Sens. Ossoff and Warnock previously called for approval of the new GA-AIDE program to expand healthcare coverage for Georgians
Washington, D.C. – US Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced a historic expansion of family healthcare in Georgia.
Following the lead of Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the “GA-AIDE” proposal to invest more than $300 million in the health care systems of Grady Health and Augusta University to improve access to quality care for Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.
The new programs focus on strengthening pediatric and maternal care, preventing and reducing the impact of chronic diseases, improving access to screening and preventive healthcare, and addressing systemic healthcare inequalities.
“Senator Warnock and I have made tackling health inequalities, particularly for minority communities, a top priority and called on Georgia’s health system to address these challenges head-on with innovative ideas.” said Senator Ossoff. “GA-AIDE is taking an important step to meet this challenge.”
“I am pleased that the government has heeded our call to expand access to healthcare for vulnerable Georgians.” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The federal government’s investment in Grady Health and Augusta University’s health care systems will significantly improve child and maternal health, facilitate substance abuse treatment, and strengthen health care facilities that have been working to manage the pandemic. I am proud to have fought alongside Senator Ossoff in this important victory for Georgia families.”
“We are pleased that Senators Ossoff and Warnock’s thoughtful leadership in fostering innovation within the Medicaid program has paid off with the approval of GA-AIDE.” said John M. Haupert, President and CEO of Grady Health System. “GA-AIDE will enable Grady to improve care for the community we serve by allowing us to continue investing in critical areas where Georgia is lagging far behind, such as access to behavioral health services, cancer screening and outcomes in maternal and child health. These improvements will help ensure our patients continue to receive the high quality of care they deserve.”
“Part of our mission as the state’s academic medical center is to serve the entire population of Georgia. I am grateful for the support of Senators Ossoff and Warnock and thank them for reaching out to CMS and for helping us achieve this goal.” said dr Brooks A. Keel, President of Augusta University and interim CEO of Augusta University Health Center. “This program will allow us, as a safety net hospital, to leverage innovations that transform care and improve health equity. Ultimately, this will better enable us to fulfill our mission while improving the quality of care for all Georgians.”
This is the latest step in Sens. Ossoff and Warnock’s efforts to expand access to health care and improve health outcomes for Georgians across the state, particularly in underserved communities.
In January, Senator Ossoff called on the Department of Health and Human Services to help low-income Americans get to their doctor’s appointments and expand transportation options for recipients.
Last year Sens. Ossoff and Warnock raised $306 million to support more than 1,500 hospitals, clinics and physician offices in rural Georgia.
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