What’s Inside This Month’s Peach Pulse?
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This month, we’re keeping you up to date on major changes to health coverage, opportunities to take action, and a chance to come together as a community. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Celebration of Progress & Possibilities 2025: Join Georgians for a Healthy Future on September 11 as we come together to celebrate health advocacy in Georgia and highlight two leaders: Andy Miller and Wendy Tiegreen.
- Read, Reflect, Act: GHF’s Latest Publications & Resources: Explore our newest blogs and resources:
- Why ACA premiums may soon become less affordable if enhanced tax credits expire at the end of 2025.
- DACA recipients in Georgia to lose Marketplace coverage under new federal rules.
- Want to make a difference in your community? Become a Coverage Captain!
- HR 1 Aftermath: What the federal budget law means for Georgia communities.
- Share Your Story: Tell us about your experiences with Medicaid, Georgia Pathways, or Georgia Access to help inform better policies.
- GHF in the News: Read the latest coverage of Georgia health care issues from local and national outlets.
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An Evening of Connection, Reflection & Inspiration
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Health policy in Georgia and the nation has faced setbacks and challenges this year — from new federal changes to barriers that make it harder for people to get covered. But progress doesn’t happen all at once, and every step forward matters.
This year’s Celebration of Progress & Possibilities is about recognizing how far we’ve come and imagining the possibilities ahead.
This year, we’re proud to honor two incredible champions whose work has transformed health care in Georgia:
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Recipient of the Linda Lowe Health Advocacy Award
For more than 30 years of fearless reporting, Andy has helped families, advocates, and policymakers understand the issues shaping Georgia’s health care landscape.
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Wendy Tiegreen — Retired Director of Medicaid & Health System Innovation, DBHDD
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Recipient of the Powerhouse Policymaker Award
Wendy’s leadership has driven transformative reforms like Medicaid peer recovery coaches and the launch of Georgia’s 9-8-8 crisis system.
Read more about Andy and Wendy in our latest blog: Honoring Georgia’s health champions at Celebration 2025
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Reserve Your Seat or Become a Sponsor:
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Be part of this special annual event that celebrates our collective wins, acknowledges the work still ahead, and brings together the people shaping a healthier Georgia.
Attendance is free, and we encourage a suggested donation of $20 to support our mission.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Sponsorships start at $300 and include:
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Read, Reflect, Act: Publications & Resources
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Why ACA premiums may soon become less affordable
Coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) marketplace plans has been more affordable in recent years thanks to the enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) implemented by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. But these savings are set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless Congress acts — and the consequences for Georgia families would be severe:
- More than 1.5 million Georgians rely on these ePTC savings through Georgia Access.
- 95% of Georgia Access enrollees get help lowering their monthly premiums.
- Without an extension, premiums would rise by over 75% on average, and about 340,000 Georgians could lose coverage.
What this looks like:
- A single person making $30,000 could pay $1,350 more each year.
- A 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 would pay $18,000 more annually.
For many families, this could mean choosing between paying for coverage or skipping care altogether. Congress must act to keep health care affordable for Georgia families.
Learn more in our updated blog and add your voice by telling Congress to extend ACA savings.
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DACA recipients in Georgia to lose Marketplace health coverage
On August 25, 2025, a new federal rule went into effect that made all Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients ineligible to buy health insurance through Georgia Access, the state’s ACA marketplace. There are about 17,700 DACA recipients living in Georgia. The rule blocks all new applications and requires the state to disenroll DACA recipients currently on the marketplace by September 30, 2025.
While DACA recipients make up a small share of Georgia Access consumers, this change has an extensive impact on their lives and communities. For many, losing marketplace coverage will make it harder to afford doctor visits, prescriptions, and other essential care.
Learn more in our full press release
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Want to make a difference in your community? Become a Coverage Captain!
Cover Georgia is hiring Coverage Captains to help bridge Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap. Thousands of Georgians are stuck in this gap. They make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance.
As a Coverage Captain, you will be a trusted community leader helping your neighbors learn about the coverage gap and why Medicaid expansion matters. You’ll represent your county in the coalition, organize local events, and connect with people and organizations in your community to raise awareness about the need to close the gap.
This part-time, paid position is flexible and impactful. Cover Georgia will provide a monthly stipend, training, and ongoing support so you can lead with confidence and make change where you live.
We are looking for Captains in: Dalton, Tifton, Houston County, and Whitfield County
Apply by: August 31, 2025
Learn more and apply now!
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HR 1: How the New Federal Budget Law Impacts Georgia Families and Care
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Earlier this year, Congress passed HR 1, a sweeping federal budget law that makes devastating changes to Medicaid and could reshape how Georgians get and pay for health care. Here’s how it harms families, hospitals, and access to coverage across the state:
- Slash federal funding, forcing Georgia to cut services or pay more.
- Add red tape that delays care and leads to wrongful coverage losses.
- Expand failed work requirements nationwide, like Georgia’s own Pathways program.
- Cut off critical funding streams, like provider taxes and directed payments.
These changes could put rural and safety net hospitals at risk of reducing services or closing altogether. For a deeper dive into how HR 1 changes Medicaid and what it could mean for Georgia, read this analysis from our partners at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.
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Georgians for a Healthy Future is a proud member of the Cover Georgia coalition, a partnership of advocates, providers, and community organizations working to close the health insurance coverage gap and protect access to care. Together, we lift up the voices of Georgians affected by these changes and push for solutions that put people first.
Stay up to date on the latest developments and learn how you can take action:
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Help Us Defend Health Care for Georgians: Share Your Story!
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Have you or someone you know:
- Applied for Medicaid or Georgia Pathways
- Struggled to get covered or faced delays
- Used Georgia Access, but had trouble affording a plan
- Lost health coverage and aren’t sure what to do next
Your voice matters. We’re collecting stories to help shine a light on how recent health care changes are affecting real Georgians, and to advocate for policies that work better for everyone.
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Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
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Whether it’s defending Medicaid, fighting for affordable coverage, or celebrating the impact of health equity, we’re here with you every step of the way.
Your support powers this work, Friend. Thank you for standing with us!
Donate today to fuel our fight for health care justice in Georgia.
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Georgians for a Healthy Future
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1130
Atlanta, GA 30303
United States
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