The Affordable Healthcare act was signed into law, to help those that could not afford insurance, were not offered insurance by their employers, or did not qualify for medicaid to be able to get the healthcare they needed. This was done by making insurance more affordable, providing tax related assistance for getting insurance, and adjusting the Medicaid program to allow for eligibility for everyone in need.

However many states, such as the state of Georgia have refused to expand their medicaid program providing reasons such as; costs to the state, the financial condition of the federal government, and the reduction of federal funding after 3 years.

This issue effects over 650,000 low income residents in the state of Georgia who cannot afford medical insurance, and do not qualify for medicaid under the current restrictions of the state's program. The reasoning provided by Governor Nathan Deal are non-existent, and here is why:

• The Federal Government covers 100% of the cost of 3 years 
• After the first three years the state is only responsible for 10% of the cost for the expansion to continue
• The Federal Deficit has shown a decline in recent years showing a stronger and more stable financial foundation for the program.

The Solution:

Expand the Medicaid program under the tenants of the Affordable Healthcare act to include all residents who would qualify under its guidance. 

Why we need to do this:

 Our nation suffers from a ridiculously large number of uninsured citizens, from the disabled, retired elderly, job seeking youth, and low income workers who are unable to afford insurance, and do not qualify for government aid.  

Our taxes already fund the Medicaid program as a social service designed to meet the needs of the nation, a service that in the recent years has not been used as it was intended. 

This would allow for low income households that currently do not qualify for medicaid and cannot afford health insurance to be able to get the yearly medical care they need. Care such as; standard checkups, physicals, shots, needed medications, screening for cancer and disease, and more that insured Americans may take for granted. 

This plan effects everyone. A job can be lost at any moment, leaving someone without employer provided healthcare or the funds to pay their premiums, those looking for jobs or unable to work still need to be able to get the care they need, and deserve a chance at a healthier life. 

Hospitals are required to treat patients, regardless of whether they have insurance. However hospitals are not equipped for general checkups, discussing long term health concerns and preventative actions and treatments, or prescribing daily medications that may be needed for a variety of mild to serious conditions. Certain outpatient treatments may not be possible due to no insurance or the lack of an ability to pay. 

Why this affects EVERYONE:

Medicaid is a social service designed to be there in the event you are unable to afford your own health insurance or healthcare. Anything can happen that could result in being unable to keep your current healthcare plan, job loss or decrease/loss of income. 

Our Medicaid system is a fallback, there for us to be able to use and continue to get the healthcare we need until such a time that we are able to financially afford our own insurance or care. 

Without this safety net it puts everyone at risk of missing out on needed medical care, and checkups that could save lives. 

Medicaid is YOUR safety net, you pay for it with your taxes every year, and you have the right to be able to use it when all other options are not available. Members of my family do not qualify for medicaid, they do not make enough to afford insurance, but make too much to be able to get tax credits towards the insurance. They are forced to pay tax on medicaid and medicare, and additional tax for not having insurance, on a program that they are denied solely by the state from using.

We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with some of the best available treatments, practices, and care options out there. It is irresponsible of Governor Nathan Deal, and other state government bodies to deny us access to a service we have already paid for time and time again.

This petition, is to pressure the State of Georgia to do what is right by its residents, open the program and allow those that absolutely need the program to be able to use it. Give us back that safety net, that we are forced to pay for whether we need it or not.

Governor Nathan Deal cannot affect the outcomes in other states, but let our state be a beacon to others that also refuse. This is our service, our program, our money, and our medical needs and even lives. Stop denying us what is rightfully ours in every sense of the phrase.

I Encourage you to sign, and to get others to sign. Even if you have coverage, sign for the day that may come when you do not, sign for the family members that do not make enough or are still looking for work. Sign for those that are disabled but unable to be covered by medicare or medicaid under certain state regulations.

If the state still denies us, then we need new leaders, who will strive for our best interests.