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Lt. Gov. pushing two health care initiatves
Casey Cagle
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has announced two healthcare initiatives: The Georgia Health Marketplace and the Healthcare Safety Net.   
“For too long, consumers have taken a back seat in choosing which healthcare to purchase. It’s time to move individuals into the driver’s seat and give Georgians the ability to purchase affordable, portable health insurance through a simplified free market system.
“Unfortunately, more and more Georgians are going without insurance and basic healthcare services. Seventy-one percent of the 1.7 million uninsured in Georgia are hardworking adults or their dependents. We must find ways to meet the healthcare needs of all Georgians,” Cagle said.
The Georgia Health Marketplace would create a clearinghouse of healthcare products available through a web-based system. Multiple insurers, physician groups and state subsidized plans will be represented and would provide a market to individuals and small business owners. Cagle believes the system coupled with newly offered products, along with the portability of the products, will produce real savings for the consumer.
The Healthcare Safety Net is a pilot program to triage indigent patients with non-emergency symptoms away from hospital emergency rooms and into more cost efficient clinics. Grants will be made available for five clinics to serve indigent patients. Services will be offered from among the 25 conditions most often seen in ERs as well as chronic disease treatment and prevention services.
More details regarding the plan will be forthcoming and citizens are encouraged to participate in the formation of the initiatives. Those who want to get engaged are encouraged to contact the Cagle’s office and offer feedback prior to the convening of the legislature in January.
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