Peach Pulse Archives

• Crossover Day is Near! Stay updated on key health bills and what’s next in the legislative session.
• Cover Georgia Advocacy Day Recap: Advocates came together to push for closing Georgia’s coverage gap.
• Recent Publications: Get the latest insights on health care costs, Medicaid, and Black History Month advocacy.
• Help Us Advocate for a Healthier Georgia: Join us in fighting for a healthier Georgia by supporting our advocacy efforts.

GHF Submits Written Comments on Pathways to Coverage Program

Millions of Georgians Could Face Big Increases in Health Insurance Costs—Here’s What You Need to Know

How Black-Led Movements of the Past Guide the Fight to Close Georgia’s Coverage Gap

• Our health insurance navigators are helping Georgians find and enroll in affordable coverage through Georgia Access. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we’re here to help!
• As co-leaders of the Cover Georgia coalition, we’re advocating for solutions like Medicaid expansion and stronger health protections for Georgia families.

• Take Action on Pathways: The public comment period for the Pathways to Coverage waiver renewal is open until February 20th. Speak up to help expand Medicaid eligibility and remove barriers for low-income Georgians.
• Legislative Updates: Stay informed with our weekly updates on key health care policy developments under the Gold Dome.
• We Decide Georgia Coalition: Join us in protecting local decision-making and advocating for policies that promote health and fairness across Georgia.
• HCU 2025 Highlights & Podcast Preview: Relive the key moments from this year’s Health Care Unscrambled, including the exclusive premiere of our new podcast, Health Care on My Mind.
• We’re Hiring: Passionate about making a difference? Apply for our part-time Director of Administration role and help power our mission.
• Support GHF: Help us create a “Healthier Future, Powered by People” by donating to support our advocacy efforts during the legislative session.

There’s so much to explore—scroll down to dive into the details and get involved!

Speak Up for Georgians Seeking Care

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has submitted a waiver extension request for the Pathways to Coverage program. The proposed changes still leave out hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Georgians, including:

• People with chronic conditions who are unable to work.
• Parents of children aged 6-19, including those with disabilities.
• Caregivers of adults with disabilities, and the elderly.

Pathways has struggled to meet its goals, enrolling only 6,500 participants. Just 3% of those who would benefit from full Medicaid expansion—and imposing barriers that make access unnecessarily difficult.

How You Can Help:

• Attend a Public Hearing:
  • Hearing 1: TODAY, January 31, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET (Join via Zoom)
  • Hearing 2: February 10, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET (Join via Zoom)
• Submit a Public Comment via email: Make your voice heard by sharing your input via email to advocate for expanding Medicaid eligibility and removing barriers. Simply click the button below to write your comment, and we’ll ensure it reaches the Georgia Department of Community Health.

The deadline for public comments is February 20, 2025. Let’s ensure every Georgian has access to the health care they need!

The legislative session is underway, and Georgians for a Healthy Future is keeping you informed with weekly updates on health care policy developments under the Gold Dome.

Why is this important? Because building a healthier future for all Georgians means staying connected, advocating for your community, and making sure your voice is heard where it matters most.

These updates provide:

• Major health policy developments you need to know.
• Bills on our radar, including plain-language summaries, sponsors, and GHF’s position.
• Action alerts with clear steps to reach out to your legislators when your voice can make a difference.
• Advocacy opportunities to join us and our partners at the Capitol to fight for a healthier, more equitable Georgia.

We encourage you to dive into each update—your voice has the power to shape Georgia’s health care future and gives you the chance to act quickly when your input can make the biggest impact.

Haven’t caught up yet? It’s not too late to join us and stay in the loop. Read the latest update by visiting GHF’s blog.

Georgia’s cities and counties play a vital role in testing innovative policies like paid family leave, local tobacco taxes, and internet access initiatives. These local efforts help close health and economic gaps for communities and demonstrate how effective solutions can be expanded statewide.

However, state lawmakers have increasingly relied on preemption—a tool that blocks local governments from implementing these innovative solutions. While preemption isn’t inherently bad and can sometimes be used to create consistency across the state, it has increasingly been used in ways that block local governments from implementing innovative solutions. This trend undermines local voices and prevents communities from making decisions that best meet their needs.

That’s why GHF launched the We Decide Georgia Coalition to protect local decision-making and advance policies that promote well-being and fairness for all Georgians.

As a coalition member, you’ll:

• Collaborate with GHF to fight harmful preemption policies.
• Advocate for innovative local policies that support health and equity.
• Empower your community to elevate its voice in state policy decisions.

Interested in joining? Sign up here!

If you’d like to learn more about how preemption impacts your community or have questions, contact GHF’s Senior Coalitions Manager, Knetta Adkins at kadkins@healthyfuturega.org.

Together, we can protect local decision-making and build a healthier, more equitable Georgia.

This year, we proudly unveiled our new tagline: “Healthier Future, Powered by People.” This phrase represents more than words—it’s a reflection of our deep commitment to putting individuals and communities at the heart of every decision and policy we advocate for. It’s about empowering everyday Georgians to lift their voices, share their experiences, and drive change that ensures everyone has access to the care they need.

Your support fuels this vision, allowing us to amplify the voices of those often overlooked, equip advocates with the tools they need, and create real, lasting solutions for Georgians across the state. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable Georgia—one powered by people like you.

As we reflect on the season of thanks, we are deeply appreciative of the role you play in our work. Whether it’s the time you spend engaging with our team and materials, your advocacy for yourself and others, or the many ways you contribute to making Georgia a healthier place to call home—you inspire us every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey toward a more equitable, healthier future for all Georgians. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and Happy Thanksgiving!

With her unparalleled expertise in state and federal health policy, Hemi will dive into the critical opportunities ahead to improve health equity, strengthen Medicaid systems, and address youth mental health in Georgia.

Health Care Unscrambled is your chance to gain game-changing insights into Georgia’s health care landscape—don’t miss it!

Visit our registration page to learn more about Hemi and secure your spot at HCU 2025 today!

This is a pivotal moment for health care in Georgia. Along with a recap of the meeting, the coalition’s blog outlines actionable ways you can advocate for closing Georgia’s coverage gap—a vital step toward ensuring access to care for low-income and uninsured Georgians.

📖 Read the blog to learn more about the Commission’s progress and strategy.
✍🏾 Sign Cover Georgia’s petition to urge state leaders to prioritize affordable, equitable health coverage for the people of our state.

Together, we can move Georgia closer to ensuring health care for all Georgians.

Open Enrollment is here, and GeorgiaAccess.gov is ready to help you find affordable, comprehensive health insurance that fits your needs.

Why act now?

Enroll by Sunday, December 15th, for coverage that starts January 1st, 2025.

If you miss this deadline, you can still enroll until January 15th, but your coverage won’t begin until February 1st.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have Medicaid or job-based insurance, this is your opportunity to shop and enroll. Many Georgians qualify for financial help, so don’t wait to see what you’re eligible for!

Three Easy Ways to Get Covered:
1️⃣ Online at GeorgiaAccess.gov
2️⃣ By Phone: Call 1-888-687-1503
3️⃣ With Expert Help: Connect with GHF’s certified health insurance navigators, Deanna Williams and Melita Lewis. Their assistance is free and unbiased.

• Fill out our Get Help form or call us at 404-567-5016 to get started.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Visit GeorgiaAccess.gov today to explore your options, or check out GHF’s Get Help with Health Insurance page for more resources.

Your health is your greatest asset—get covered and start the new year with peace of mind!

After all the Halloween fun, don’t let the real fright be facing next year without health insurance! 

Starting tomorrow, November 1st, Georgia launches Georgia Access as its new state-based health insurance marketplace. 

If you’re not covered by Medicaid or job-based insurance, now is your chance to find affordable health coverage. Visit GeorgiaAccess.gov to shop, compare plans, and enroll for the new year!

Three ways to shop and enroll:

1. Online at GeorgiaAccess.gov
2. By Phone: Call 1-888-687-1503
3. Through Expert Assistance: Connect with GHF’s health insurance navigators, Deanna Williams and Melita Lewis. Their help is free, unbiased, and gives you peace of mind as you find the right plan. Fill out our “Get Help” form or call us at 404-567-5016.

With Georgia Access replacing Healthcare.gov, GHF’s navigators are ready to answer questions, compare plan options, and guide you through the enrollment process. They’re here to ensure you find a plan that fits your needs and budget!

🎃 BONUS: Get Prepared! 🎃
Our health policy experts have also published a new blog post that dives into everything you need to know this enrollment season. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Key dates and deadlines for Georgia Access
• Details on financial assistance and new plan options
• Tips for finding trusted help and avoiding common enrollment pitfalls

Don’t miss these essential insights! Read the blog to prepare for a smooth enrollment and secure the best health insurance for you and your family!

• 8 Essential Health Care Questions for Georgia Candidates: Use our guide to explore the questions that matter most in health care as you prepare to cast your ballot. Use it to research where candidates stand on critical issues like affordable coverage, mental health, and Medicaid expansion—whether at a town hall, a forum, or online.
• What’s at Stake for Georgia Health Care: Our latest blog post breaks down the potential impact of this election on health care in Georgia. From federal policies to state-level decisions, it’s your chance to understand how each vote can shape our health care system.

Remember to check your ballot, share these tools with friends, family, and neighbors, and make health a priority this election!

Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization. GHF does not endorse or support any candidates or political parties. 

Why Attend?
At Health Care Unscrambled, you’ll hear directly from state leaders about their priorities for the year ahead and gain invaluable insights from nationally renowned experts. Plus, you’ll learn about the health experiences of fellow Georgians, helping to inform the advocacy work we all need to pursue.

Don’t Miss Out!
RSVP today to secure your spot at this essential event! We’re excited to bring together passionate individuals committed to making a difference in health care.

Become a Sponsor!
Want to elevate your involvement? Sponsorship opportunities are available for GHF’s 2025 events, including Health Care Unscrambled. By sponsoring, you’ll not only showcase your commitment to health advocacy but also help GHF achieve impactful goals, like:

• Catalyzing coalition-building efforts through the Cover Georgia coalition,
• Amplifying the stories of Georgians navigating our state’s most pressing health issues,
• Powering direct assistance efforts for low-income Georgians to access, use, and retain their health coverage, and
• Strengthening advocacy work by engaging communities and empowering Georgians to take active roles in shaping health policy.

Sponsoring Health Care Unscrambled will elevate your organization’s visibility among key stakeholders and decision-makers in Georgia’s health care landscape. For more information on how you can make an impact through sponsorship, visit our 2025 sponsorship page.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors for Celebration of Progress & Possibilities 2024 and Health Care Unscrambled 2024, as well as to those of you who donated to support GHF’s work. Your generosity helps us continue advocating for the health and well-being of all Georgians. Thanks to your support, we can keep driving forward the meaningful changes that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Thank you again for being part of this journey with us!

From the inspiring speeches to the lively discussions, we hope these photos capture the energy and excitement of the night. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success—take a look back at the memories we made together!

On September 5th, Georgia’s Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission (CHCC) held its second meeting, focusing on how to improve health care access for uninsured Georgians. A key focus of the discussion was the state’s Pathways to Coverage program, which offers Medicaid to certain low-income adults. So far, the program is struggling with only 4,300 enrollees—far short of the 30,000 expected in its first year. The CHCC discussed possible reasons for the low enrollment, such as the complicated application process and limited outreach, and Commission members debated strategies to increase participation.

This matters because Pathways is the state’s only attempt to date to address Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap. The coverage gap leaves over 240,000 people without access to affordable health care. Even if Pathways reaches its maximum enrollment of 100,000, it would still cover less than half of the people in the gap and would cost the state significantly more per person than fully closing Georgia’s coverage gap through Medicaid expansion.

For the more than 240,000 Georgians left in the coverage gap, this lack of health insurance means they often go without medications, doctor visits, and preventative care. Many are forced to put their health on the back burner until it’s too late and they end up in the emergency room. This not only harms their health but also places a financial strain on hospitals that absorb the uncompensated costs of treating uninsured patients.

The Cover Georgia coalition is closely following the Commission’s work and will continue to monitor its progress. Join the coalition to stay informed and get involved in efforts to close Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap. Together, we can push for real solutions that ensure all Georgians get the care they need.

Sign the petition: Georgians can’t wait for health coverage!

While the CHCC studies how to improve access to care for low-income and uninsured Georgians, thousands of Georgians just like us are stuck in the coverage gap, unable to get the health care they need. The Cover Georgia coalition believes we can’t wait any longer for Medicaid expansion, and we need your help to make our voices heard.

Cover Georgia has created a petition for you to sign and share. Your support for closing the gap and any experiences you share about being uninsured will be shared with the CHCC as they complete their work. Let them know why closing the coverage gap is the best way to help low-income and uninsured Georgians.

Take action today! Show your support, share your story, and let our state leaders know that Georgia can’t wait any longer for affordable health coverage.

Get a head start on exploring your health insurance options before open enrollment begins on November 1st. Learn more about how to find the right plan for you using the Georgia Access Consumer Portal at GeorgiaAccess.gov. This is a great opportunity to get prepared for open enrollment!

You’re Invited!

Join us for GHF’s Celebration of Progress & Possibilities 2024 as we gather around the gardens at Trees Atlanta. Enjoy delicious refreshments, move to music spun by a live DJ, and connect with other Georgians who are passionate about improving health and health care in our beautiful state.

We will celebrate the significant strides made in health advocacy and policy over the past year. Looking ahead, Dr. Natalie Hernandez, Executive Director of the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center for Maternal Health Equity will share what keeps her optimistic and energized about the work and advocacy that lies ahead.

You are invited to be part of a truly special evening. Together, we’ll look back on our successes and dream big about the future.

Don’t miss out! Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Trees Atlanta. RSVP today and let’s make this an evening to remember.

We are thrilled to introduce Courtney Stallworth as the new Deputy Director of Georgians for a Healthy Future! Courtney brings over a decade of experience in maternal-newborn health care, organizational operations, strategic leadership, and process optimization to our team.

With a proven track record in managing complex projects and fostering team excellence, Courtney is passionate about advancing health equity across Georgia. Her expertise in streamlining systems and enhancing organizational efficiency will ensure that GHF’s initiatives have a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities we serve.

In her first three weeks, Courtney has hit the ground running, providing essential leadership and organizational support! Her primary responsibilities include managing GHF’s internal operations; evaluating our organizational impact; and supporting and strengthening the GHF team.

Please join us in welcoming Courtney to our team! You can welcome and meet Courtney in person at GHF’s Celebration of Progress & Possibilities.

You’re Invited!

Join us for an evening of celebration and reflection as we come together to recognize the significant strides made in health advocacy and policy over the past year. GHF’s Celebration of Progress & Possibilities 2024 will bring together partners, volunteers, leaders, and advocates who have been instrumental in driving positive change for our state. This is an opportunity to honor achievements that have moved our state forward, share stories about how far we’ve come, and look forward to future possibilities.

• When: Thursday, September 12, 2024, 6-8 pm
• Where: Trees Atlanta, 825 Warner St SW Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30310

Mark your calendar and join us for an inspiring and energizing evening together! RSVP today!

Now Cover Georgia is looking for Coverage Captains like you to help reach more Georgians about the need to close our state’s coverage gap! Coverage Captains are local point people who engage their communities, connect more organizations and individuals to the coalition, and educate elected officials about this important issue!

A Coverage Captain is a part-time, paid, contract position that will include monthly meetings and coordinating community outreach events. You will serve as the point person for your county (or a small group of counties). The position will require about 15 hours of work per month.

We are looking for community members to serve as Coverage Captains in the following counties: Clarke; Dougherty (and neighboring counties); Effingham, Liberty, and Bryan; Hall; Houston; and Whitfield (or very close by). 

Primary goal: Expand awareness of health coverage issues and the benefits of Medicaid expansion/closing the coverage gap in Georgia

Primary responsibility: Advocate on a county (or several county) level via educational events/workshops and community outreach

If you live in one of the counties listed above and are interested in being a Coverage Captain, please read the full role description here, and click the link to apply! (We are especially interested in working with Coverage Captains who may be uninsured or in the coverage gap themselves, or who know people who are uninsured.)