The Need for Affordable Healthcare Continues
By Shameka Allen, Associate Director
This February, the Georgia Department of Human Services released a comprehensive plan for Medicaid redetermination. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has officially been declared over, many federal programs that allowed for additional spending for medical assistance and extended coverage have now ended. As a result, all Medicaid and PeachCare recipients will have to reapply for coverage.
As we all know, Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing healthcare access to those who need it most. It serves as a lifeline for countless individuals and their families, ensuring that they can get the medical care they need and deserve. The process of Medicaid unwinding can be very draining for the millions who must go through it. It is a challenging and emotional journey that can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty and anxiety. But please remember that if you or someone you know is going through this process, you are not alone.
To those healthcare workers and administrators who are working tirelessly to assist individuals through this period, thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your commitment to ensuring everyone has access is commendable, especially given the numbers. In the state of Georgia alone, nearly 2.7 million people will have to go through the redetermination process. Some may come through this process unscathed and see their coverage continue. Others may learn that they no longer qualify for coverage based on income or family size.
It is important to show our neighbors empathy, compassion and understanding during this time. We never know the battles that others may be going through. Behind those 2.7 million cases are real people with hopes, dreams, and a story worth telling. As fellow Georgians, we should support one another, and ensure that no one faces an impenetrable barrier to health care.
At Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, our mission is to serve those who are uninsured through offering services that are deeply discounted and accessible to many. Whether you find yourself in a predicament where you have temporarily lost coverage due to loss of Medicaid, or even a recent layoff, we are here to help. We are one of the largest safety net clinics in the metro area and our staff provides primary care for both medical and dental services. There is no reason to let the stress of coverage loss prevent access to quality healthcare. With support from donors like you, Good Sam Gwinnett can provide affordable healthcare solutions to our fellow Georgians.
