Peach Pulse Archive 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