GCSA: Emergency Measures Consistent with COVID-19 for Georgia
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse Supports Emergency Measures Consistent with COVID-19 for Georgia
Calls on Governor Kemp to Support These Life Saving Policies
The over 800,000 Georgians in recovery from Substance Use Disorder face serious challenges during the COVID-19 health care national emergency.
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse on behalf of the Georgia recovery community, ask Governor Brian Kemp to continue to take transformational action to remove barriers to COVID-19 testing and treatment, promote continuity of care for Americans with serious health conditions, and waive rules that require in-person interactions that promote community spread of COVID-19.
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse urges Governor Brian Kemp to enact emergency measures consistent with COVID-19 legislation passed by Congress and allowed by the Trump Administration which allows for increased funding for public health services, including taking advantage of newly available federal funding, and to consider additional critical measures that will help protect people with pre-existing conditions, given their greater risk of adverse health outcomes during this pandemic.
Governor Brian Kemp has already taken many transformational and decisive steps. We are grateful that the General Assembly responded to Governor Brian Kemp’s historic request to increase the Governor’s Emergency Fund by $100 million in the amended fiscal year 2020 budget for COVID-19 response efforts.
We also appreciate Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King urging health insurers to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and allow for in-network rates in cases where an out-of-network provider is the only option. Commissioner John King’s instructions to insurers not to cancel health insurance policies of those who miss payments “until further notice” and not to cancel business policies for missed payments for the next 60 days tremendously relieve businesses and citizens facing unprecedented economic distress. These actions are building blocks for the additional steps.
The Georgia Council on Substance Supports:
Free testing regardless of diagnosis
It is critical that anyone who needs diagnostic testing related to COVID-19 is able to receive testing at no cost. As authorized in H.R. 6201, this option is now available to states and can be covered 100% with federal funding.
Access to COVID-19 treatment and vaccine with no cost-sharing
Further, we recognize that after diagnosis, patients may be liable for substantial costs related to their quarantine and treatment. Fear of encountering high costs could keep those who have been exposed or infected with the COVID-19 virus from seeking the care they need – potentially perpetuating the spread of this deadly virus. The increased FMAP in H.R. 6201 includes that states must offer treatment, including vaccine and specialized care, with no cost sharing. We urge Governor Kemp to quickly accept the increased funds and implement this provision.
Maximize the ability of patients to access care via telemedicine
Telemedicine has the potential to offer individuals and families access to health care services from the safety of their own home. The state should expand access to and availability of, telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that patients with pre-existing conditions can easily access health care expertise while simultaneously practicing safe social distancing technology in more situations and settings.
Ensure access to sufficient supplies of essential medications and medical products
Insurance plan restrictions on how often a patient can refill prescription or purchase essential medical supplies may put a person at risk. Limitations on refills can require frequent trips to a physical pharmacy location, needlessly putting patients at risk of COVID-19 exposure while attempting to pick up their supplies. Georgia should follow the recommendations of the CDC to secure an appropriate amount of backup supplies of essential medications and medical products.
State-regulated commercial coverage
As Congress continues to work to address federally-regulated insurance coverage, we urge all states to take swift action to ensure those who purchase coverage through a state-regulated plan are protected.
Protect patients from surprise bills
Protecting consumers from medical debt is of critical importance. We urge Governor Kemp to prohibit surprise bills from out-of-network providers for treatment for COVID-19.
This financial protection should include all providers, settings, and insurance types to ensure that everyone who needs testing and treatment is able to receive timely and affordable care. Fear of surprise bills should not keep patients and consumers away from care during this critical time.
Governor Brian Kemp is a Recovery Champion. Governor Brian Kemp has been there for the Georgia recovery community and we appreciate his steadfast support and leadership. The Georgia Council on Substance stands ready to work with Governor Brian Kemp as he leads during this historic state and national emergency.
For Additional Information: Jeff Breedlove 404-615-5735
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