After a year of extensive research, the Georgia Quality Healthcare Access Task Force has completed three proposals aimed at closing the coverage gap and shoring up the state’s ailing provider network.

“This task force has tackled one of the most pressing and complicated public policy issues facing our state today, and it’s delivered three detailed options that serve as a starting point for Georgia policy-makers,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “Any of these plans would serve as a game-ready playbook for lawmakers seeking a fiscally responsible and sustainable path to cover Georgia’s uninsured, revitalize a rural healthcare network in crisis and undergird our safety net hospitals. That’s important not just to the health of our families but also to the health of our economy, because no good jobs are going to come to a region that lacks access to quality healthcare.”

All three approaches would require Georgia to attain a waiver from the federal government because each of them implements cost-saving differences from traditional programs in most other states.

“Washington has a way of exacting a tough price when states don’t play by its rules,” said Tim Lowe, an Atlanta businessman who chairs the Georgia Chamber’s healthcare advisory committee. “In this case, Georgia providers are suffering the cuts in the federal healthcare law but not receiving the new money intended to make up for it. The law is a mixture of sticks and carrots. Our providers currently are getting all stick and no carrot. I believe we’ve come up with conservative plans that allow Georgia to get its tax dollars back from Washington without putting a strain on the state budget. These are Georgia-specific plans, not a Washington one-size-fits-all plan.”

After initial conversations with elected officials and other stakeholders, the task force will release additional data and projections before the end of the year.

Option One would provide new coverage through the state Medicaid program to childless adults who earn less than $11,770 annually, which is the threshold for 100 percent of the federal poverty level. This option focuses on a high-need population that falls below the minimum income requirements to receive subsidies on the exchange.

“While President Obama has insisted that states expand up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, Georgia will be able to negotiate with a new administration – no matter which candidate wins – and we’re optimistic we’ll receive greater flexibility to suit our state’s unique needs and preferences,” said Clark. “This particular path covers a significant number of Georgians in great need while limiting the state cost.”

Option Two and Three would increase eligibility to adults earning up to $16,242, or 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Two would enroll all beneficiaries up to that income level in Medicaid, while Three would place those who earn above $11,770 in a private insurance plan (paid for by Medicaid.)

“These plans offer great detail backed by great research,” said Clark, “but we see this as the kick start to a serious conversation with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Community Health, legislators and stakeholders throughout the state. As our nation continues its debate about the proper role of the federal government in healthcare, we need to focus on the state level on what we can control, under current laws, to keep Georgia’s healthcare network alive and vibrant and our business climate the best in the nation.”

For additional information, contact Brian Robinson at [email protected].