CHCC Meeting Recap: Framework for Exploring Coverage Solutions Introduced

On Thursday, November 14^th, Georgia’s Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission (CHCC) held its 3^rd meeting of the year. The CHCC was created by the Georgia legislature earlier this year to study the state’s health care coverage programs and identify opportunities to improve access and coverage for low-income and uninsured Georgians. The Commission is scheduled to deliver its initial report to the General Assembly on December 1^st of this year.

Missed the first 2 meetings? Catch up by reading our previous recap blogs here!

The first two meetings provided overviews of the coverage options currently available to low-income Georgians. Last week’s meeting, introduced the Ernst & Young (EY) consultants that will support the Commission’s work. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Commission’s work so far, including how the latest research plans fit into the Commission’s strategy and how you can let state leaders know that most effective way to increase access to care for low-income Georgians is to close Georgia’s coverage gap. 

You can watch a recording of the November 14^th meeting here.

Ernst & Young’s project plan to support the CHCC

The CHCC is tasked with providing the Governor and General Assembly with recommendations for opportunities to improve access and coverage for low income and uninsured Georgians by December 2026. EY will support the creation of these recommendations by researching Georgia’s existing health coverage landscape and identifying opportunities to address gaps and improve services.  Their plan is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Increasing Coverage Options for Uninsured Low-Income Georgians

1. Environmental Scan and Research:
   1. Identify effective coverage strategies from ten states and assess existing policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at increasing coverage.
2. Impact Analysis of Coverage Options:
   1. Based on the findings from those 10 states, EY will conduct an impact analysis on three state coverage models. The analysis will consider the implications of both financial and health outcomes. 
   2. EY will summarize the findings for the Commission to use as guidance for their recommendations.

Phase 2: Improving Quality and Coordination of Service Delivery

1. Service Coordination Review:
   1. Analysis of how Georgia’s Medicaid beneficiaries interact with various state agencies to identify gaps in service delivery.
   2. Based on the identified gaps, EY will recommend improvements to state agency coordination to improve administrative efficiency and health outcomes for beneficiaries.
2. Final Report and Recommendations:
   1. EY will use the insights gained from both phases to compile their final report to the Commission. The final report will include recommendations for expanding coverage and improving care coordination. 

Key Takeaways from Commission Members’ Feedback to EY

Commission members emphasized several priorities for EY’s analysis, including the need to incorporate existing research and engage directly with individuals most impacted by the coverage gap. Members also stressed the importance of gathering insights from a broad range of stakeholders, including those serving vulnerable populations and individuals who may not currently interact with health programs.

There was a shared interest in ensuring that EY’s recommendations focus on more than financial considerations, with members underscoring the need to measure how expanded coverage impacts access to care and health outcomes for underserved communities. The Cover Georgia coalition looks forward to seeing how future discussions will shape EY’s work to align with these priorities and lead to comprehensive, actionable recommendations.

Curious to learn more about the Commission members? Head over to our first recap blog for an introduction to the Commission.

Next Steps for the CHCC and EY

EY is preparing to launch its data-gathering phase, which includes conducting interviews with key stakeholders and analyzing health coverage strategies from up to 10 other states. This review will focus specifically on initiatives and programs designed to expand access to affordable coverage, such as Medicaid expansions, marketplace innovations, and state-funded assistance programs. The next CHCC meeting is expected in December, but a date has yet to be set.

How You Can Get Involved

Your voice is critical as the CHCC works to close Georgia’s health coverage gap. Cover Georgia’s petition offers a way for you to share your personal health care story with the state leaders. Whether you’ve struggled with gaps in coverage, experienced delays in accessing care, or faced tough choices due to medical bills, your story matters. 

By establishing the CHCC, Georgia’s lawmakers have acknowledged the need for a solution to the state’s health insurance coverage gap. This is an important first step, and it signals their willingness to explore meaningful change. Now, it’s up to all of us to ensure that our voices are heard as the state considers solutions. Sharing your experiences and priorities can help shape policies that address the barriers faced by low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Georgians. 

By signing the petition, you add your voice to a growing call for change and highlight the urgent need for affordable health coverage. Together, we can turn this foundation into real action to close the coverage gap and bring affordable health care within reach for everyone in our state.

Already signed? Consider signing up for updates from Cover Georgia and share this blog with your network to amplify the movement for better health care options in our state.