Peach Pulse Archive 2019
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