National Public Health Week is an opportunity to focus on building healthier communities and ensuring that every Georgian has access to essential care, especially in a state where too many still face barriers to basic health services. One of the most powerful ways to improve health, lower costs, and strengthen economic stability is through preventive health services.

Preventive care like cancer screenings, well-woman visits, and mental health evaluations helps keep individuals healthy and reduce long-term health care expenses. Safeguarding preventive care is not only smart, but also one of the most compassionate and proactive investments we can make as a state.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 11

The 2025 legislative session is in its final stretch, with just a few days left until Sine Die (the last day of the session) on Friday, April 4th. Lawmakers are racing to finalize key bills and the state budget—and there’s still time for you to speak up.

Things can move quickly in these final days, and last-minute advocacy opportunities may arise. Stay connected with us on social media throughout the week so you don’t miss a chance to take action when it matters most.

After the session ends, we’ll share a full recap, including updates on health care bills that passed (or didn’t), what it all means for Georgians, and any health-related study committees that will convene before next year’s session. In the meantime, you can check out our bill tracker to follow the legislation we’re monitoring as we get closer to Sine Die.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 10

The 2025 legislative session is in its final stretch, with two weeks left until session ends on April 4th. With only a few legislative days left, lawmakers are working quickly to finalize key bills and the state budget. You can view the legislative schedule here. 

Ending the Practice of Subminimum Wage in Georgia

Last week, the House passed Senate Bill 55, the Dignity and Pay Act. The bill now heads to the Governor for final approval. SB 55 phases out the use of 14(c) certificates in Georgia to pay subminimum wages (below the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr) to workers with disabilities.

Initially intended to promote employment for disabled veterans, Section 14(c) of the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits paying people with disabilities wages below the statutory federal minimum wage. Section 14(c) can no longer apply to disabled veterans, yet it remains a legal way to pay people with disabilities – usually people with developmental disabilities (DD) – below minimum wage. (Employers using 14(c) waivers often pay disabled employees just pennies per hour.) More than 85 years after the law’s initial passage, the policy has frequently led to exploitation—leaving workers with developmental disabilities earning wages far below the poverty line in roles that offer little chance for growth or advancement.

Access to quality health care isn’t just a service—it’s a basic human right and a key part of a healthy society. This Women’s History Month, we recognize the critical role that health care plays in the lives of women, from preventive screenings and prenatal care to treatments for chronic illnesses and mental health support. Having the right coverage and knowing where to turn for services can make all the difference.

In Georgia, Medicaid is a key resource that helps many women access the care they need. But despite the important protections it offers, many women still fall outside of the eligibility guidelines and remain uninsured.

According to Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, nearly one in five women between the ages of 18 and 44 in Georgia lacks health insurance—one of the highest rates in the country. The problem is even worse for Hispanic/Latina women, nearly half of whom are uninsured. Black women in Georgia are more than twice as likely as white women to suffer severe complications or die from pregnancy-related causes. Many of these deaths are preventable, yet barriers to care persist.

Georgia’s Medicaid programs offer critical support for eligible women, but they are limited in scope. This blog will help break down the available Medicaid options for women in Georgia, who qualifies, and where to turn for free help enrolling.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 9

With Crossover Day behind us, the pace at the Capitol is picking up. Lawmakers are moving quickly to debate and vote on bills that survived the deadline, while the budget process moves full speed ahead.

Take Action: Advocate for More GHVP Funding!

The Georgia Housing Voucher Program (GHVP) was created to help Georgia meet its legal obligations under the Olmstead Agreement, which requires the state to provide community-based housing for people with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) instead of institutionalizing them. GHVP is a permanent supportive housing program that helps these individuals secure stable housing, avoid homelessness, and access essential services. The program directly pays rent to landlords and provides ongoing support to keep residents housed and connected to care.

Despite its success, GHVP has been underfunded for years. The House added $1.7 million for GHVP in the FY26 budget, but at least $20 million more is needed to expand housing support and fulfill Georgia’s legal and moral obligations. We need your help to urge the Senate Appropriations Health and Human Resources Subcommittee and Appropriations Chair Blake Tillery to increase GHVP funding by $20 million.

Contact the Senate Appropriations Committee today!

House Passes FY26 Budget – What’s Next?

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 8

Crossover Day has come and gone, and the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session begins!

With just 12 legislative days left before Sine Die on April 4, lawmakers will move quickly to vote on the bills that made it through this key deadline. The legislature will pack the next three weeks with committee hearings, floor votes, and last-minute negotiations.

We’re thrilled to share that HB 291, the Community Health Worker certification bill, passed the House late Thursday night! The House passage of HB 291 is a big win for Georgia’s Community Health Workers and the communities they serve. Join us in sending a huge “Thank you!” to our partners at Georgia Watch and all the advocates who worked tirelessly to get this bill through the House—your efforts made this progress possible! Let’s keep up the good work to ensure this bill successfully passes through the Senate! 

Keep reading for a full breakdown of what survived Crossover Day and what comes next for health care at the Capitol.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 7

New Bill to Protect Free Preventive Care (SB 262) Introduced

Last week, Senator Halpern introduced Senate Bill 262 with the support of six Republican co-sponsors! This bill is crucial to ensure that Georgians can continue accessing life-saving preventive health services without facing financial barriers.

Why This Matters

Since 2010, most health plans have been required to cover critical preventive services— such as cancer screenings, routine wellness visits, and mental health screenings—at no cost to patients. However, this vital benefit is under serious threat.

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in Kennedy v. Braidwood, a lawsuit that seeks to overturn the free preventive services requirement. Nearly 5 million Georgians could lose guaranteed access to no-cost preventive care if the Court strikes down these protections.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 6

Community Health Worker Certification Bill (HB 291) Updated with Key Revisions

The bill to establish a certification process for Community Health Workers (CHWs) has been amended with some key updates. HB 291 is now scheduled to be heard today at 1:00 pm in the House Public and Community Health Committee. If passed, the bill will create a standardized certification process to support and expand Georgia’s CHW workforce. These trusted public health professionals help people navigate the health care system and access essential services, particularly in underserved communities.

What’s New in the Amended Bill?

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEEK 5

Will New PBM Reforms Lower Drug Prices in Georgia?

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are companies that help insurance plans manage prescription drug benefits. They decide which medications are covered, negotiate prices with drug manufacturers, and set payment rates for pharmacies. While PBMs can lower drug costs by getting discounts from drug makers and pharmacies, they also have significant control over medication pricing, patient access, and pharmacy reimbursements. Critics argue that PBMs’ business practices can drive up costs for consumers and independent pharmacies, while supporters believe they help manage drug spending and ensure affordability. Additionally, PBMs are often owned by an insurer or pharmacy, meaning these PBMs are managed by the same stakeholders that set drug prices for consumers.