Groups aim to get middle Georgia to sign up for health coverage

Officials want everyone to know — now is the time to get covered. 

“Living without health insurance is a dangerous proposition and there’s no reason why people have to now. Most, or all, of Georgia’s citizens can be covered,” State Representative Nikki Randall said.

She’s one of many trying to get the word out about taking advantage of the new affordable health care options. 

Randall along with officials from Get Covered America, local churches, and Community Health Works held a forum to hear from residents.

“It’s a community effort, it takes collaboration. Today was a conversation in the making with Maconites and the trusted partners to get the ball rolling and the conversation going about the next open enrollment period,” Dante McKay. 

According to Community Health Works, priority number one is helping those who don’t live in Atlanta. 

“We’re working primarily with rural counties outside of metro Atlanta because those are often the most under-served, hardest to reach, and have the highest rates of uninsured in Georgia,” Fred Ammons said. 

He’s the group’s CEO says navigators will begin training in early October, and will be ready to assist those getting through the healthcare.gov website when open enrollment comes in November. 

“I’m challenging all of my delegation members. All of us, trust me, all of us have some uninsured constituents regardless of your zip code,” Randall said. 

The entire group believes getting the word out through faith based organizations could provide a big boost.

“It’s important for not only a faith based side, but also as a doctor, a practicing doctor here locally, that we make this an important part of our agenda for the upcoming year,” Rev. Dr. Stephen Summerow said. 

Officials are encouraging anyone who’s interested in participating in partnering with Community Health Works to visit their website.