1. Home
  2. >
  3. Other
  4. >
  5. Peach Pulse Archives
  6. >
  7. Page 3

Peach Pulse Archives

Peach Pulse | Tomorrow’s mental health convo., free policy workshop, volunteer with GHF & more!

 
May 2022
CELEBRATE MENTAL HEALTH MONTH WITH GHF!
Join GHF in celebrating Mental Health Month via Facebook Live! 

Georgians for a Healthy Future will host a Mental Health Awareness Month discussion on FaceBook Live tomorrow, May 25th. GHF’s Knetta Adkins, Deanna Williams, and Treylin Cooley will be joined by joined by Camila Gomez, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS) and Tom Lui, DLWellness, LLC to highlight the intersection of MH Awareness Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Their energizing conversation GHF will highlight a new Georgia law that improves insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. The group will also discuss a new special enrollment period to help more Georgians get covered, and identify how insured and uninsured Georgians can access to mental health services.

Tune in tomorrow, May 25th, at 12pm to GHF’s Facebook page!


GHF also celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month at two other events. We were so pleased to participate in Children’s Mental Health Day at the Capitol and the Rosalyn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum. We are happy to continue the incredible mental health advocacy from the legislative session through May and through many months to come.
 
(more…)
MORE >

Peach Pulse | Join GHF’s housing leadership group, how a tax credit impacts health, share your health care story & more!

 

APRIL 2022

GEORGIANS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES:

HELP GHF IMPROVE HOUSING & SUPPORT SERVICES!

Join GHF’s housing leadership group now! 

Georgians for a Healthy Future is looking for people with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members/caregivers of people with DD to help lead a new project. The project, funded by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, aims to improve housing and support services for Georgians with DD by researching current barriers to housing and potential policy solutions to address these barriers.

Leadership group members will help direct the project. Your input will ensure that the research is accessible and representative of Georgians with DDs. Members will help decide what we ask Georgians with DD about housing, help GHF interpret the survey results, and share the results with their communities.

Each member will be asked to participate in one 2-hour meeting per month. The meetings will begin in May 2022 and end in spring 2023. Each member will receive $25 for every meeting they attend.

If you think you would be a good fit for the leadership group, please fill out this form to learn more. If you know someone that you think would be a good fit, please share!

 

(more…)

MORE >

Peach Pulse | ACTION ALERT, Cover GA advocacy day, 12 years of ACA, share your health care story & more!

 

MARCH 2022

LEGISLATIVE SESSION COMING TO AN END

Georgia’s 2022 legislative session ends next week!

Georgia’s 2022 legislative session is set to wrap up soon! Monday, April 4th will be the final day of session, also called “Sine Die”. You can find a full list of health-related legislation, including whether or not a bill is still awaiting a final vote, at GHF’s legislative tracker here. You can also follow the live House & Senate debates and votes at legis.ga.gov.

If you missed this week’s legislative update (or any of the legislative updates since January), catch up by visiting GHF’s blog!

What more can you do before the end of session?

Ask your Georgia state Senator to approve the Georgia Mental Health Parity Act when it comes to the floor for a vote today!

This morning, the Senate Rules committee took decisive action and restored pro-consumer, pro-recovery parity language that had been removed earlier this week. The fix restores the original intent of the Georgia Mental Health Parity Act—to expand access to mental health and substance use services for Georgians.

Now is the time! Please call or email your Senator to say why you support this bill and to ask for their strong support too.

 

(more…)

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Legislative session, Cover GA save the date, share your health care story & more!

 

FEBRUARY 2022

ADVOCACY DURING THE 2022 GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION

 

GHF at the Capitol

As the 2022 legislative session progresses, GHF is speaking up for the health and well-being of Georgians. Here’s what we’re working on so far this session:

  • The Mental Health Parity Act—as a member of the Mental Health Public Policy partnership, GHF testified in support of the bill during its first hearing in the House Health & Human Services committee. Learn more about this bill here.
  • Strengthening Georgia’s public health system—GHF encouraged the House Health Appropriations subcommittee to sustainably fund a bigger public health workforce and effective public health programs.
  • GHF has weighed in on bills that would extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months (SB 338); improve affordability of prescription drugs for some Georgians (HB 867); increase transparency of insurance coverage of mental health & substance use (SB 342); and add vaping to Georgia’s Smoke-Free Air Act (HB 1348).   

Follow GHF’s legislative tracker and read our weekly legislative updates to follow the action under the Gold Dome. 

 

(more…)

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Thank you, what’s happening with Kemp’s waivers, & more!

 

JANUARY 2022

HEALTH CARE UNSCRAMBLED AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND!

Thank you for (virtually) joining us!

Thanks to you, GHF’s 12th annual Health Care Unscrambled was a huge success! We were thrilled to have so many advocates, policy makers, health care providers, and public health professionals join us for this year’s virtual event!

HCU 2022 available!

Missed this year’s Health Care Unscrambled? No worries! Recording of this event is available hereOur digital program also features information about our speakers and special guests, presentation slides and materials, and HCU’s generous sponsors.

Don’t forget! GHF has you covered for the 2022 Georgia legislative session. Review GHF’s 2021-2022 policy prioritiestrack health-related legislation, and contact your elected officials on our website and in your inbox each week.

 

(more…)

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Thank you, mark your calendars, get covered & more!

 

DECEMBER 2021

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for choosing GHF on Giving Tuesday! Your generous donations warm our hearts, and help us mobilize health advocates across the state in support of policies & laws that promote Georgia’s health and wellness. Advocacy is year-round work. Your support is essential for GHF to remain a strong, responsive voice for Georgians and their famliies. Thank you!

If you didn’t get a chance to donate and can afford to, it’s not too late! Consider becoming a monthly donor and let GHF know we can count on you for the long haul!

Give once to show your support twice!

GHF hosts two great events each year. You can show your support for our work with a sponsorship! Health Care Unscrambled will take place on January 11, 2022 and Give ‘Em Health trivia will be held later in the year. Two great events! Give once to support GHF’s important work twice in 2022!

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Get your tickets for HCU 2022!

Next month GHF will kick off the Georgia legislature’s health care conversations at Health Care Unscrambled. This breakfast brings together legislators, advocates, and national thought leaders to discuss the most pressing health issues facing Georgians and solutions that build a healthier state.

We hope you will join GHF, Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, and a bipartisan legislative panel for Health Care Unscrambled on Tuesday, January 11th at 7:30 am. Limited in-person attendance is available (with masks & proof of vaccination), along with a virtual streaming option. RSVP today to secure your spot!

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Get covered now! Deadline is approaching soon! 

Healthcare.gov is open for business through January 15th! You can browse available plans now and enroll in affordable, comprehensive coverage for 2022. Even if you’ve shopped for health insurance in the past, now is the time to visit healthcare.gov again. New financial help is available to many more Georgians than before. If you or someone you know needs health insurance in 2022, now is the time to get covered!

Have questions or need help? Connect with health insurance navigators Treylin Cooley and Deanna Williams:

  • Treylin Cooley, tcooley@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5484. Special focus on LGBTQ+ Georgians.
  • Deanna Williams, dwilliams@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5509. Special focus on middle Georgia (in the Macon/Bibb Co. area)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

SPEAK UP! TAKE ACTION!
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Gov. Kemp wants to make health insurance harder for Georgians. Comment today!

Federal health officials have asked—likely for the last time—for your opinion on Governor Kemp’s proposal to remake health insurance in Georgia. Your comments become part of a powerful legal record that may protect Georgians and their families from a plan that will only make health insurance harder. Don’t miss your chance to say how this plan will affect you, your loved ones, and Georgians across the state. Comment today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

GHF IN THE NEWS

Advocates rally against plan to bypass healthcare.gov as feds seek public input
Georgia Recorder | December 7, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES IN GEORIGA
Shareable Graphics: Omicron Variant
Public Health Communications Collaborative

As scientists and public health officials learn more about the Omicron variant, we will keep our resources updated with key messages to support your communications.


COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
Center for Diease Control and Prevention 

More information on who can get boosters shots, when to get them and which booster shot to choose from. 


First case of COVID omicron variant in Georgia resident detected
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

The first case of a highly mutated variant has been detected in a Georgia resident, health officials said. 

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Comment period, Giving Tuesday, HCU 2022, ACA open enrollment, & more!

 

NOVEMBER 2021

TWO WAYS TO HELP

 

Protect the progress we’ve made. Tell federal health officials that Georgians want to keep healthcare.gov! 

Federal health officials are re-examining Governor Kemp’s plan to reshape private health insurance in Georgia. As part of this important legal process, they have asked the public to weigh in. This is your chance to speak up and protect access to affordable, quality health care in Georgia! 

The Governor’s plan was a bad fit for Georgia when it was put forward in 2019 and it’s an even worse fit for our state today. Many more Georgians rely on the ACA Marketplace now because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of more generous financial help. Georgia’s marketplace is finally making progress and this plan would only reverse those improvements. Learn more & comment today!


Today is Giving Tuesday! 

GHF is asking for your support today. If you can afford to donate, we hope that GHF is among the non-profits to which you choose to give!

Your support activates a network of health advocates across the state in support of policies that protect and promote the health and well-being of every Georgian. Donate today to be part of a powerful, statewide movement of Georgians armed with stories from their communities and the best data available working to reshape our laws and policies. Together we can build a healthy, equitable Georgia!

Thank you!

 

 

DON’T FORGET
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Get your tickets to see Dr. Georges Benjamin at HCU 2022!

At Health Care Unscrambled, you will hear Dr. Benjamin’s perspectives on rebuilding our public health systems following COVID-19; how to protect public health from politicization; and public health’s role in the elimination of racial and geographic health disparities. We so pleased to welcome such a distinguished guest to HCU 2022!

We hope you will join GHF & Dr. Benjamin for Health Care Unscrambled on Tuesday, January 11th at 7:30 am. Limited in-person attendance is available (with masks & proof of vaccination), along with a virtual streaming option. RSVP today to secure your spot!

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Now is the time to get covered! 

Healthcare.gov opened for business on Monday, November 1st! Consumers can browse available plans now and enroll in affordable, comprehensive coverage through January 15, 2022. Even if you’ve shopped for health insurance in the past, now is the time to visit healthcare.gov again. New financial help is available to many more Georgians than before. If you or someone you know needs health insurance in 2022, now is the time to get covered!

Have questions or need help? Connect with health insurance navigators Treylin Cooley and Deanna Williams:

  • Treylin Cooley, tcooley@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5484. Special focus on LGBTQ+ Georgians.
  • Deanna Williams, dwilliams@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5509. Special focus on middle Georgia (in the Macon/Bibb Co. area)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

ADVOCACY IN ACTION
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
U.S. House passes 4-year coverage gap fix in Build Back Better Act 

On November 19th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act. The bill would close the coverage gap through 2025 for 2.2 million Americans in Georgia and 11 other states that haven’t expanded Medicaid. GHF is grateful for the efforts of our health care champions in the House for their monumental work—and to you for flexing your advocacy muscles! We encourage the Senate to urgently approve the same bill so that uninsured Georgians who have been left behind for almost a decade can easily and affordably access health care. Join us in urging the Senate to act today! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


GHF hosts HHS Director of Intergovernmental & External Affairs for roundtable discussion 

Last month, GHF hosted a roundtable discussion with Marvin Figueroa, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs at the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. The discussion was an opportunity for health advocates and providers to share the health issues most impacting Georgians and to exchange ideas with federal health officials about how to best work together to resolve them. GHF was honored to host this collaborative conversation! We look forward to future opportunities to learn and share with policy makers at all levels of government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

GHF IN THE NEWS

Federal Medicaid workaround called short-term substitute for Georgia expansion
Georgia Recorder | November 4, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES IN GEORIGA

Updated Toolkit: Children and COVID-19 Vaccination
Public Health Communications Collaborative

On November 2, the CDC recommended that children age 5-11 get a COVID-19 vaccine, expanding pediatric vaccine eligibility to all children and adolescents age 5 and older.


Office of the Surgeon General: Toolkit to Address Health Misinformation
Public Health Communications Collaborative

The Surgeon General’s Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation provides specific guidance and resources for health care providers, educators, and community members to understand, identify, and stop the spread of health misinformation in their communities.


The FDA authorizes COVID booster shots for all U.S. adults
NPR

The Food and Drug Administration has given its OK for fully vaccinated Americans who are age 18 and older to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Coming Up Short recap, ACA open enrollment, & more!

 

OCTOBER 2021

AVAILABLE NOW! AFFORDABILITY, ACCESS,
AND PUBLIC POLICY FIXES FOR GEORGIANS

 

Thank you for (virtually) joining us!

Thank you for attending “Coming Up Short: Affordability, Access, and Public Policy Fixes for Georgians”! We enjoyed an insightful conversation about the results of Altarum’s Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS) and Georgians’ struggles with health care affordability. 

The survey results revealed that the majority of Georgians struggled to afford care in the past year and even more are worried about affording care, including COVID-19 treatment, in the future. Additionally, the survey found broad, bipartisan support for government measures to address high health care costs. You can find the full report and survey results here. If you’d like to watch the program & great discussion with our guests, click here

Don’t forget! GHF and local partners will be hosting regional forums to discuss the local survey results and region-specific drivers of high health care costs. You can register for the Nov. 3rd Southewest Georgia forum here and the Nov. 10th East Georgia forum here.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our 12th annual Health Care Unscrambled!

Health Care Unscrambled 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 Health Care Unscrambled 2022 will be streamed statewide online. (An in-person attendance option with appropriate safety precautions is TBD.)  

Please plan to join us on Tuesday, January 11th for Health Care Unscrambled 2022! RSVP today! We look forward to seeing you there.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.


Open enrollment begins this Monday!
Healthcare.gov opens for business this Monday, November 1st! Consumers can browse available plans now and enroll in affordable, comprehensive coverage from November 1, 2021 to January 15, 2022. Even if you’ve shopped for health insurance in the past, now is the time to visit healthcare.gov again. New financial help is available to many more Georgians than before. If you or someone you know needs health insurance in 2022, now is the time to get covered!

GHF’s health insurance navigators are available to help! 

Please meet Treylin Cooley and Deanna Williams, GHF’s two new health insurance navigators. Treylin and Deanna are available to help you and your loved ones understand your health insurance options, get enrolled, and use your coverage. Contact Treylin and Deanna directly with your health insurance questions:

  • Treylin Cooley, tcooley@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5484. Special focus on LGBTQ+ Georgians.
  • Deanna Williams, dwilliams@healthyfuturega.org, (470) 654-5509. Special focus on middle Georgia (in the Macon/Bibb Co. area)

Follow GHF on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn to learn and share messages about the opportunity to enroll in health insurance, the availability of financial assistance, and how to find enrollment help.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

GEORGIA VOICES FOR MEDICAID TRAININGS CONTINUE
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
GHF hosted 2 trainings in October, plans 2 more trainings for November

GHF hosted two Georgia Voices for Medicaid trainings this month. Both groups discussed ways to increase awareness of Medicaid for Georgians with developmental disabilities. Participants heard from GHF’s Knetta Adkins about who Medicaid covers, how it benefits the state, and how Georgians with a developmental disability and the people who support them can engage in advocacy in support of Medicaid.

Missed these trainings? Register to attend a training on November 4th or November 11th. RVSP below and complete the required pre-survery. Then you will recieve the Zoom link needed to attend the event. 

GHF endeavors to make our virtual discussions accessible to everyone. If you have questions about the accessible features or need to request accommodations, please contact Knetta Adkins at kadkins@healthyfuturega.org or 404-400-2715 at least 5 business days prior to the event. 

Click Here to Register for the November 4th Training:

Click Here to Register for the November 11th Training:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

GHF WELCOMES NEW STAFF
& MEDICAID EXPANSION

Daniel Nguyen, Deanna Williams and Treylin Cooley join the GHF team!

Daniel Nguyen is GHF’s new Administrative Assistant. In this role, he will support GHF’s growing team with day-to-day operations, office management, and other administrative functions. Prior to making the switch to the nonprofit sector, Daniel worked in finance in Washington, D.C. His lifelong passion and commitments are towards improving racial equity, and social and economic justice.

Treylin Cooley is a health insurance navigator focusing on Georgia’s LGBTQ+ community. Treylin is a social worker by training and has worked with many diverse groups from at-risk youth to military veterans, Treylin brings a grassroots perspective to his work and has made it his mission to advocate for equality for all from education to healthcare.

Deanna Williams is a health insurance navigator focusing in the Central Georgia area. In this role, Deanna will provide enrollment and outreach in specifically 10 counties surround the city of Macon. Deanna began her career at the Department of Family of Children Services in Bibb county and later on passed her CMS training to become a certified Medicare counselor for the State of Georgia.


We are pleased Daniel, Deanna and Treylin have joined our team! You can read more about them and find their contact information on GHF’s Staff & Board of Directors page.

GHF IN THE NEWS

Most Georgians struggling to afford health care, survey says
Georgia Health News | October 13, 2021


Majority of Georgians fear inability to pay for COVID treatment if infected, survey finds
Georgia Recorder | October 14, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES IN GEORIGA

Toolkit: Halloween 2021 Safety Tips
Public Health Communications Collaborative

Halloween is around the corner! Download and share these communications resources – including safety guidance, an activity for kids, and social graphics – to help achieve a sweet and safe holiday in your community.


New Vaccine Resource Hub
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC Foundation launched a Vaccine Resource Hub developed to support individuals and organizations working to increase adult immunization across all communities, especially those experiencing racial and ethnic disparities.


Georgia health departments to offer COVID-19 booster shots
Fox 5 Atlanta 

Georgia officials say local health departments will begin offering more COVID-19 vaccine booster shots on Tuesday, Oct. 26, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MORE >

Peach Pulse | Federal fix gets closer, GHF’s October events, & CHW trainings

 

SEPTEMBER 2021

UPDATE ON BUILD BACK BETTER LEGISLATION

 

U.S. House proposal would close the coverage gap! 

We have a rare and urgent opportunity to fix Georgia’s coverage gap problem in Congress now! Earlier this month, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled a new bill that would permanently close the coverage gap in Georgia and 11 other states. This fix from Congress would apply to 2.2 million people living in states that have not offered Medicaid coverage to low-income individuals and families.

We are encouraged by this commitment from the House but there’s no guarantee that the proposal makes it into the final bill. Congressional leaders are negotiating the details of the final bill this week and they need to hear from you!

Please call or email the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate and your Democratic Congresspeople. Urge them to prioritize funding for a permanent and comprehensive federal fix in the Build Back Better reconciliation bill.

You can read more about the proposed coverage gap fix in the Build Back Better Legislation here.

 

PUT THESE GHF EVENTS ON YOUR OCTOBER CALENDAR
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Coming up Short: A discussion of affordability, access, & consumer views on policy fixes on October 14th!

Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future and a panel of health care leaders for the Coming Up Short policy forum. You will see the results of Altarum’s Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey, which asked more than 950 Georgia consumers about their experiences and views on a range of health system issues, including affordability, prescription drugs, confidence in using the health system, and views on potential policy fixes. The statewide and regional results shine a light on the most promising areas for action to address Georgians’ health needs. The forum will be held virtually on Thursday, October 14th from 9 – 11 am. Please join us!

 

 

 

 

 

 


Bring your lunch to the Georgia Voices for Medicaid trainings!

Join Knetta Adkins, Organizing Manager, on the first and third Thursdays in October for the Georgia Voices for Medicaid lunch and learn from noon – 12:45 pm. These will be interactive sessions about health coverage, Georgians with developmental disabilities, and health advocacy. You will learn about who Medicaid covers, how Medicaid benefits the state, and how Georgians experiencing a developmental disability can engage in Medicaid advocacy.

To attend the October 7th or October 21st trainings, please RVSP below and complete the required pre-survery. Then you will receive the Zoom link needed to attend the event. 

Click Here to Register for the October 7th Training:

Click Here to Register for the October 21st Training:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

GHF & PARTNERS KICK OFF TRAINING FOR CHWS
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Community Voices for Health Georgia hosted its inaugural Civic, Advocacy, and Engagement training

Georgia Watch, GHF, & our project partners hosted the first Civic, Advocacy, & Engagement training in Atlanta on August 24-25. A small group of community health workers (CHWs) took part (with COVID-19 safety protocols in place), spending two sessions learning and growing as health advocacy leaders. The six-module training equips CHWs with important tools and resources to lead and mobilize their communities to advocate for solutions to local health needs and inequities.

Sixty CHWs have registered to attend these small-group trainings, which will take place across the state. Click here to learn more about the training.

The Community Voices for Health initiative is led by Altarum and Public Agenda, with funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Georgians for a Healthy Future is a statewide partner in this project, alongside Georgia WatchGeorgia ACT, and Morehouse School of Medicine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

GHF WELCOMES NEW STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Alex McDoniel joins the GHF team!

Alex McDoniel is a dynamic communications specialist with experience supporting all aspects of public relations, marketing and communication initiatives.

Prior to joining GHF, Alex worked in communications for former Governor Matthew Bevin of Kentucky’s administration, where she contributed to several significant workforce and economic development, education, and health care campaigns. She also supported communications and organizing strategies in various federal and state political campaigns and military non-profit groups. Alex earned her Bachelor’s degree from Murray State University, with a focus on public relations and political science.


We are pleased that Alex has joined our team! You can contact Alex at amcdoniel@healthyfuturega.org.

GHF IN THE NEWS

Georgia eyes new Medicaid contract. But how is the state managing managed care?
Georgia Health News | September 13, 2021


Drug price transparency could return as top legislative issue
Capitol Beat News Service | September 17, 2021


Exchange enrollment hits record level in state
Georgia Health News | September 22, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES IN GEORIGA

COVID-19 booster shots: Who is eligible, where to find providers in Georgia
Fox 5 Atlanta

Both the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the use of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for older, at-risk adults. The Georgia Department of Public Health followed suit by saying it would follow the CDC’s guidance and recommendations regarding booster shots.

Boosters rolling out in Southeast Georgia News 4 Jax


COVID-19 accessible resources for people with disabilities
Georgia Tech

Georiga Tech’s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation has created multiple resources to help people with disabilities more easily access, use, and share COVID-19 information. These resources include short vidoes, braille resources, accessible documents and PDF’s, ASL resources and many more


The COVID-19 Digest: A weekly analysis of Georgia’s COVID-19 data from an science communicator

Public health expert Amber Schmidtke looks at the trends of Georgia’s COVID-19 vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. She presents her analyses in an understandable and useable way. 

MORE >

Peach Pulse | August 2021

 

AUGUST 2021

UPDATE TO MEDICAID COULD IMPROVE STUDENT HEALTH

 

New Georgia Medicaid change creates opportunity to invest in school health workforce

A new amendment to Georgia’s Medicaid program will now allow schools to bill for school nursing services provided to all Medicaid enrolled students. Previously, students needed an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in order for Medicaid to cover school nursing services, thus limiting the services schools could be reimbursed for.

Half of Georgia’s kids are covered by Medicaid or PeachCare, so this change is dramatic and creates an opportunity to bring in hundreds of millions of Medicaid dollars to Georgia’s school districts. The change to school Medicaid policy requires the Georgia Departments of Education and Community Health work together to ensure schools are able to successfully take advantage of this opportunity.

You can read more about the new update to Georgia Medicaid here or reach out to Whitney Griggs, GHF’s Health Policy Analyst, at wgriggs@healthyfuturega.org if you have questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

GIVE ‘EM HEALTH TRIVIA NIGHT IS THIS THURSDAY!
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Party with GHF & DJ WillyWow! on August 26!

GHF’s second annual Give ‘Em Health trivia night is tomorrow, Thursday, August 26th and today is the last day to register. DJ WillyWow is bringing his hype and fun to the celebration! In addition to DJ WillyWow’s award-winning party stylings, we will be recognizing state Representative Sharon Cooper for her impact on the health and well-being of Georgia children and families. Plus, the winning trivia team will go home with prizes and glory!

You won’t want to miss this great event! RSVP by today to join in the fun. Thank you for supporting GHF’s mission and work!

Sponsorships are available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION VISITS WITH GEORGIA ADVOCATES
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra, hosts conversation with Georgians

Earlier this month, GHF’s Outreach Manager Knetta Adkins, joined fellow advocates, Members of Congress, and community members in a round table discussion with HHS Secretary Beccera. The discussion was an opportunity for community leaders to share the health care concerns and challenges affecting Georgians with the Biden Administration. 

Knetta will share her take-aways from Secretary Beccera’s Georgia visit in an upcoming blog. We will share it on GHF’s FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn profiles so be sure your following us on your favorite social media platforms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tensions rise between Governor Kemp & Biden admin over Georgia’s ACA waiver

Back in June, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requested more data from Governor Kemp rabout his proposed ACA waiver, which would disallow Georgia from using healthcare.gov.  State leaders declined to provide updated data and information, instead suggesting that federal officials were not acting in good faith.

Now CMS has responded to that letter and given Georgia until August 29th to provide the requested data. CMS has said that if Georgia still refuses to provide the data, they will re-evaluate the data without the state’s input and “take appropriate action” if they find the waiver no longer meets federal guidelines. 

Confused about what’s happening with Gov. Kemp’s two health care waivers? Cover Georgia has the latest on this handy timeline.

 

SAVE THE DATE: POLICY FORUM ON SEPTEMBER 23RD
& MEDICAID EXPANSION
Join GHF for a discussion of affordability, access, & consumer views on policy fixes on September 23rd!

Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future and health care leaders to discuss the results from the Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey, conducted by Altarum. The survey asked more than 950 Georgia consumers about their experiences and views on a range of health system issues, including affordability, prescription drugs, confidence in using the health system, and views on potential policy fixes. The statewide and regional results shine a light on the msot promising areas for action to address Georgians’ health needs. The forum will be held virtually on September 23rd from 9 – 11 am. Please stay tuned for more details!

GHF IN THE NEWS

Insurers flock to offer coverage in 2022 exchange; this year’s still open for a week
Georgia Health News | August 9, 2021


Biden vaccine mandate for senior homes prompts warnings of ‘dire’ Georgia nurse shortage
Georgia Recorder | August 19, 2021

MORE >