Healthcare
Summary
Because of spiraling healthcare costs, employers are providing fewer subsidies for family health insurance benefits, so more and more adults and children are uninsured. The overall costs to society increase dramatically when the uninsured lack access to routine and preventive healthcare. Adults with access to healthcare and a specific source of ongoing care are more likely to benefit from preventive health care services, early diagnosis of chronic diseases, and appropriate treatment, which results in a reduced incidence of complications and less costly interventions. A profile of uninsured adults in Georgia reveals that the majority of the uninsured are employed.
Policy Agenda
- Oppose any proposal to alter our state’s Medicaid program in any manner that would limit Georgian’s access to federal healthcare dollars.
- Support reauthorization of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Key Results
- $200,000 to establish a Care Navigator program redirecting uninsured adults from Emergency Departments (EDs) to community healthcare providers.
2006 Projected Outcomes
- 1,000 uninsured/underinsured patients will have established primary care provider (vs. ED)
- 2,000 additional children covered by PeachCare
- 500 additional individuals receive pharmaceutical assistance
2006 Measured Outcomes
- 4,330 patients redirected from emergency departments to primary care providers
- 496 additional children provided coverage by PeachCare
- 9,657 additional uninsured and underinsured individuals received pharmaceutical assistance
2007 Goals
- 3,000 patients to be redirected from emergency departments to primary care providers
- PeachCare: Outcomes uncertain as advocacy for the funding continues in 2007
- 10, 622 uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive pharmaceutical assistance
- The team plans to enroll 500 uninsured patients with chronic conditions in the Care Navigator Program.
Contacts
Champion
Diane Weems, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Chatham County Health Department
912-356-2441
dzweems@dhr.state.ga.us
Team Member Organizations
Chatham County Health Department, Georgia Medical Society, St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital, Memorial Health Hospital, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Curtis V. Cooper Primary Healthcare, Union Mission, Inc., Cardiovascular Council, Community HealthCare Center/Savannah Health Mission, Savannah Area Behavioral Health Collaboration, MedBank Foundation, United Way Coastal Empire, DFACS, EOA, Gateway.
