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In The News

Georgians for a Healthy Future is frequently cited in news articles about health care issues, ensuring the consumer perspective is heard. Read news stories featuring Georgians for a Healthy Future’s perspective below.

2023

Deadline day arrives for Georgians to secure health insurance through Affordable Care Act that starts in January

  • by Jill Nolin
  • Georgia Recorder
But healthcare.gov is referring consumers looking for assistance back to the state-run Georgia Access site, said Deanna Williams, who is a health insurance navigator with the patient advocacy organization Georgians for a Healthy Future. On the state site, this free assistance can be accessed by searching for navigators based on county of residence. “We’re just making sure that they have the plan that provides the coverage they need, whether they want a specific hospital or a specific doctor. We’re just making sure that they still get the coverage that’s catered to their health needs,” Williams said on a virtual press call this week organized by Protect Our Care.
See the article for the full details

Looking for health insurance? Georgia insurance navigators can help

  • by Ellen Eldridge
  • Georgia Public Broadcasting

Deanna Williams, a health insurance navigator with Georgians for a Healthy Future, said she can reach out on behalf of someone to speak with insurance brokers and agents.

These are local, certified application counselors and navigators who are trained to help Georgians — at no cost — explore their health insurance options.

“Whether they want a specific hospital or a specific doctor, we’re just making sure that they still get the coverage that’s catered to their health needs,” Deanna Williams said.

Depending on income, families may qualify for coverage through Medicaid or PeachCare.

Due to Georgia’s transition to the state-based marketplace, Pathways to Coverage, the assistors are no longer listed on healthcare.gov, but you can still gain access to the network by visiting the Georgiaaccess.gov site.

Click the dropdown arrow to find assistance and select “find local assistors” to find help in your county.

All the marketplace plans cover benefits that you need, including prescription drugs, emergency services and lab work, Williams said, noting that preventative health services are also covered by all available plans.

“We all know it’s flu season, so please get your flu shot,” she said.

People with pre-existing conditions are also eligible for coverage.

“One of the questions I get all the time is, ‘I have diabetes, so I didn’t know if I could get it,'” Williams said. “Yes. OK. Yes, you can still get coverage. And I’m here to help you get that coverage.”

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Physicians gather in Atlanta to march for Medicaid expansion, AMC site

  • by Donovan J. Thomas
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The effort was a collaboration between Physicians for a National Health Program, a group of doctors that advocates for Medicare for All, elected officials, community members, patients and advocacy groups such as the New Georgia Project, Georgians for a Healthy Future and Georgia Equality.

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One year after Atlanta Medical Center closed, hospital site remains in limbo

  • by Jess Mador
  • WABE

“Grady does amazing work, but there are only so many doctors and so many patient rooms and so many resources that they have, and they need support in providing care for this community as well,” said Laura Colbert, executive director of the health policy organization Georgians for a Healthy Future.

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Georgia’s Medicaid program — the only one in the U.S. with a work requirement — has enrolled just 1,343 residents in three months

  • by Alice Barrett
  • Georgia Law News

“Pathways to Coverage falls far short of these commitments to uninsured Georgians. Expanding Medicaid would be a more effective way to provide meaningful care to citizens and connect them to care,” Laura Colbert, executive director of the advocacy group Georgians for a Healthy Future, said in a statement Friday.

See the article for the full details

Georgia’s plan to expand Medicaid enrolls fewer than 2,000 so far

  • by Ariel Hart
  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Low enrollment plaguing Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion

  • by Dave Williams
  • Capitol Beat News Service

“Medicaid expansion would be a more effective way to meaningfully cover state residents and connect them to care,” added Laura Colbert, executive director of Georgians for a Healthy Future.

See the article for the full details

Georgia Medicaid program with work requirement has enrolled only 1,343 residents in 3 months

  • Associated Press

“Pathways to Coverage is falling well short of these commitments to uninsured Georgians. Medicaid expansion would be a more effective way to meaningfully cover state residents and connect them to care,” Laura Colbert, executive director of the advocacy group Georgians for a Healthy Future, said in a statement Friday.

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Experts say Georgia’s certificate of need program could stifle businesses

  • The Black Chronicle

According to Georgians For a Healthy Future, nine rural Georgia hospitals have closed since 2010.

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Georgians for a Healthy Future director believes in the power of a sabbatical

  • by Rebecca Grapevine
  • Atlanta Business Chroncile

Laura Colbert credits her two dogs, Mud and Ginger, with helping her maintain her own health and work-life balance in the face of numerous pressing priorities.

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