Georgia Department of Community Health

Georgia Medicaid members are eligible for a free smart phone with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 4.5 GB of data with the Georgia Lifeline program. For more information and the enroll, visit https://mybenefitphone.com/.

The second meeting of the Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission will be held via Zoom on Thursday, September 5 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST. You may access the meeting link at https://dch.georgia.gov/comprehensive-health-coverage-commission.

Join us! We’re hiring a planning and research analyst for the Office of Health Planning who will perform extensive healthcare related research, data analysis, and technical writing to support DCH planning efforts. Apply now: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dchga/jobs/4624954/planning-research-analyst-00200536

Georgia Pathways to Coverage creates a new option to affordable healthcare coverage and healthier communities. If you’re not eligible for traditional Medicaid, you may qualify for Pathways. Visit https://pathways.georgia.gov for more information and to apply.

The State Office of Rural Health’s Dual Track Rural Hospital Support program awarded grants totaling $6 million to 13 Georgia rural hospitals. Grantees have the option of choosing between funding new or existing graduate medical education programs or direct hospital support through a single application process. To read more about the grant and awardees, click here https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-06-18/gov-kemp-announces-6-million-grants-13-rural-hospitals

Catch the Pathways Campaign Team at upcoming community events. Learn more about FREE health insurance that could get you covered!

Kennesaw, GA: Friday, August 16-17- Pigs & Peaches BBQ Food Festival
Americus, GA: Monday, August 19 – Annual Student Showcase at Georgia Southwestern State University
Newnan GA: Saturday, August 24- Coweta Health and Wellness Fair

For location details and more information, click here https://pathways.georgia.gov/events.

DCH Deputy Commissioner Grant Thomas recently shared with Metro Atlanta CEO how DCH is embracing innovative solutions to fit Georgia’s healthcare needs, including how the agency is working to help strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce to meet growing service demands.

Grant Thomas Discusses Programs & Mission at The Georgia Department of Community Health Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health Grant Thomas talks about new programs currently being offered and their mission to make affordable healthcare more accessible.

DCH leadership and Healthcare Facility Regulation Division were proud to join the Georgia Health Care Association summer convention where agency officials discussed with providers the challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s long-term care sector. We commend the work GHCA is doing for its members to improve the quality of life for persons requiring post-acute care and long-term health care.

The Medicaid team at DCH, working with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, recently secured approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for historic Medicaid provider rate increases in the NOW and COMP waivers to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more at https://dch.georgia.gov/document/document/provider-rate-study-cms-approval-press-release-final-71124/download

DCH salutes Georgia surveyors who work tirelessly to promote quality, safety, and compliance in many of the state’s healthcare facilities.

Check https://shbp.georgia.gov/pharmacy-benefit-manager-rfi for the State Health Benefit Plan Request for Information concerning pharmacy benefit manager services. We’re seeking responses from PBMs and pharmacy stakeholders. The response deadline is Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager RFI For Pharmacy Stakeholders The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is issuing the enclosed Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from industry experts and stakeholders about the current pharmacy benefit market for insight into areas of particular concern for our state health benefit....

Commissioner Russel Carlson, Senior Advisor Emily Yona, and Medical Assistance Plans Executive Director Stuart Portman attended the Georgia Hospital Association's annual Summer Meeting in Amelia Island, Florida. Commissioner Carlson and Portman participated in a fireside chat with GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle to discuss ways DCH is supporting the provider community to address growing healthcare needs throughout Georgia. Many thanks to GHA for hosting this important event.

Learn about free health insurance through Georgia Pathways™ to Coverage and how to apply Sunday, August 11 at the Westside Community Health Fair in Atlanta! See pathways.georgia.gov for what you need to bring to apply.

Medical Assistance Plans Deputy Executive Director Maxine Elliott and Taesha Ward, Director of Program and Community Supports, represented DCH at this year’s Aging Services Healthy Aging Conference held in Stone Mountain. They discussed the Structured Family Caregiver program, a key initiative aimed at shifting, when applicable, from institutionalized care to families providing quality in-home care for elderly and/or disabled individuals.

In fiscal year 2023, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) recovered $62 million from third party (primary insurance) liability recoveries, identified 3,754 fraud, waste, and abuse cases of the Medicaid program, and completed 56,985 criminal record checks for healthcare facilities’ staff and volunteers. Learn more about OIG here: https://dch.georgia.gov/divisionsoffices/office-inspector-general

The Georgia Department of Community Health is accepting public input for consideration of new ideas for, and possible revisions to, the state Directed Payment Programs (DPPs) that align with the agency’s mission and goals. Just a reminder that the overall goals of the programs are to improve the provision of healthcare services in Medicaid through smarter spending for the state while bolstering access to care, supporting health equity, and developing a diversified and stabilized workforce.

The Department will accept public input for the State Fiscal Year 2026 DPPs through October 31, 2024. Please note that if the submission requires a legislative change, the Department will need the idea submitted by September 6, 2024. Upon receiving public input, the Department may take additional steps to explore the feasibility of certain ideas. To read more about existing state DPPs, visit https://dch.georgia.gov/programs/state-directed-payment-programs. Please send ideas to [email protected].

DCH employees came together recently for an executive town hall. Commissioner Carlson and other agency leaders addressed transformative enterprise projects, key division updates, and team spotlights to showcase our dedicated team working hard for Georgians.

Congratulations to the 16 recent graduates of DCH’s Aspiring Leadership Experience! It is a nine-month development opportunity for our rising stars to learn leadership skills while gaining insights and expertise necessary for career advancement. We salute this year’s graduates and tomorrow’s leaders!

In fiscal year 2023, the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division issued 1,463 licenses for new healthcare facilities, completed more than 8,035 surveys, and conducted 843 follow-up inspections of existing facilities, including more than 5,466 targeted complaint investigations. We’re working hard to promote compliance in Georgia’s healthcare facilities. Learn more here: https://dch.georgia.gov/divisionsoffices/hfrd

DCH’s Michael Smith and Cole Edwards were among 26 state and community-based agency graduates of the Georgia 2Gen Academy. The ceremony was held recently at Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta. It is a nine-month program sponsored by the Georgia Children's Cabinet to help train participants on 2Gen principles focused on the whole family.

Commissioner Russel Carlson and Senior Advisor Emily Yona recently attended the Georgia Chamber’s Spring Government Affairs Council meeting on St. Simons Island. Commissioner participated in a moderated discussion with Julie Windom, chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council’s Health & Wellness Committee, and addressed increased Medicaid reimbursement rates, strengthening Georgia’s healthcare workforce, and more.

DCH wishes everyone a happy, healthy and safe Fourth of July!