Peach Pulse | Happy Holidays, HCU21 panel, join the GHF team & much more!

We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season! We hope you are planning to stay home, spend time with the loved ones in your own household, and wear a mask this season. We look forward to seeing you in a brighter, healthier 2021!

Ask your local public health officials to prioritize equity for 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. However, news of effective vaccines and the early roll-outs  give us hope that this pandemic will end next year. 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 officials are  making a lot of specific decisions about how vaccines will be distributed in the coming months. You have the chance to influence those decisions now! Ask your local PH district and county PH department to hold virtual public meetings to present their plans, including how racial equity is integrated into the plan, and get public input. Contact your public health officials today!

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Be an advocate for you, your loved ones, and your community as we navigate the effects of COVID-19. Explore and share these links so you know how to access health care when you need to, what to expect from your health insurance during COVID-19, and how to find resources so your other basic needs are taken care of.


Why Georgia’s U.S. Senate run-off matters for you

Voters’ decisions about Georgia’s U.S. Senate candidates will have a tangible and long-term impact on our state’s recovery from COVID-19, health costs and insurance, and other important consumer health issues in Georgia. Before voting in the run-off period (Dec. 14 to Jan. 5), Georgians have the opportunity to learn more how Georgia’s U.S. Senators impact our health and well-being in GHF’s latest blog: A consumer health advocates guide to the 2020 elections: U.S. Senate. Read, share, and make a plan to vote before January 5th!

RINGING IN 2021 WITH SURPRISE BILLING PROTECTIONS
& HEALTH CARE UNSCRAMBLED!
Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act becomes effective January 1, 2021

This year Georgians for a Healthy Future and our partners at Georgia Watch led the effort to pass Georgia’s new comprehensive surprise billing law. Georgia is now the 16th state to have adopted comprehensive protections against surprise medical bills. The new law will allow 2.5 million Georgians to access health services without the worry of being hit by expensive and unfair medical bills after the fact. The Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act becomes effective January 1, 2021.

Celebrate this HUGE success with us by re-sharing this FaceBook post or tweet or with a donation! Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Kick off the new year in health advocacy at Health Care Unscrambled 2021!
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our 11th annual Health Care Unscrambled, with a virtual twist!

 

Join us online January 7, 8, and 14 for this special opportunity to discuss how the 2020 elections will shape 2021’s health policy and advocacy landscape; lessons learned about the social determinants of health during the COVID-19 pandemic; and how the imperative of racial equity shapes the work of health advocates.

 

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 register as a sponsor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOIN THE GHF TEAM 
GHF is hiring a Health Policy Analyst!

GHF is hiring for a full-time Health Policy Analyst! The Health Policy Analyst will support GHF’s public policy and advocacy work across a spectrum of health policy issues, including Medicaid, private market health insurance reforms (including the Affordable Care Act), delivery system reform, health equity, and public health.

Please visit GHF’s Employment Opportunities page for more information about this position and how to apply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPENINGS AT GHF
An essential conversation about your health care with GHF and 9to5

Last week GHF’s Alyssa Green and 9to5’s Mica Whitfield held a FaceBook Live conversation, Governor Kemp’s health care plans approved: What do they mean for you? They talked about Governor Kemp’s recently approved health care plans which will change Georgians’ access to Medicaid and private insurance. Alyssa and Mica helped viewers understand when these plans will take effect, who will be impacted, and what you can do to help Georgians get and stay covered. If you missed the conversation you can catch up on 9to5’s Facebook page or check out our blog on the topic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

GHF recognized as 2020 Speak Up for Better Health Award Honoree 

This year Community Catalyst’s Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation recognized organizations who have maintained their work creating a consumer-centered health system in the face of COVID19. Georgians for a Healthy Future and The Arc Georgia were recognized for our Georgians in the Driver’s Seat project which aims to eliminate transportation and internet access as barriers to health care for Georgians. We are humbled and proud to receive this recognition with our partners at The Arc Georgia and alongside the other deserving honorees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Thank you for support!

Thank you for choosing GHF on Giving Tuesday! Your generous donations warm our hearts, and help us mobilize health advocates across the state in support of policies & laws that promote Georgia’s health and wellness. Advocacy is year-round work. Your support is essential for GHF to remain a strong, responsive voice for Georgians and their famliies. Thank you!

 

If you didn’t get a chance to donate and can afford to, it’s not too late! Consider becoming a monthly donor and let GHF know we can count on you for the long haul!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Choose GHF on Amazon Smile

This holiday season you can support GHF while you shop online. Amazon Smile will donate a small percent of your eligible purchases to Georgians for a Healthy Future at no extra cost to you. All you have to do is sign up and shop at smile.amazon.com. It’s an easy way to support GHF through the holidays and all year! To learn more and sign up, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GHF IN THE NEWS
Georgia reports much less Medicaid data to the feds than it used to
Georgia Health News | November 15, 2020


Georgia Reports Much Less Medicaid Data To The Feds Than It Used To
GPB | November 16, 2020


State wants health insurers to stop clogging hospital space
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | December 17, 2020

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