Close the Gap

Why Close the Gap?

BRIDGE Georgia fights for Georgians who would benefit from closing the healthcare coverage gap, including half a million people who would gain access to affordable insurance. Less than half of private-sector establishments in Georgia offer health insurance as a benefit, and Georgians who earn just above the federal poverty level do not qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private health insurance. This leaves many hardworking people–including veterans, farmers, food service workers, cashiers, construction workers, gig workers, and parents–in the coverage gap.

It is time for a solution. Georgia’s elected leaders must take vital steps to establish an innovative model that is uniquely Georgian and will strengthen our state’s economy and wellbeing.

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Here are some of the ways that Georgia would benefit from closing the gap:

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Advancing Fiscal Responsibility

Closing the gap lets us keep $3.6 billion of our federal tax dollars right here in Georgia rather than sending it to other states. Washington will pay 90 percent of the cost of closing the coverage gap plus provide $550 million, which our state can use however it wants. And, it would result in other state savings from child welfare to law enforcement, as well as generate around 65,000 new jobs.

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Supporting Rural Healthcare Access

Nine rural Georgia hospitals have closed over the past 14 years; as many as 18 more are now struggling and in danger of closing or dramatically reducing services because many patients can’t afford to pay for needed care. Closing the gap will help stabilize rural hospitals so they can continue to serve rural communities. It will also incentivize primary care providers and specialty doctors to practice in rural parts of our state, as many counties in Georgia don’t have a single doctor who is a pediatrician or obstetrician.
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Holding Down Premiums

Reducing the number of uninsured Georgians will reduce the impact of their healthcare costs on everyone else. For example, when more Georgians have access to preventive care, we can focus on decreasing the use of expensive emergency rooms for non-urgent issues. Data from other states with similar programs indicates that insurance premiums in Georgia could be at least 10 percent cheaper.
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Helping Mothers and Newborns

Our state has a high level of serious illness and deaths among uninsured mothers and their infants, including one of the country’s lowest maternal mortality rates with 33.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Health coverage will also prevent serious illnesses that have lifelong consequences, ensuring our kids enjoy healthier, childhoods.

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Addressing Mental Health Needs

Untreated mental illness can lead to crisis or crime. Closing the coverage gap will provide insurance coverage for needed mental health treatment, shifting the reliance away from already overburdened emergency rooms, jails, and prisons, which are currently serving as frontline mental health facilities and placing undue burden on local law enforcement. This will help us to build safer, stronger communities.

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COALITION INSIGHTS

What Leaders Are Saying

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network joined the Bridge Georgia Coalition because we know the best way to reduce the cancer burden is to give everyone access to quality, affordable health care. Patients need coverage to be able to screen for, detect, treat and survive cancer. Closing the coverage gap is vital to a better future for Georgia.”

Paul Hull, Vice President Regional Advocacy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network