webinar. We will preview expected health care legislation,present GHF’s policy priorities, and let you know how you can get involved. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21st, noon to 1 pm.
Register Here
Getting What You Pay For: Consumer Protections for Network Adequacy, Surprise Medical Bills, and Provider Directories
February 2, 2016 – 8am
Freight Depot, Blue Room
Join us and Georgia Watch for a policy forum featuring an in-depth panel discussion on network adequacy, surprise medical bills and provider directories. Panelists will speak on how these issues are impacting consumers in Georgia and across the nation, policy implications, current legislative work and how you can get involved in supporting advocacy efforts. The panel will feature:
- Senator Dean Burke, District 11
- Julie Silas, Consumer Union
- Meredith Gonsahn, Georgians for a Healthy Future
- Beth Stephens, Georgia Watch
RSVP
Policy Updates
Study committee work has finished, reports trickle in
Georgia legislative study committees meet during the off-session to study and make recommendations for the General Assembly around specific policy issues. GHF has been following and participating in the study committees focused on health issues impacting consumers. Read our Health Policy Analyst Meredith Gonsahn’s blog for a run-down of committees that have published their reports, the issues they investigated, and report recommendations.
GHF releases our policy priorities
The 2016 Legislative Session has officially begun and at GHF we have released our 2016 policy priorities. You can download the PDF below or you can watch the one minute video by clicking on the image to the right for a quick run-down!
Download our 2016 policy priorities
ACA Implementation Research Network
In December, the ACA Implementation Research Network released its Georgia state report at a policy forum held at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Georgians for a Healthy Future’s Executive Director Cindy Zeldin participated in a discussion with advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to reflect on the report’s findings. The conversation ranged from health insurance enrollment best practices to health system reform to what it will take to close the coverage gap in Georgia.
Enrollment Update
By the 9th week of Open Enrollment 3, more than 8.6 million consumers nationally and 517,000 in Georgia have enrolled in health care coverage through the Marketplace. In addition to GHF’s collaborative work with the enrollment assistance community, we also help individuals and families enroll in health insurance! We have assisted more than 70 individuals and families with enrollment and post enrollment related services, and enrolled 60 consumers into Marketplace plans during OE3. GHF continues to provide enrollment and post enrollment assistance to consumers through its main office in downtown Atlanta, its weekly enrollment site at Switzer public library in Marietta, and through other events in partnership with community organizations, coalition partners, and other non-profit organizations.
Contact our enrollment assister
New Look, Same GHF
Have you been to our website recently? If you haven’t, you should! We have revamped our site to be more engaging and intuitive. It’s chock full of tools and resources to help you get up to speed on the issues you care about and to take action during the legislative session and throughout the year. Check it out!
GHF In the News
Tom Crawford: Here’s a salute to the accomplishments of 2015
Gainsville Times | December 30, 2015
Exchange enrollment nears 500,000 in Georgia
AJC | December 22, 2015
Insurers’ woes threaten the Affordable Care Act
Atlanta Business Chronicle | December 18, 2015
State senator expects legislation on insurance reform
Georgia Health News | December 15, 2015
GHF Welcomes New Intern!
Victoria Congleton joins the GHF team in our efforts to improve health policies in Georgia. Victoria will work on various tasks during her time with GHF to learn about all of the components of health advocacy in Georgia. Victoria hopes to learn more about the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, health policies, the legislative session, and other health topics. She is currently finishing up her Bachelors in Community Health and French at SUNY Potsdam.
ICYMI: GHF is on LinkedIn
GHF has joined the LinkedIn community and we’d love to connect with you! Check out our page, follow us and let the conversations begin!
See what’s happening on our social sites
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POLICY UPDATES
Network Adequacy – We Have a Model Act!
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners approved an updated network adequacy model act at its Fall meeting in November. The model act is a framework that states can adopt to help ensure that consumers have meaningful and timely access to the health services in their benefit package. With more insurance companies offering narrow network plans, these basic standards are an important consumer protection, and GHF encourages state policymakers to consider tailoring and adopting the model act in Georgia. We’ll be announcing our legislative priorities for 2016 soon, and this issue will be on the list!
Study Committees Conclude Their Work
Several health-related study committees met during the summer and fall months, and most of them are wrapping up their work. The Consumer and Provider Protection Act Study Committee held its final open meeting in November with a focus on network adequacy and provider directories. Claire McAndrew from Families USA, a national consumer health advocacy organization, and Georgians for a Healthy Future’s Health Policy Analyst Meredith Gonsahn delivered testimony on the importance of setting network adequacy standards and ensuring provider directory accuracy and usability. Look out for a final report from the committee in December!
Concerns Grow about Proposed Mergers
Earlier this year, two separate proposed health insurance mergers were announced. A November New York Times article laid out some of the concerns that consumer advocates have about the proposed mergers and featured comments from Cindy Zeldin, Georgians for a Healthy Future’s Executive Director. Our Health Policy Analyst Meredith Gonsahn is monitoring this important issue – be on the lookout for a policy brief in the new year that provides more detailed insights about the potential effects of these mergers. You can also learn more by visiting the Coalition to Protect Patient Choice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Health Care Unscrambled 2016
Please save the date for the morning of January 14th for our annual Health Care Unscrambled policy breakfast. The breakfast will feature a bipartisan panel of legislators who will preview the health care issues they plan to focus on during the legislative session, a keynote panel discussion about emerging health policy issues, and opportunities to network with fellow health advocates. Registration is now open!
GHF IN THE COMMUNITY
Coverage and Access to Care: Local Focus on Savannah
Georgians for a Healthy Future hit the road again recently, this time to Savannah! We collaborated with the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute and the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council to pull together a local roundtable discussion with individuals and organizations serving the local community. We learned so much about the coverage and access challenges facing individuals and families in Savannah.
GHF in North Fulton
North Fulton Community Charities, a non-profit human service agency that assists families in need in North Fulton County, invited Georgians for a Healthy Future to present our Medicaid chart book to its community leaders. Board members, city and county council people, and state legislators were in attendance, along with interested community members. We had a constructive conversation with participants about how Georgia can close the coverage gap. If your organization, church, or community group would like us to present at your next meeting (either about closing the coverage gap or about helping people enroll in health insurance), contact Laura.
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH
Get Insured. Stay Insured.
This toolkit is designed to walk people through each step of the enrollment process, from how to select the right plan for them, to how to find a doctor, and even things to keep in mind when filing taxes if they receive a subsidy. Hard copies of the Spanish toolkit are available, please email Whitney for more information.
My Health Insurance User’s Manual
This workbook is a take-home, interactive resource for the newly enrolled. People can fill in the workbook with their own information so they have all of their important health coverage information in one place. If your organization is interested in obtaining hard copies of the workbook in Spanish, please contact Whitney.
Thank You!
In addition to November being a busy month full of community engagement, health insurance enrollment, and public policy advances, it was also a month for gratitude and reflection. This Thanksgiving, the 300,000 Georgians who fall into the coverage gap were in our thoughts. In the coming year, we plan to redouble our efforts to close the coverage gap in Georgia. Your contributions on Georgia Gives Day will support our advocacy campaign in 2016 to close this gap. The Georgians for a Healthy Future team thanks you for your support. And if you missed Georgia Gives Day, don’t worry – you can still give here.
GHF in the News
Obamacare insurance premiums on the rise in Georgia
AJC | November 29, 2015
Closer Look: Health Care; Peachtree-Pine Shelter; And More
WABE | November 24, 2015
States Urged to Review Health Insurance Mergers
New York Times | November 20, 2015
MORE >
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Get Insured. Stay Insured.
Our new toolkit is designed to walk people through each step of the enrollment process, from how to select the right plan for them, to how to find a doctor, and even things to keep in mind when filing taxes if they receive a subsidy. Each piece of the toolkit can be used individually based on where the person is in the enrollment process or it can be used as one comprehensive piece. If you have any questions about the toolkit or would like to receive hard copies (for pick up only in most cases) please contact Whitney Griggs.
My Health Insurance User’s Manual
This workbook is a take-home, interactive resource for the newly enrolled. It covers topics that enrollment assisters may not have time to cover during the enrollment appointment, such as how to find a primary care provider, how to make your first appointment, and even how to make a budget. People can fill in the workbook with their own information so they have all of their important health coverage information in one place.
Study Committees Continue Their Work
Georgians for a Healthy Future’s Executive Director Cindy Zeldin traveled to Tifton in October to participate in the second meeting of the Consumer and Provider Protection Act Study Committee. The meeting was held at the Tift Regional Health System and featured testimony from a range of health care stakeholders. The third meeting of the committee was held on Monday, November 9th at 9am at the State Capitol in Atlanta and focused on network adequacy, an important issue for health care consumers. Click here to read Cindy’s blog on the study committee’s work.
PAST EVENTS
GEAR Webinar
This webinar introduced the Georgia Enrollment Assistance Resource (GEAR) Network. We created GEAR to be a resource for navigators, certified application counselors, community-based nonprofits, and other stakeholders who are interested in outreach and enrollment in Georgia. Through GEAR, you can access an array of Georgia-specific consumer-facing materials in English and Spanish. Participation in GEAR is free and is intended to be a community resource.
Sign up for the GEAR Newsletter.
Getting and Keeping Georgia Covered.
GHF and Enroll America teamed up to host an all day conference in advance of the start of Open Enrollment. If you missed it, check out this resources page for tons of valuable resources!
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Policy Luncheon on Preventing Youth Substance Use
This forum featured a panel of experts who shared their academic, research, and personal experiences, demonstrating not only the need for, but the effectiveness of SBIRT in preventing substance use disorders. Check out the videos below hear more about by SBIRT matters.
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UGA’s State of Public Health Conference: Featuring GHF
Last week, GHF was on the road again traveling to Athens for UGA’s annual State of Public Health conference. The SOPH conference is a chance for public health researchers, practitioners, and students to share and learn about the newest public health initiatives and research happening across Georgia. We were excited to be featured as a presenter among other experts, advocates, and leaders in Georgia’s public health domain. In a workshop dedicated to the Affordable Care Act, GHF teamed up with Georgia Watch to talk about Marketplace enrollment efforts in Georgia. The presentation was based on GHF’s “Getting Georgia Covered” report, which explored the successes and barriers to outreach and enrollment efforts in Open Enrollment 2. We also previewed the upcoming open enrollment period, which starts on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, and advocated for closing Georgia’s coverage gap. The other presenters in the workshop, including another presentation from our partner Georgia Watch, comprehensively covered the new ACA requirement for hospitals to complete a community health needs assessment (CHNA) of their service area every 2-3 years and how that is being implemented in Georgia. The workshop generated some excellent questions and constructive conversation about these two very different aspects of the ACA.
IN THE NEWS
Georgians face key health insurance decisions during open enrollment
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
GHF Welcomes Yaminah, new Grassroots Advocacy Fellow!
Yaminah Romulus joins the GHF team as the Grassroots Advocacy Fellow. She will work to develop GHF’s outreach strategy and collaborate the staff on policy analysis work. Yaminah is currently pursuing a Master’s of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Some of her interests include access to care for vulnerable populations, barriers to quality care, and the improvement of health care delivery systems.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
A Chart Book for Understanding Medicaid in Georgia and the Opportunity to Improve It
Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute are proud to release our joint publication: Understanding Medicaid in Georgia and the Opportunity to Improve It. Inside you will find infographics, new data, and compelling charts that simplify the complex issue of Medicaid in Georgia.
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Part one explains who gets Medicaid in Georgia, how Medicaid protects Georgians during economic downturns, how Medicaid controls costs in the state, and more.
Part two outlines Georgia’s opportunity to close the coverage gap. Here you’ll find out what Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap is, how we can use Medicaid to close it, and who stands to benefit detailed by job sector, demographics, and veteran status.
Part three details economic and social benefits of closing the coverage gap. Why is closing the coverage gap is a good deal for Georgia and the state’s economy? What are the savings other states realize by closing the gap? How does coverage affect a person’s financial and physical health?
A limited number of hard copies of this new publication are available. Please let us know if you or your organization would like one. We are also available to provide presentations to your members about Medicaid in Georgia and the opportunity to improve it by closing the coverage gap. Please contact Laura Colbert if you’re interested in a community presentation.
Many Working Parents and Families in Georgia Would Benefit from Extending Medicaid Coverage
We know that closing Georgia’s coverage gap would help adults who are uninsured. But how does it affect families and children in our state? GHF and Georgetown University Health Policy Institute’s Center for Children and Families have teamed up to bring you new research to answer that question. Key findings include:
- Nearly three-in-ten Georgians potentially eligible for coverage should Georgia choose to close the coverage gap are parents with dependent children residing in their home.
- Of those parents that could benefit from expanded Medicaid eligibility, nearly two-thirds (57 percent) are employed. Nearly half of all uninsured parents (46 percent) work in restaurants, retail, or professional service occupations.
Children enrolled in Medicaid are more likely to receive well-child care and are significantly less likely to have unmet or delayed needs for medical care, dental care, and prescription drug use due to cost.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GEAR up for Open Enrollment
Webinar
October 19
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Please join us for a webinar to introduce the new Georgia Enrollment Assistance Resource Network-GEAR! GEAR is the new central hub of resources for Georgia’s enrollment assisters and stakeholders who work to educate people on their health and health coverage options. GEAR is full of handouts, interactive consumer tools, important updates, and other materials that will help enrollment assisters and community organizations better educate Georgians on health insurance enrollment, health insurance literacy, and more.
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Want to learn more about GEAR and how you and/or your organization can benefit? Join us on October 19th for a webinar where we will demonstrate how to access GEAR and review some of the materials that can be found there. We will also get your feedback about other resources you would like to see included on GEAR in the future. GEAR is built to help more Georgians connect to health coverage and we want it to work for you!
Policy Luncheon on Preventing Youth Substance Use
Please join us for a policy forum to take a deep dive into promising, cost-effective best practices to reduce youth substance abuse in Georgia. This lunchtime event will be held just prior to the second meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Preventing Youth Substance Use Disorders and will feature opening remarks by Senator Renee Unterman, the chair of the study committee and the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The forum will also include a panel discussion featuring:
Dr. Paul Seale, Navicent Health
Dr. Gabe Kuperminc, Georgia State University
Leigh Colburn, Director, Graduate Marietta Student Success Center
Bertrand Brown, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
After the panelists’ presentations there will be time for question and answer. This is a free event, but we ask that you RSVP so that we may order enough food.
In Augusta last week, GHF met with local providers, advocates, and consumers to talk about Augusta’s coverage gap. More than a presentation, the event was a constructive conversation about finding a solution and making Augusta healthier. It was clear to us that people in Augusta are dedicated to helping their neighbors and closing the coverage gap.
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The event was previewed and then written up in the Augusta Chronicle.
“The state of Georgia will eventually expand its Medicaid program “because the numbers are so compelling,” a health care economist for Georgia State University said Thursday at a policy forum in Augusta.”
“Medicaid already covers 1.9 million people in Georgia, about 64 percent of whom are children, despite “very restrictive” limits on who can qualify, particularly for adults, according to a report being released today by Zeldin’s group and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.”
GHF’s First Annual Consumer Health Impact Awards
What a night! GHF honored Georgia’s most inspiring health advocates, community partners, and policymakers at our first annual Consumer Health Impact Awards dinner in September. If you missed the event and want to see what all the fuss was about, check our our Storify or the photos on Facebook.
Legislative Study Committee Insights
Study committees are the framework for the legislative session. It’s where legislators, experts, and advocates roll up their sleeves and study the issues facing Georgians. Below you’ll find two windows into the study committee process. The first is a deep dive into the Senate Study Committee on the Consumer and Provider Protection Act (SR 561) by GHF Executive Director Cindy Zeldin who serves on the committee and is very involved in addressing network adequacy. The second is a breakdown by GHF Policy Analyst Meredith Gonsahn on the health-related committees meeting over the next several weeks.
Study Committee on the Consumer Provider and Protection Act
Read more about the study committees
IN THE NEWS
Expanding Medicaid coverage in Georgia has benefits, experts say
Augusta Chronicle | September 24, 2015
Georgia, Augusta are missing out on Medicaid, group says
Augusta Chronicle | September 23, 2015
Health insurance rates headed up in 2016
Georgia Health News | September 14, 2015
– See more at: http://backup.jasonaxelson.com/september-peach-pulse#sthash.2QoeAfib.dpuf
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