June 27, 2007

Dearest Advocates:

I wanted to give you an update from yesterday's advocacy email.  Thanks to so many of you that forwarded to me additional information that could be sent out to everyone!

If you would like to post your comments on ABC's website regarding the segment Good Morning America aired yesterday entitled “Rocky Transition From Public Medicaid to Private HMO’s”…………  Here is the web link:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/comments?type=story&id=3314626&GMA=true

Let's keep up the pressure on getting something done about the system. Even if you are not affected by the CMO system, please remember that Aged, Blind and Disability populations were almost put into CMO's this legislative session but due to our advocacy efforts was taken out!

We all need to be good stewards of tax-payers $$$- and that's not happening with the CMO program.  Only through communicating what the real issues are and educating those around us………are we going to receive the necessary change needed in the Medicaid system! Please help and get involved!

In addition- for those that did not get a copy of the Wall Street Journals article, it can be found by going to:

http://biz.yahoo.com/wallstreet/070625/sb118254994081445264_id.html?.v=1

If you have comments regarding the WSJ’s article, they can be sent to the reporter, John Hechinger at john.hechinger@wsj.com

UNITED… WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Sincerely,

Heidi

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June 26, 2007

Dearest Advocates:

Today on Good Morning America-ABC National News, they did a story titled “Rocky Transition From Public Medicaid to Private HMO’s”.  As many of you are aware, this has been a very difficult time for families and providers in the Georgia Medicaid system.  Please take a moment to see the segment at:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=3314626&page=1

Also- if you could email ABC news letting them know about your personal struggles with the Medicaid system, that would be great. The more knowledgeable the general public becomes regarding the issues surrounding the Medicaid system…..The Better!  We need to do our part in educating those that don’t understand the system (including our legislators and the Governor).  ABC News specifically talked about Georgia’s Medicaid system.  I agree we need to be good stewards of taxpayers $$$, but we also have to take care of those that can’t take care of themselves!!!!! Including our precious children with disabilities.  ; ; ; ;

Please let our voices be heard…..”UNITED… WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”

Comments can be submitted to ABC via the following web link (only 500 characters so be brief and to the point):

http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?cat=Good%20Morning%20America

Education and building awareness of the issues is the key to success in making change in the overall Medicaid system! We as parents and providers must continue to help others understand the need for necessary services.  I do believe our children must be viewed as an INVESTMENT and NOT a Liability in Georgia!

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In addition- the Wall Street Journal had an article on the front page of their newspaper yesterday titled “'Mainstreaming' Trend Tests Classroom Goals”. Unfortunately, I was not able to pull the entire story from their website (you have to be a subscriber).  Here is the link for fyi:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118254994081445264-search.html?KEYWORDS=inclusion+education&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month

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I hope everyone is having a great summer.

I will be issuing additional information regarding the proposed changes to the Georgia Babies Can’t Wait Program and how you can get involved very shortly. Stay Tuned……….

Sincerely,

Heidi