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May 04 2017

Georgia Congressional Republicans Vote to Take Away Health Care From 24 Million Americans, 4,316,000 Georgians With Pre-existing Conditions at Risk of Losing Coverage

Atlanta, GA – Today, Georgia’s Republican Congressional Delegation voted to strip health care from 24 million Americans to pay for a $600 billion tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. If Trumpcare becomes law, seniors will be saddled with higher premiums. Further, 4,316,000 Georgians with pre-existing conditions—including those with cancer, children with disabilities, and those who are pregnant—will at best see higher premiums and at worst complete loss of health care coverage. Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement.

“This is abominable, and I cannot comprehend how these nine men will sleep at night knowing they just tipped the delicate scales of life and death matters. Obamacare saved the lives of millions, improved the quality of life for millions more, and gave families the peace-of-mind that comes with having access to affordable health care. The GOP should know that this is not the end, it’s only the beginning. They will be held accountable.” – DuBose Porter, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair

The bill is so dangerous that GOP legislators even exempted themselves.

Trumpcare’s impact on Georgians with pre-existing conditions is catastrophic. The Center for American Progress has calculated the number of Georgians with pre-existing conditions by Congressional District. All nine Georgia GOP Congressmen voted in favor of putting these Georgians at risk:

Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-1) –  306,701

Drew Ferguson, IV (GA-3) – 299,400

Rob Woodall (GA-7) –  355,000

Austin Scott (GA-8) –  284,600

Doug Collins (GA-9) –  292,100

Jody B. Hice (GA-10) –  302,600

Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) –  328,200

Rick W. Allen (GA-12) –  293,200

Tom Graves (GA-14) –  285,700

Before Obamacare, insurance companies had license to deny coverage or charge higher premiums by defining pregnancy, sexual assault, drug addiction, cancer, diabetes, asthma and much more as pre-existing conditions.

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Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Georgia Republicans, Press Releases · Tagged: ACA, Austin Scott, Barry Loudermilk, Buddy Carter, Doug Collins, Drew Ferguson, DuBose Porter, Ga GOP, Georgia Democrats, Jody Hice, ObamaCare, Rick Allen, Rob Woodall, Tom Graves, Trumpcare

Jan 11 2017

Democratic Party Response to Governor’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 10, 2017                                                                  

Atlanta, GA – Today the Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, DuBose Porter, issued the following response to the State of the State Address delivered by Governor Nathan Deal:

“This morning, Governor Deal delivered his State of the State Address. While we heard plenty of promises, we did not hear any meaningful solutions to several of the most pressing issues we face as a state.

“More than 300,000 Georgians live without health insurance, we have one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates, and we rank 49th in Medicaid spending per enrollee. Since 2013, five rural hospitals have shuttered their doors due to lack of funding, and scores more operate under the threat of closure. Yet the governor and his Party not only refuse to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act—they now boast the formation of a ‘repeal Obamacare’ taskforce. All the while, states that have taken advantage of Obamacare’s lifeline have slashed uninsured rates, saved tax dollars and—more importantly—saved lives.

“Georgia has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, yet our state’s minimum wage remains at an embarrassingly low $5.15. Women comprise 51 percent of Georgia’s population, but we heard no plan to address the gender wage gap. We heard no plan to raise the minimum wage to a standard fitting for the year 2017. Too many workers hold two or more jobs while still living in poverty and are still left out in the cold when it comes to affordable child care, housing, access to health benefits and paid family leave.

“Georgia ranks 38th in per-student spending, investing $1800 less per student than the national average. State budget cuts to education have forced school districts to shorten their calendar year and furlough teachers. Even though voters overwhelmingly rejected Governor Deal’s school takeover plan at the ballot box just months ago, he is pushing another top-down proposal that leaves parents and teachers out of the discussion and does nothing to fully fund our public schools. All this talk about failing schools and still no real discussion about the causes that led to their struggles. Where is the proposal for universal Pre-K? Smaller classrooms? More spending for additional teachers and professionals in the classrooms? When a quality education is the single most power tool given to a child to rise above the economic or class barriers, our state must invest the resources needed to allow educators to equip students for a 21st Century economy.

“The costs to attain a college or technical school degree continue to skyrocket, yet we heard no indication that the governor will work with Democrats to guarantee hardworking students a HOPE scholarship that covers full tuition and the basic necessities on a needs-based system.

“Governor Deal discussed the threat of cybercrimes, but failed to acknowledge the recent attacks on our democracy by a foreign government. And he certainly didn’t mention cyberthreats much closer to home, like we saw just a little over a year ago when the Office of Georgia’s Secretary of State gave out the Social Security numbers and private data of more than six million Georgians, putting our own economic security at risk.

“In his inaugural State of the State Address six years ago, Governor Deal declared that we were ‘entering a new era of smaller government and greater personal responsibility’ and that ‘government must pull back.’ Six years later, we’ve learned that the governor and his Party didn’t just pull back—they pulled the rug out from underneath Georgia families.

“Government certainly isn’t the solution to everything. But it can be a powerful force for good, giving a voice to the voiceless, ladders of opportunity to those who need it most, and safety nets for those who fall. It is the Democratic Party’s mission to ensure that everyone willing to do their part is able to get a well-paying job, buy a home, have affordable healthcare, send their kids to college, and retire with dignity. Democrats in the Senate and House have put forward measures to make these promises a reality, but need willing partners on the other side of the aisle who are committed to working together for what is best for all Georgians.

“As President Obama said last night, we rise or fall as one. We are a community, and our successes and failures are shared. So it is our hope that Republicans work with Democrats to push Georgia down the path of progress.”

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Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Georgia Republicans, Press Releases · Tagged: ACA, DuBose Porter, Georgia State of the State, Medicaid expansion, Nathan Deal, ObamaCare

Jan 06 2017

GOP Plan to Scrap ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare Nightmare Scenario for Georgians

Release:  Friday, January 6, 2017

Atlanta, GA – Congressional Republicans are making moves in coordination with  members of the incoming Trump Administration—including Trump’s pick to head HHS, Representative Tom Price—to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. As a surprise to no one, Republicans are short on details, but that hasn’t stopped Georgia Republicans from announcing the formation of a “’repeal Obamacare’ task force to guide how Georgia responds to President-elect Donald Trump’s plans, saying the effort was one of their top priorities for the upcoming legislative session.”

The GOP has also indicated their intentions to privatize Medicare and cut state funds for Medicaid—a move that would disproportionately harm seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income Georgians.

“Obamacare, Medicare, and Medicaid are proven to work and often mean the difference between life and death to millions of Georgians. Why are Republicans more eager to use our tax dollars for a ludicrous wall than they are to protect the wellbeing of the people? This plan to rip away Georgians’ healthcare will create utter chaos and the GOP would be wise to shift their attention to solving real issues.” – Rebecca DeHart, Executive Director

THE FACTS:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Impact of the Affordable Care Act in Georgia

Employer Coverage: 5,240,000 people in Georgia are covered through employer-sponsored health plans. Since the ACA was enacted in 2010, this group has seen:

  • An end to annual and lifetime limits: Before the ACA, 3,317,000 Georgians with employer or individual market coverage had a lifetime limit on their insurance policy. That meant their coverage could end exactly when they needed it most. The ACA prohibits annual and lifetime limits on policies, so all Georgians with employer plans now have coverage that’s there when they need it.
  • Young adults covered until age 26: An estimated 74,000 young adults in Georgia have benefited from the ACA provision that allows kids to stay on their parents’ health insurance up to age 26.
  • Free preventive care: Under the ACA, health plans must cover preventive services — like flu shots, cancer screenings, contraception, and mammograms – at no extra cost to consumers. This provision benefits 4,187,077 people in Georgia, most of whom have employer coverage.
  • Slower premium growth: The average premium for Georgia families with employer coverage grew 5.7 percent per year from 2010-2015, compared with 7.0 percent over the previous decade. Assuming Georgia premiums grew in line with the national average in 2016, family premiums in Georgia are $1,800 lower today than if growth had matched the pre-ACA decade.
  • Better value through the 80/20 rule: Because of the ACA, health insurance companies must spend at least 80 cents of each premium dollar on health care or care improvements, rather than administrative costs like salaries or marketing, or else give consumers a refund. Georgians with employer coverage have received $25,641,050 in insurance refunds since 2012.

Medicaid: 1,782,301 people in Georgia are covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, including 1,253,841 children and 137,671 seniors and people with disabilities covered by both Medicaid and Medicare. The ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility and strengthened the program for those already eligible.

  • 389,000 Georgians could gain coverage: An estimated 389,000 Georgians could have health insurance today if Georgia expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Coverage improves access to care, financial security, and health; expansion would result in an estimated 44,000 more Georgians getting all needed care, 55,300 fewer Georgians struggling to pay medical bills, and 470 avoided deaths each year.
  • Up to 159,000 Georgians with a mental illness or substance use disorder could get help: 159,000 Georgians, or an estimated 25 percent of those who could gain Medicaid coverage through expansion, have a mental illness or substance use disorder.
  • Georgia could be saving millions in uncompensated care costs: Instead of spending $410 million on uncompensated care, which increases costs for everyone, Georgia could be getting $3 billion in federal support to provide low-income adults with much needed care.
  • Children, people with disabilities, and seniors can more easily access Medicaid coverage: The ACA streamlined Medicaid eligibility processes, eliminating hurdles so that vulnerable Georgians could more easily access and maintain coverage.
  • Georgia is helping seniors and people with disabilities live in the community: The ACA provided Georgia with a new option to help promote community integration through long-term services and supports, providing seniors and people with disabilities an alternative to institutional care.

Individual market: 478,016 people in Georgia have coverage through the Marketplace. Individual market coverage is dramatically better compared to before the ACA:

  • No discrimination based on pre-existing conditions: Up to 4,323,897 people in Georgia have a pre-existing health condition. Before the ACA, these Georgians could have been denied coverage or charged an exorbitant price if they needed individual market coverage. Now, health insurance companies cannot refuse coverage or charge people more because of pre-existing conditions.
  • Tax credits available to help pay for coverage: Before the ACA, only those with employer coverage generally got tax benefits to help pay for health insurance. Now, 427,353 moderate- and middle-income Georgians receive tax credits averaging $291 per month to help them get covered through HealthCare.gov.
  • Women pay the same as men: Before the ACA, women were often charged more than men just because of their gender. That is now illegal thanks to the ACA, protecting roughly half the people of Georgia.
  • Greater transparency and choice: Before the ACA, it was virtually impossible for consumers to effectively compare insurance plan prices and shop for the best value. Thanks to the ACA, consumers can now shop for coverage on a transparent market, choosing among 32 plans on average.

Medicare: 1,574,058 people in Georgia are covered by Medicare. The ACA strengthened the Medicare Trust Fund, extending its life by over a decade. In addition, Medicare enrollees have benefited from:

  • Lower costs for prescription drugs: Because the ACA is closing the prescription drug donut hole, 141,609 Georgia seniors are saving $149 million on drugs in 2015, an average of $1,051 per beneficiary.
  • Free preventive services: The ACA added coverage of an annual wellness visit and eliminated cost-sharing for recommended preventive services such as cancer screenings. In 2015, 751,478 Georgia seniors, or 73 percent of all Georgia seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B, took advantage of at least one free preventive service.
  • Fewer hospital mistakes: The ACA introduced new incentives for hospitals to avoid preventable patient harms and avoidable readmissions. Hospital readmissions for Georgia Medicare beneficiaries dropped 7 percent between 2010 and 2015, which translates into 2,453 times Georgia Medicare beneficiaries avoided an unnecessary return to the hospital in 2015.
  • More coordinated care: The ACA encouraged groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers to come together to provide coordinated high-quality care to the Medicare patients they serve. 19 Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Georgia now offer Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to receive higher quality, more coordinated care.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – Impact of Affordable Care Act Repeal

1 million fewer people in Georgia would have health insurance in 2019 if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed, new Urban Institute estimates show. Republican policymakers plan to move quickly in January to repeal much of the health reform law without enacting a replacement.

Under Repeal, Georgia Would Lose $32.7 Billion in Federal Funding and Pay More in Uncompensated Care Costs

States would lose significant federal funds as marketplace subsidies and the Medicaid expansion end. Even states that didn’t expand Medicaid would see declines in federal spending as eligible people fall of the program. In Georgia, repeal means the loss of $1.8 billion in federal marketplace spending in 2019 and $20.5 billion between 2019 and 2028. Georgia would lose $953 million in federal Medicaid funding in 2019 and $12.2 billion between 2019 and 2028.

In addition, the growth in the number of uninsured residents would increase demand for uncompensated care by $1.1 trillion nationwide between 2019 and 2028. Assuming fixed federal spending on uncompensated care, state and local governments and health care providers would have to bear this cost.

Eliminating Marketplace Subsidies and Reducing Medicaid Enrollment Would Hit Low- and Moderate-Income Families

Moderate-income working families in Georgia would lose substantial financial assistance that is now available to help them pay their premiums and cost-sharing for insurance purchased in a marketplace. In 2016, Georgians who enrolled in marketplace coverage receive an average advance premium tax credit of $287, which covers 75% of the total monthly premium for comprehensive coverage.

In addition, nearly 220,900 more Georgia residents have enrolled in Medicaid since 2013 – coverage gains that likely would be lost due to the elimination of the Medicaid expansion for low-income adults.

Harmful Effects Would Be Felt Immediately

Repeal would destabilize the non-group insurance market beginning in 2017 as a combination of several factors — pending loss of subsidies, elimination of the requirement to buy insurance, and the requirement on insurers to sell to all purchasers — would cause prices to rise and the healthiest people to drop coverage. Nationwide, 4.3 million people would lose insurance right away, rising to 7.3 million by 2019.

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Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Press Releases · Tagged: ACA, ObamaCare

Sep 26 2013

GA House Dems to Hold Series of Town Halls on ACA

Town Hall Meetings on the Affordable Care Act have been scheduled in the following districts:

Date: September 26, 2013

Who: Rep. Karen Bennett (HD 94)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Voices of Faith Church
2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Date: October 1, 2013
Who: Rep. Darryl Jordan (HD 77)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Riverdale Library
420 Valley Hill Road SW, Riverdale, GA 30274

Date: October 5, 2013
Who: Rep. Kim Alexander (HD 66)
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Taylor Farm Park
1380 Pine Valley Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127

Date: October 5, 2013
Who: Rep. Gloria Frazier (HD  126)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Burke County

Date: October 7, 2013
Who: Rep. Sandra Scott (HD 76)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Fairview Library
28 Austin Rd,  Stockbridge, GA 30281

Date: October 8, 2013
Who: Rep. Nikki Randall (HD 142)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Macon, Georgia

Date: October 10, 2013
Who: Rep. Michele Henson (HD 86)
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: St. Timothy’s UMC
5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Date: October 12, 2013
Who: Rep. Pam Dickerson (HD 113)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Rockdale Career Academy
1064 Culpepper Dr SW, Conyers, GA 30094

Date: October 19, 2013
Who: Rep. Demetrius Douglas (HD 78)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Clayton Lovejoy Community Center
11622 Hastings Bridge Road, Lovejoy, GA 30250

Date: October 21, 2013
Who: Rep. Mike Glanton (HD 75)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: 106 N. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
RSVP/POC: Media Savvy Consulting
Tel: (404) 207-3817
Email: [email protected]

Date: October 24, 2013
Who: Rep. Rahn Mayo (HD 84)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Community Achievement Center
4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034

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For more information, please contact Genny Castillo, Director of Caucus Services, at[email protected] or at 404-463-5401.

Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Party News · Tagged: ACA, GA House Democrats, ObamaCare

Sep 25 2013

New Report Shows Lower Than Expected Obamacare Premiums For Georgia

NEW REPORT SHOWS LOWER THAN EXPECTED OBAMACARE PREMIUMS FOR GEORGIA

GOP efforts to repeal would hurt economy and raise average rates

ATLANTA, GA – As Republicans continue to march the country toward a government shutdown and a default on our obligations in an effort to defund Obamacare, the Georgia Democratic Party touted new data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showing that Obamacare is working and will cost consumers less than anticipated.

“The new report found that health care rates in Georgia are affordable, especially with new subsidies that will be available for around half of Americans buying their health insurance. The report found that right here in Georgia, a 27 year old making $25,000 a year would have access to insurance plans as low as $103 per month and a family of four making $50,000 would only pay $132,” said DuBose Porter, DPG Chair. “Obamacare is working and Republicans in Washington are doing everything in their power to take it away, even if it means hurting our economy by shutting down the government and not paying our nation’s bills.”

The report found that in addition to lower premiums, in Georgia, consumers will be able to choose from an average of 50 plans so they can pick the one that works best for them and their family. The health care plans give Georgians access to quality affordable coverage with no lifetime caps on care, prevents coverage denial due to preexisting conditions, bars insurers from charging women more and so much more.

To view the report with a breakdown of how the Affordable Care Act is helping Georgians, click here.

 

Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Press Releases · Tagged: ACA, Health Care, ObamaCare

Sep 08 2013

How the ACA Helps Georgians

CLICK HERE FOR ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Because of the Affordable Care Act, the 80% of Georgians who have insurance have more choices and stronger coverage than ever before. And for the 20% of Georgians who don’t have insurance, or Georgia families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it, a new day is just around the corner.

Soon, the new online Health Insurance Marketplace will provide families and small businesses who currently don’t have insurance, or are looking for a better deal, a new way to find health coverage that fits their needs and their budgets.

Open enrollment in the Marketplace starts Oct 1, with coverage starting as soon as Jan 1, 2014.  But Georgia families and small business can visit HealthCare.gov right now to find the information they need prepare for open enrollment.

The health care law is already providing better options, better value, better health and a stronger Medicare program to the people of Georgia by:

Better Options
The Health Insurance Marketplace

Beginning Oct 1, the Health Insurance Marketplace will make it easy for Georgians to compare qualified health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for lower costs for private insurance or health programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in health coverage.

By the Numbers: Uninsured Georgians who are eligible for coverage through the Marketplace. 

  • 1,698,881 (20%) are uninsured and eligible
  • 1,167,899 (69%) have a full-time worker in the family
  • 671,466 (40%) are 18-35 years old
  • 789,989 (47%) are White
  • 630,791 (37%) are African American
  • 172,811 (10%) are Latino/Hispanic
  • 70,895 (4%) are Asian American or Pacific Islander
  • 905,417 (53%) are male

1,592,485 (94%) of Georgia’s uninsured and eligible population may qualify for either tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace or for Medicaid if Georgia takes advantage of the new opportunity to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Georgia has received $1,000,000 in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of its Health Insurance Marketplace. 

New coverage options for young adults

Under the health care law, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. Thanks to this provision, over 3 million young people who would otherwise have been uninsured have gained coverage nationwide, including 123,000 young adults in Georgia.

Ending discrimination for pre-existing conditions  

As many as 4,323,897 non-elderly Georgians have some type of pre-existing health condition, including 613,253 children.  Today, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition, like asthma or diabetes, under the health care law. And beginning in 2014, health insurers will no longer be able to charge more or deny coverage to anyone because of a pre-existing condition.  The health care law also established a temporary health insurance program for individuals who were denied health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.  3,726 Georgians with pre-existing conditions have gained coverage through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan since the program began.

Better Value
Providing better value for your premium dollar through the 80/20 Rule

Health insurance companies now have to spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide you a refund.  This means that 247,883 Georgia residents with private insurance coverage will benefit from $15,001,161 in refunds from insurance companies this year, for an average refund of $82 per family covered by a policy.

Scrutinizing unreasonable premium increases 

In every State and for the first time under Federal law, insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more. Since implementing the law, the fraction of requests for insurance premium increases of 10 percent or more has dropped dramatically, from 75 percent to 14 percent nationally.  To date, the rate review program has helped save Americans an estimated $1 billion.

Removing lifetime limits on health benefits 

The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits – freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering from other chronic diseases from having to worry about going without treatment because of their lifetime limits. Already, 3,317,000 people in Georgia, including 1,256,000 women and 916,000 children, are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage. The law also restricts the use of annual limits and bans them completely in 2014.

Better Health
Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay

The health care law requires many insurance plans to provide coverage without cost sharing to enrollees for a variety of preventive health services, such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits, and flu shots for all children and adults.

In 2011 and 2012, 71 million Americans with private health insurance gained preventive service coverage with no cost-sharing, including 2,202,000 in Georgia. And for policies renewing on or after August 1, 2012, women can now get coverage without cost-sharing of even more preventive services they need.  Approximately 47 million women, including 1,481,402 in Georgia will now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services without cost-sharing.

Increasing support for community health centers

The health care law increases the funding available to community health centers nationwide. In Georgia, 29 health centers operate 165 sites, providing preventive and primary health care services to 317,299 people.  Health Center grantees in Georgia have received $71,147,340 under the health care law to support ongoing health center operations and to establish new health center sites, expand services, and/or support major capital improvement projects.

Community Health Centers in all 50 states have also received a total of $150 million in federal grants to help enroll uninsured Americans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, including $3,378,206 awarded to Georgia health centers.   With these funds, Georgia health centers expect to hire 62 additional workers, who will assist 100,268 Georgians with enrollment into affordable health insurance coverage.

Investing in the primary care workforce

As a result of historic investments through the health care law and the Recovery Act, the numbers of clinicians in the National Health Service Corps are at all-time highs with nearly 10,000 Corps clinicians providing care to more than 10.4 million people who live in rural, urban, and frontier communities.  The National Health Service Corps repays educational loans and provides scholarships to primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, and other primary care providers who practice in areas of the country that have too few health care professionals to serve the people who live there.  As of September 30, 2012, there were 228 Corps clinicians providing primary care services in Georgia, compared to 53 in 2008.

Preventing illness and promoting health

As of March 2012, Georgia had received $18,200,000 in grants from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the health care law. This new fund was created to support effective policies in Georgia, its communities, and nationwide so that all Americans can lead longer, more productive lives.

A Stronger Medicare Program
Making prescription drugs affordable for seniors 

In Georgia, people with Medicare saved nearly $198 million on prescription drugs because of the Affordable Care Act.  In 2012 alone, 99,057 individuals in Georgia saved over $73 million, or an average of $732 per beneficiary.  In 2012, people with Medicare in the “donut hole” received a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and 14 percent discount on generic drugs.  And thanks to the health care law, coverage for both brand name and generic drugs will continue to increase over time until the coverage gap is closed.  Nationally, over 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on drugs since the law’s enactment.

Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay

With no deductibles or co-pays, cost is no longer a barrier for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay healthy by detecting and treating health problems early. In 2012 alone, an estimated 34.1 million people benefited from Medicare’s coverage of preventive services with no cost-sharing.  In Georgia, 742,634 individuals with traditional Medicare used one or more free preventive service in 2012.

Protecting Medicare’s solvency

The health care law extends the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by ten years.  From 2010 to 2012, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew at 1.7 percent annually, substantially more slowly than the per capita rate of growth in the economy.  And the health care law helps stop fraud with tougher screening procedures, stronger penalties, and new technology. Over the last four years, the administration’s fraud enforcement efforts have recovered $14.9 billion from fraudsters.  For every dollar spent on health care-related fraud and abuse activities in the last three years the administration has returned $7.90.

via U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Written by PNM Admin · Categorized: Georgia Democrats, Party News · Tagged: Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare

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