Peach Pulse Archive 2020

The Final Countdown

Last week, federal officials kicked off what will likely be the final public comment period on Gov. Kemp’s plan to remake private health insurance in Georgia. We’ve once again made it as easy as possible for you to raise your voice in support of quality, affordable health care for all Georgians!

The Governor’s newly-revised plan is made up of two parts:

1. Reinsurance—which would help to lower premiums for health plans sold on through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace (healthcare.gov) starting in 2022; and

2. The Georgia Access model—which would block Georgia consumers from the most widely-used and preferred way to shop for and buy health coverage and instead force Georgians to go through profit-driven insurance companies and web brokers

Health officials are asking for final comments from Georgians about the Governor’s plan. Submit your comment today. The deadline for comments is September 16th. Don’t miss your chance to say how this plan will affect you, your loved ones, and Georgians across the state.

Georgians with mental health or substance use conditions at risk under the Gov.’s plan

For the next few weeks, GHF & our Cover Georgia partners will be spotlighting some of the impacts that Governor Kemp’s plan will have on certain groups of Georgians. This week we are drawing attention to the significant risks posed by this proposal to Georgians with mental health and substance use disorders. The plan is likely to reduce access to MH and SU services, leaving Georgians with even fewer ways to get to find or maintain recovery. Learn more at CoverGA.org and check back weekly for more!

Get Your Tickets!

Give ‘Em Health trivia night kicks off Sept. 15th! 

Our first-ever Give ‘Em Health trivia night is coming up in just a few short weeks! On Tuesday, September 15th, we promise a fun evening of friendly competition and fellowship, if you promise not to cheat by Googling the answers! In addition to supporting GHF’s advocacy for a healthier, more equitable Georgia, your trivia night ticket opens the (virtual) door to:

• Mind-bending questions about health, politics, Georgia, and popular culture!
• Special appearances by your favorite health advocacy celebrities!
• Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams!

We have taken this event fully virtual to protect the health of all event attendees, but this won’t be another boring Zoom meeting. RSVP today and invite your friends to join your team!

Sponsorship opportunities are available

A Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections

Elections of state senators & representatives are consequential for Georgia’s health

GHF is pleased to present our Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the 2020 Elections blog series!

This November Georgians will cast their votes for a state senator and representative to represent their local community in Georgia’s General Assembly for the next two years. Voters’ decisions about the candidates in these race will shape state laws related to health and health care, determine how state money is spent to keep Georgians healthy, and influence Georgia’s response to COVID-19 and the resulting economic recession. Despite being little known, Georgia’s state senators and representatives have real-life and consequential impacts on the health of our state. Learn about how your state legislators influence the health of your community in our new blog. Look for more blogs in this series in the coming weeks!

*GHF is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization. We do not endorse or support any candidates or political party.

Georgia Featured on Southern Storyteller Spotlight

GHF & advocates across the South launch new campaign for Medicaid expansion

Georgia is one of only 12 states that have yet to expand Medicaid so that low-income adults can have health insurance coverage. Georgia and seven other non-expansion states spanning the Southern U.S. have come together for a campaign called Southerners For Medicaid Expansion!

Last week GHF hosted Georgia’s Southern Storyteller Spotlight with Dr. Karen Kinsell of Clay County, Georgia as part of the Southerners for Medicaid Expansion campaign. Alyssa Green, spoke with Dr. Kinsell about the realities of health care in rural South Georgia, the difficulties faced by her neighbors and patients, and how Medicaid expansion is a vital part of building a prosperous, healthy future for rural communities. If you missed this great discussion, it is available now on GHF’s Facebook page!

Stay tuned for more events and advocacy opportunities in our Southerners for Medicaid Expansion campaign!

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! 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

Prices on Georgia’s insurance exchange shaping up to stay fairly stable
Gwinnett Daily Post | August 10, 2020

Insurance exchange prices to see small increases
Albany Herald | August 12, 2020