Peach Pulse Archive 2020
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