Peach Pulse Archives
Thank you!
Thank you for supporting GHF on #GivingTuesdayNow
Earlier this month you helped GHF and other non-profits celebrate #GivingTuesdayNow as we collectively respond to COVID-19! As the voice for Georgia’s health care consumers, GHF advocates for the state policies and systems that are essential for a strong, effective response to the pandemic. GHF will continue our efforts to protect and promote your health and well-being as the pandemic and its economic fallout evolve.
If you missed being a part of #GivingTuesdayNow, we hope that you will consider supporting our advocacy today. Donate here and consider making your donation a monthly gift. Thank you for your generosity and partnership!
Your support in action
The generosity of our donors has already contributed to a healthier, more equitable Georgia! The highlights of GHF’s 2019 work and the difference it makes for Georgia individuals and families is captured in our first-ever annual report! Download the report to find out how your donations mobilized community members, made pressing health issues visible in the media, and fostered collaboration with decision-makers and partner groups to achieve change for all Georgians.
Commenters are 9-to-1 opposed to Governor Kemp’s Medicaid Waiver
Outnumbered: Georgians ask for Medicaid expansion
GHF’s new analysis reveals that 9 out of 10 Georgians who commented on Gov. Kemp’s Medicaid plan were opposed to it. Most commenters preferred Medicaid expansion because it would cover more Georgians and makes more financial sense.
During a FaceBook Live conversation about the Outnumbered report last week, nationally-recognized Medicaid expert Joan Alker said, “A state like Georgia is tying one arm behind its back in responding to this pandemic by not picking up the Medicaid expansion because of Medicaid’s role as a first responder…the pandemic has laid bare the urgency and moral imperative with the kind of disparities that are shocking and just ripping our country apart.”
When state leaders reconvene at the state Capitol next month, they have the opportunity to take action on the issue. Ask Gov. Kemp and your state legislators to take swift action to expand Medicaid today!
Share the Outnumbered report with your family, friends, and social networks and ask them to take action for Medicaid expansion today!
Updated weekly: Helping you manage COVID-19
GHF has new and updated resources to help you manage during the COVID-19 pandemic
GHF is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these links for the most up-to-date information and resources.
- Mental health & addiction recovery in the time of COVID-19 — in an easy-to-understand way, lists resources and supports available to Georgians who want support for their mental health or substance use recovery
- Your health coverage, care, and well-being — provides easy-to-understand information and links about how to access health services, what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment, and how to meet your and your family’s basic needs
- COVID-19 Policy Priorities for a Healthy Georgia — tracks state and federal actions needed to successfully overcome the current public health crisis and protect the economic well-being of Georgians
Community health workers, we need you!
Support your CHW peers by joining the Community Advisory Board
The COVID-19 emergency, particularly the disease’s impact on communities of color, has drawn attention to the unequal health experiences that Community Health Workers (CHWs) encounter daily in their work. As part of the new Community Voices for Health— Georgia (CVHG) project, Georgia Watch, GHF, and our project partners are launching a Community Advisory Board to support CHWs’ efforts to make a difference in their communities through civic engagement and advocacy.
The CVHG project team is seeking five interested CHWs to join the Community Advisory Board. The Board will guide and advise the CVHG project so that it meets the real needs of CHWs and the communities they serve.
You can learn more about CVHG and the Community Advisory Board here.
When you’re ready to apply, complete the online application here.
GHF in the news
Pandemic Pushing Medicaid Numbers Higher As Many Lose Work Georgia Health News, WABE | May 12, 2020Commenters pan Kemp’s Medicaid expansion plan as too limited Georgia Recorder | May 14, 2020
Study: More than 1.4 million Georgians lost health insurance Valdosta Daily Times | May 20, 2020 MORE >
Stay safe, stay home, get tested
Staying home is still the best option
Thank you to everyone who continues to do their part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home! By staying home and following physical distancing guidelines you are actively helping to defeat this disease and protect Georgia’s essential workers. Even as Georgia moves to “re-open,” we encourage you to continue to fight COVID-19 by staying home if you have the option.
So that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy, don’t forget about these other healthy habits:
1. Avoid group gatherings and crowded businesses
2. Stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live with you (That’s about 2 arm lengths!)
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
4. Wash your hands often
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, and phones
7. Do not swallow, eat, or otherwise put any disinfectant or other cleaning product inside your body. If someone you know ingests a cleaning product, call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
Get Tested: Georgia has expanded who qualifies for a COVID-19 test
GHF remains committed to bringing you useable information and resources during this pandemic. Here are a few updates that you may find helpful:
Expanded COVID-19 testing—if you or someone you know meets these criteria, you may qualify for a COVID-19 test:
- People with symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste and/or smell.
- Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers
- Persons living in long-term care facilities or other group residential settings
- People 65 years of age and older
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Household members or caregivers of any of the groups above
- People with symptoms who are not a part of any of the groups above may also be approved for testing, as capacity allows
You can find a test by contacting your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up at a testing site without an appointment.
Join us in May!
Are you in? Giving Tuesday Now is May 5th!
GHF is asking for your support on Giving Tuesday Now! Giving Tuesday Now will take place this Tuesday, May 5, 2020. This exciting and inspiring day aims to support non-profits across the U.S. as they respond to COVID-19. If you can afford to donate, we hope that GHF is among the non-profits that you support this Tuesday!
Your support of GHF:
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- Provides up-to-date information and resources to Georgians so they know how to stay healthy, and get help with their health, homes, or finances;
- Activates health advocates across the state in support of policies that promote Georgia’s health and wellness;
- Sends the stories of Georgia individuals and families, and the best available data, to Georgia leaders to inform their decision making; and
- Brings together partner groups to collectively advocate for increased testing, strong consumer protections in public and private health insurance, Medicaid expansion, and the many other policies that are necessary to an strong, effective pandemic response.
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Donate today to ensure that Georgians for a Healthy Future can remain a strong, responsive voice for all Georgians now and in the future!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Virtual Edition
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7th! Join the Georgia Parent Support Network, Voices for Georgia’s Children, GHF, and others to advocate for children’s mental health. As the COVID-19 pandemic strains the mental health of Georgia children and youth and their ability to access behavioral health services, you can advocate for solutions! Be a part of this special day. This year’s event will take place online on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 from 9:00 – 10:30 am and you can register here.
Be a health care advocate from home
Your story is powerful. Share it with us!
Your story is one of the most powerful tools available as we advocate for the health and wellness of Georgians. Your real life experiences can shape the decisions made by Georgia’s leaders about the state’s response to this crisis and our economic recovery. If you or a loved one have lost your health insurance; are uninsured; recently lost your insurance; have sought COVID-19 testing or treatment; have other physical or mental health needs that you are trying to address during this time; are working in a job that exposes you to COVID-19; or have another health care story to share, we want to hear from you. You can share your experiences here. Thank you for your generous input!
Be an advocacy leader with the Georgia Health Action Network
Join the Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) for updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF! GHAN is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop consumers into effective agents for change. GHF welcomes all who are interested to join our monthly GHAN calls. During these calls, GHF staff share current advocacy opportunities, best practices for engaging with policy makers about timely issues, and answer member questions about organizing for positive change.
Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
GHF in the news
What Kemp’s shelter in place order means for Georgians
Georgia Health News, Coastal Courier | April 6, 2020
Staying Home: What Kemp’s Shelter-In-Place Order Will Mean
Georgia Health News, WABE | April 6, 2020
Stay safe, stay home
A few ways to spend your #StayHome time
Thank you to everyone who is doing their part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home! As you avoid group gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently, you are actively helping to defeat this pandemic. The GHF team wants to give you a few other ways that you can be a health advocate while staying at home:
1. Fill out the Census at 2020census.gov (The Spanish language version is available at 2020census.gov/es.)—If you’ve already filled out your Census form, ask a friend if they’ve done theirs.
2. Thank a health care worker—we put together four custom coloring pages to say thank you to Georgia’s health care workers for their work to protect and heal Georgians during this time. Print, color, and share it with your favorite health care worker. If you share it on social media, tag us (@healthyfutureGA) so we can re-share!
3. Ask Gov. Kemp and your state legislators to expand Medicaid so fewer Georgians go untracked and untreated during this pandemic.
4. Keep up with GHF on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We will keep you updated with timely action alerts and Georgia’s health advocacy news.
Your health coverage, health care, and well being
How to access health care & use your health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic
During this pandemic, it is more important than ever that you to have the information and resources you need to navigate the health care and health insurance systems. Last week, we launched this page with information about how to access health care services and what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment. The page also includes links to mental health resources, financial assistance for mortgage and rent payments, food assistance, and other help that you and your family may need. We will keep this page updated as things change and with links to helpful resources as they become available.
GHF is fighting for Georgians
An evidence-based public policy response is essential in fight against COVID-19
Georgians for a Healthy Future believes that our state can successfully overcome the current public health crisis if Georgians adhere to the advice of public health experts and our state’s leaders swiftly adopt evidence-based policies that protect the health and safety of all Georgians. GHF has identified a suite of public policies that we believe Georgia’s elected leaders must adopt in order to:
- Maximize health system capacity and public safety;
- Increase access to quality, affordable health care for all Georgians;
- Center equity as part of the public health and economic responses; and
- Meet the basic needs of Georgians and their families.
In the coming weeks, GHF will track which policies are fully implemented, partially adopted, or not taken up at all, and will provide updates accordingly. Follow along on our blog.
GHF in the news
Struggling rural health care system to get tested by COVID-19 outbreak
Georgia Recorder | March 17, 2020
Right around the corner
Changes in health care for Georgians coming soon
In March 2019, Georgia lawmakers approved SB 106, the Patients First Act. The law allows Georgia leaders to make potentially seismic changes to health coverage in the state. These changes could impact the way that you, your friends and family, and Georgians all across the state access and pay for health care. Georgia leaders are expected to announced their proposed changes in the next few weeks.
What to expect
Because Georgia leaders are using health care “waivers” to make their proposed changes, they must seek input from the public about their ideas. Here is what you need to know about the coming public comment periods:
- The public comment periods are your chance to weigh in about how the changes will impact you, your loved ones, and your community!
- There will be multiple public comment periods and they are all equally important! Make a plan to comment each time.
- GHF and our Cover Georgia partners will let you know when the public comment periods begin and end and will provide an easy way for you to have your say.
- In other states, public comments from people just like you have been the most powerful tool available to expand quality coverage to more people.
Make a plan to let state leaders know how their ideas will impact you and your family! Your comments can bring affordable, quality health coverage to all Georgians. Stay tuned!
Call for nominations
Less than 2 weeks left to nominate a health care hero
GHF will host its tenth annual Health Care Unscrambled legislative breakfast on January 14, 2020. This year’s event includes the presentation of the Linda S. Lowe Advocacy Award, which is given each year to an advocate whose work advances access to quality, affordable health care in Georgia.
We want you to tell us who should be recognized!
Nominees can be professional or volunteer advocates who work to achieve policy change for marginalized populations. This award is named in honor of Linda Smith Lowe. Linda dedicated her career to serving as an advocate on behalf of under-resourced Georgians who need a voice on health and human services issues.
Read about last year’s awardee and nominate your own health care hero!
Submit your award nominations by Monday, November 4, 2019.
Just in time for open enrollment
GHF releases annual Getting Georgia Covered report
Georgians for a Healthy Future is pleased to release its annual Getting Georgia Covered report. The annual publication tells the story of how Georgia individuals and families are faring in Georgia’s health insurance marketplace. It examines how last year’s open enrollment period differed from the previous five, presents enrollment and cost data and identifies policy opportunities to increase enrollment, ensure access to care, address affordability, and protect Georgia consumers.
Mark your calendars! Healthcare.gov opens for business on November 1st! Consumers can browse available plans now and enroll in coverage from November 1 to December 15, 2019. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and share messages about open enrollment to help raise awareness about the opportunity to gain health insurance, the availability of financial assistance, and how to find enrollment help.
Rural roofer is stuck in coverage gap
Rural Georgians continue to struggle without coverage
Philip is a part-time roofer living in Fort Gaines, Georgia, a rural community in the southwest region of the state. While repairing a roof at work, Philip suffered a knee injury and a herniated disc in his back. Because he is uninsured and can’t pay much, Philip has been repeatedly refused the medical care that he needs to recover and get back to work.
Like Philip, 360,000 low-income Georgians, many of whom are uninsured, live in small towns and rural areas across the state. They have the most at stake in the debate over whether or not to close Georgia’s health insurance coverage gap. For these rural Georgia residents, health coverage would open doors to physicians and health services that they need to stay employed or get back to work. Read more of Philip’s story and see how your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Health costs rise for workers, firms
Valdosta Daily Times | September 29, 2019
Tough Choices: High uninsured rate takes toll on free clinics
Statesboro Herald | October 02, 2019
Save the date
Please join Georgians for a Healthy Future for our tenth annual Health Care Unscrambled policy breakfast.
Each January we bring together legislators, advocates, and national thought leaders to discuss the health care issues facing Georgians. A morning dedicated to finding solutions that improve the health and well-being of all Georgians, Health Care Unscrambled is an event you don’t want to miss. RSVP today!
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
GHF wants to hear from you!
Georgians in the Driver’s Seat launches rider satisfaction survey
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a free service provided to Medicaid-covered Georgians who do not have their own means of transportation to get to health appointments, the pharmacy, and other health facilities. 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!
If you have used NEMT or know someone who has, we want to hear from you! Please answer a few questions in our NEMT rider survey. Your responses will help the Georgians in the Driver’s Seat team fight for much-needed improvements in Georgia’s NEMT system.
Make your voice heard through the Georgia Health Action Network
Join the Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) for more updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF!
GHAN is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop grassroots consumers into effective agents for change. GHF welcomes all who are interested to join our monthly GHAN calls. During these calls, GHF staff share current advocacy opportunities, best practices for engaging with policy makers about timely issues, and answer member questions about organizing for positive change.
Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
In case you missed it
Aging with dignity: Georgia seniors need Medicaid
Sherry is 77 years old and lives independently in Murray County in north Georgia. Sherry is one of over half a million seniors and people with disabilities in Georgia who depend on Medicaid and Medicare to live and age in their communities. Thanks to Medicaid, Sherry is able to afford the medications she needs to live a functional and healthy life. Medicaid and Medicare also make it possible to spend her weekdays at RossWoods Day Center where she does arts and crafts and takes part in social activities designed to keep her brain and body healthy. For 168,000 seniors like Sherry who typically live on low, fixed incomes Medicaid makes the difference and helps to pay the costs of their Medicare coverage. Read more of Sherry’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Kemp backs new health plan for rural Georgians
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | September 03, 2019
Kemp Backs New Insurance Option Aimed At Rural Georgia
WABE | September 03, 2019
Anthem is in yet another contract dispute with a Georgia health system
The Georgia Sun | September 03, 2019
Anthem Faces Contract Standoff, Launches New Health Plan In Georgia
WABE | September 04, 2019
High uninsured rate takes toll on free clinics
The Union Recorder | September 27, 2019
Employer survey again shows higher costs for workers, firms
Gwinnett Daily Post | September 27, 2019
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Happening Now
What’s next with waivers
In March Georgia lawmakers approved the Patients First Act which allows state leaders to make changes to Georgia’s Medicaid and private insurance system using two kinds of health care waivers (an1115 Medicaid waiver and a 1332 waiver). The waivers are expected to be completed by the end of this year and could mean big changes for Georgians and the way they access and pay for health care. Learn more about the waiver timeline here.
These waivers could cover thousands of low-income Georgians but so far Georgia leaders have not committed to making sure that happens. Ask Governor Kemp to use the Patients First Act to expand coverage to as many Georgians as possible.
You will have the opportunity to influence and shape Georgia’s plans for health coverage! Public comment periods for both waivers may begin as early as October 2019. We will make it easy for you to understand the waivers and help you send comments to state and federal decision makers. Check out our new fact sheet for information about how you can influence Georgia’s plans.
Behavioral health at all ages
Two new resources help Georgia adults and youth behavioral health services
Georgians for a Healthy Future is excited to release two new resources to help young people, adults who care for children, and others find needed mental health and substance use recovery services. Mental Health for Your Children and Young Adults helps adults recognize early indicators of behavioral health issues in kids and points the way to services and resources. Understanding Your Behavioral Health helps young adults and others recognize the signs of behavioral health issues in themselves or friends and family, and assists in finding the right health supports. Download and share today!
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Georgia Voices for Medicaid
Webinar brings “Georgia Voices for Medicaid” to your computer
Last year, Georgians for a Healthy Future traveled across the state to host Georgia Voices for Medicaid, a series of community events that helped Georgians better understand Medicaid. Attendees also developed skills to be strong health care advocates. Now, we have published a webinar to bring that content to you! Watch and share this video to learn more about Medicaid and how you can advocate to strengthen it!
Thank you to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for their support to create this video series!
Housing is Health networking event
Bringing together housing providers & health advocates
Join GHF, the Georgia Supportive Housing Association, andCommunity Solutions on Tuesday, July 30th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the Housing is Health networking event. The informal event will take place at Community Solutions offices at Telephone Factory Lofts at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA. RSVP now to join colleagues and friends for an evening of connecting across sectors!
GHF in the news
State studies health insurer complaints
Stateboro Herald | May 1, 2019
Georgia Finds Many Valid Complaints Against Health Insurers
WABE | May 2, 2019
I-TEAM INVESTIGATION: Patient’s First Act could greatly change Medicaid in Georgia
WRDW | May 23, 2019
Could Georgia Consider Work Requirements For Medicaid?
WABE | June 6, 2019
20k Ga. children lost health coverage in 2018 as uninsured rate grows nationwide
Gainesville Tims | June 9, 2019
RSVP NOW!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the Capitol 2019
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day at the Capitol is tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. In order to highlight and combat rising suicide rates among Georgia’s youth, this year’s theme is “Suicide Prevention: Strategies that Work.” Join the Georgia Parent Support Network, Voices for Georgia’s Children, GHF, and others to advocate for children’s access to lifesaving mental health services.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
State begins search for health care waiver consultants
Governor Kemp’s administration just announced the next steps they will take to implement SB 106, legislation that allows the state to make changes to Georgia’s Medicaid program and private insurance market through health care “waivers”. The state’s announcement outlining how it will hire consultants to draft the proposed waivers is only the beginning of a process that could result in big changes to Georgia’s health coverage and care systems. Your voice is key to ensuring that these waivers include provisions that support and protect Georgians across the state.
As the process moves forward, GHF will keep you updated about opportunities for advocacy so that you can help us fight for a Georgia where all residents have a pathway to meaningful, affordable health coverage. Read GHF’s blog, Governor signs Patients First Act: What’s next? to learn more about what to expect.
EMPOWERING YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
GHF releases three new advocacy videos
GHF recently released three new videos designed to help you become an effective advocate. When your voice is heard, you have the power to bring about change. All you need are the right tools! GHF’s new videos cover essential advocacy skills including sharing your story, meeting your legislators, and using social media for advocacy. Watch and share these videos to help make an impact on the issues you care about most!
Thank you to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for their support to create this video series!
A recap of the 2019 Georgia legislative session
Last week, Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute hosted a webinar to wrap-up the 2019 legislative session. If you missed out on this informative event you can catch up now. Our “Changes in Health Care and Policy in the 2019 Legislative Session” is now available on GHF’s YouTube channel! In this video, we highlight the most important health-related developments in this year’s legislative session, examine the state budget, look back at missed opportunities, and discuss this year’s relevant study committees. Watch now find out how your work, health care, or your coverage may be impacted.
Want more?
Join the Georgia Health Action Network for more updates, tools, and opportunities for advocacy with GHF. The Georgia Health Action Network (GHAN) is a volunteer consumer health advocacy program that aims to develop grassroots consumers into effective agents for change! Through monthly calls and email action alerts, GHAN participants get the most current information available about pressing consumer health issues in Georgia and have the opportunity to plan and lead advocacy efforts locally and across the state. Sign up for GHAN action alerts here and email GHF’s Outreach & Education Manager Alyssa Green if you’re interested in participating in the GHAN program!
GHF IN THE NEWS
Georgia releases data on complaints against insurance companies
The Georgia Sun | May 1, 2019
Surprise billing tug of war continues
Albany Herald | March 26, 2019
Change to surprise billing measure gains ground but draws criticism
Georgia Health News | March 25, 2019
Change To Georgia Surprise Billing Measure Gains Ground But Draws Criticism
WABE | March 25, 2019
CON issue revived in state Senate
Albany Herald | March 22, 2019
Kemp backs bid for CON changes, gets House panel OK on waiver plan
Georgia Health News | March 21, 2019
Kemp Backs Bid For Certificate-Of-Need Changes, Gets House Panel OK On Waiver Plan
WABE | March 21, 2019
Kemp backs bid for CON changes, gets House panel OK on waiver plan
Gwinnett Daily Post | March 21, 2019
Bills that passed Georgia House a “first step” on drug transparency
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | March 6, 2019
Effort to tamp down surprise ER bills faces trouble in Georgia House
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | March 18, 2019
Happening now: Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol
Tell your elected officials to take action today!
Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol is happening now! Health advocates are at the state Capitol today speaking with legislators about the need to build a pathway to health insurance coverage for all Georgians. We need you to raise your voice with them!
Advocates will be speaking to their state representatives about SB 106, the Patients First Act, which passed the Senate earlier this week. This legislation, as written, falls short of the promise to put a health insurance card in the pockets of all Georgians because it leaves out thousands who would be covered under a full Medicaid expansion (or a similar 1115 waiver) and will likely cost the state more to cover fewer people. Additionally, the bill allows the Governor to make potentially seismic changes to private health insurance in Georgia through 1332 waivers with little accountability. The good news is that it’s not too late for House members to make a few changes that would allow this legislation to benefit more Georgians at a lower cost to the state.
Your state representatives need to hear from you today! Call or send an email to your elected officials today and encourage them to get the best deal that will ensure all Georgians have coverage!
New releases!
New fact sheets put waivers in context
On Tuesday, the Senate passed SB 106, the Patients First Act. The bill allows Georgia’s Governor to pursue two kinds of health care waivers that could make significant changes to health coverage for Georgia consumers: an 1115 Medicaid waiver and 1332 State Innovation waivers. GHF’s partner, Georgia Watch, together with other Cover Georgia coalition partners, has released a fact sheet to help you understand 1115 waivers and how they relate to Georgia’s current debate about Medicaid expansion. Additionally, GHF released a sister fact sheet to help you understand 1332 waivers and how they may impact private health insurance plans in Georgia. Download both today!
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Updated for 2019: A Consumer Health Advocates Guide to the Georgia Legislative Session
GHF’s annual Consumer Health Advocate’s Guide is your map for navigating the Georgia legislative session. This annual booklet provides information about Georgia’s legislative process, legislators, and committees, key agency officials, advocate contacts, and more. Experienced advocates and new volunteers will find their way around Georgia’s Capitol more easily with the information provided in this year’s guide.
(Interested in a hard copy? Contact Michelle Conde.)
Medicaid helps seniors too
Maintaining independence for seniors
Charlie Ellison is 87 years old and a long time resident of Dalton, Georgia. Charlie is one of over half a million seniors and people with disabilities in Georgia who depend on Medicaid and Medicare to live with dignity in their communities. Charlie’s Medicaid coverage allows him to visit RossWoods Adult Day Services each day and reduces the costs of his medications so that he remains as healthy and independent as possible. For 168,000 seniors like Charlie who typically rely on low, fixed incomes, Medicaid makes the difference. Read more of Charlie’s story and see how sharing your story can make an impact!
GHF in the news
Momentum builds to seek waiver to cover more Georgians under Medicaid
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 5, 2019
What is Certificate of Need? Explaining a Likely Health Care Fight at the Gold Dome
WABE | February 5, 2019
Kemp to seek Medicaid, Obamacare waivers for Georgia
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 8, 2019
What’s in the funding deal for health care
Politico Pulse | February 14, 2019
Lawmakers, Advocates Skeptical of Kemp’s Medicaid Waiver Plan
WABE | February 15, 2019
Senate panel backs waiver bill to insure more Georgians
Gwinnett Daily Post | February 20, 2019
Georgia Senate committee approves Medicaid waiver proposal
Athens Banner-Herald | February 20, 2019
Health care waiver bill passes out of committee. Here’s what it could mean for your family
The Georgia Sun | February 20, 2019
Georgia Senate committee approves Gov. Kemp’s Medicaid waiver proposal
FOX 5 Atlanta | February 20, 2019
Under the Gold Dome, lobbyists are sparring over your health care costs
The Georgia Sun | February 22, 2019
Stalemate or solution? Legislative fight over surprise billing renewed
Georgia Health News | February 22, 2019
Georgia legislative fight over surprise billing renewed
Athens Banner-Herald | February 25, 2019
Surprise hospital bills under review
Statesboro Herald | February 25, 2019
GHF kicks off 2019 legislative session with Health Care Unscrambled breakfast
Thanks to you, this year’s Health Care Unscrambled breakfast was a big success! We were thrilled to have a room packed with advocates, policy makers, and others who joined us for this year’s event. This year’s program began with a personal story from consumer Lori Murdock, who shared her experience struggling to manage a chronic disease without health insurance because she was caught in Georgia’s coverage gap. Our knowledgeable legislative panel then provided valuable insights into the health policy issues they plan to tackle during the 2019 legislative session and in the following months. Afterwards, Dr. David Blumenthal, President of the Commonwealth Fund, brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to our conversation about how innovations in health care and coverage can help us achieve better health outcomes for all Georgians.
You can read the highlights of breakfast on our blog, and be sure to check out our Facebook album to see photos of the event!
Don’t forget! GHF has you covered for the 2019 legislative session. You will receive weekly updates about the health debates at the State capitol, can track health-related legislation on our website, and more.
Save the date
Cover Georgia Day at the Capitol!
Please join us at the state capitol on Thursday, February 28th from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm for Cover Georgia Day! We will be asking state legislators to put insurance cards in the pockets of low-income Georgians who cannot get affordable health care coverage under current law. This is your opportunity to speak to your elected officials and let them know that you support closing Georgia’s coverage gap.
Be on the lookout for further details. An RSVP link will be available soon.
In case you missed it
GHF releases 2019 policy priorities
Georgians for a Healthy Future released its 2019 policy priorities at this year’s annual Health Care Unscrambled legislative breakfast. These annual priorities outline the issues that GHF believes are most pressing for Georgia consumers and are best addressed by the state legislature. GHF will work to move all of these issues forward by engaging state policy makers, consumers, and coalition partners throughout the legislative session and the remainder of the year.
- Increase the number of Georgians with health insurance.
- Stabilize Georgia’s health insurance Marketplace
- Ensure access to care and financial protections for consumers purchasing private health insurance.
- Set and enforce standards that provide for equitable coverage of mental health and substance use treatment services by health plans.
- Prevent nicotine use and addiction by young Georgians
- Support partners in integrating health and equity in the policies across every sector to address social determinants of health that prevent equitable access to care and equitable health status.
Get to know Georgia’s Project Aware
Georgia’s state leadership has made serious efforts to improve Georgia’s system of care through the infusion of additional dollars for children’s mental health services in the state budget and through innovative programs like Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience Education (AWARE). Georgia Project AWARE is a youth mental health initiative focused on improving the experiences of school-aged youth in Georgia. You can begin to learn about Georgia’s Project Aware on our blog and be on the lookout for Getting to know Project AWARE: Part II, where we’ll learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid and how it helps educators meet the social and emotional needs of their students.
GHF in the news
Health care could have ‘big year’ in Georgia’s legislature
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | January 11, 2019
Health care agenda: Will longtime disputes be resolved in the legislature?
Gwinnett Daily Post | January 11, 2019
Health issues face state Legislators CON law, surprise billing, medical marijuana will draw lawmakers’ attention
Albany Herald | January 12, 2019
NAIC Names 2019 Consumer Liaison Representatives
National Association of Insurance Commissioners | January 15, 2019
Georgians for a Healthy Future encourages stakeholders to become Medicaid advocates
Making a Difference magazine | January 17, 2019
‘Waiver’ on the way? Kemp signals a plan to increase coverage
Georgia Health News | January 17, 2019
Democrat Trammell says fiscal analysis proves case for Medicaid expansion
Gwinnett Daily Post | January 23, 2019
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