Today, Georgia Watch released an updated version of its Georgia Consumer Guide for Medical Bills and Debt. The guide provides information and resources for consumers to navigate their bill statements, file an appeal with their insurance provider, work out a payment plan with their healthcare provider, and more. 

According to Executive Director Liz Coyle, the guide has helped thousands of Georgians work through confusing bills and stop aggressive medical debt collectors. “Too many Georgians avoid care or are burdened by medical debt because they don’t know their rights,” Coyle said. “We’ve recently updated our comprehensive guide with the most up-to-date information to help consumers navigate the complex healthcare system.” Read more here...

Last week, we partnered with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, to host our Maternal and Child Health policy workshop for the American Public Health Association (APHA) Day of Action. The Day of Action, hosted by the Community Health Planning and Policy Development (CHPPD) Section of the APHA, serves as an opportunity to collaborate with local community-based organizations to identify and understand pressing local health needs and mobilize APHA members and partners to help meet those needs. The workshop guided participants through the process of developing policy solutions that address disparities in maternal and child healthcare in Georgia. Over 90 people attended the workshop and, afterwards, shared with us how impactful, educational, and fun this event was for all participants.

We thank all the subject experts, speakers, and attendees for helping to make our Maternal and Child Health Policy Workshop a success! If you are interested in participating in or hosting a Policy Workshop, please contact Natasha Taylor (ntaylor@georgiawatch.org) or Kate Billard (kbillard@georgiawatch.org) for more information.

While making holiday plans and reflecting on all you must be thankful for, we hope you will consider contributing on #GivingTuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Another way to contribute to support our work is to help us spread the word to reach our goal by engaging with our #HelpUsWatch social media toolkit. Thank you for helping us advocate for all Georgians. We look forward to your continued partnership and support as we work to build a future of equity and justice in Georgia!