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Helping the Uninsured
One of our state’s greatest healthcare concerns is the large number of uninsured Georgians. Statistics estimate 1.7 million Georgians are without insurance. Many of these uninsured individuals and families rely on hospital emergency rooms to provide treatment. Hospitals cannot afford to be a primary healthcare provider, nor are they the location where the medical needs of our citizens should be served.
The private sector has already responded to this need. Convenient clinics have opened at many locations across Georgia. These clinics make healthcare, wellness, and prevention programs accessible and affordable. Insurance is accepted, but for those without insurance or who prefer to pay these costs out of pocket, a clear price list for services is posted. The private sector has established a program that is affordable and accessible. Our state should learn from these clinics.
Safety Net Clinics
In 2005, the Georgia Volunteer Health Care Program was established and in 2007, I worked to continue the support of this program and establish more Safety Net Clinics across the state. My goal is to support local communities and hospitals in their efforts to divert indigent people away from emergency rooms to accessible clinics that will serve common health and wellness needs. Instead of costly emergency room visits, individuals can go to clinics that offer treatment for commonly diagnosed condition at no charge.
All the Safety Net Clinic programs across the state depend on dedicated healthcare providers who volunteer their time and services. Successful programs have a robust public-private partnership between a physician group, urgent care clinic, county medical association or hospital and a county health department or federally qualified health center.
When the economy sees a downturn, the need for Safety Net Clinic services only increase. Our state must continue to find ways to support these programs and eliminate needless restrictions that cost time and resources, which are better utilized for healthcare to those in need.
We Make It Easier for Volunteers
Recently, I have been working with the Georgia Medical Board and the Georgia Board of Dentistry for a rule change that will recognize the volunteer time of the doctors and dentists. For the hours a provider serves in a clinic, an appropriate amount of that time can count towards their required continuing education. Not only does this program make it mutually beneficial for healthcare providers to volunteer, but it also recognizes the great learning experiences that are available at a Safety Net Clinic. The Senate will also look at all programs that might assist with regulations and immunity provisions to assist clinics in saving money. Where appropriate the Senate will ask the Georgia General Assembly to make these changes to Georgia law.