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Health & Fitness

Senate Dems Criticize Deal's Refusal of State Exchange

Senate Dems React With Criticism to Deal's Decision Refusing State Exchange

Fort says Deal ignored blue ribbon panel recommendations

  The Senate Democrats were quick to respond with sharp criticism over Gov. Nathan Deal's unilateral decision refusing to participate in the state health care exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

"It is unfortunate that the Governor has chosen to put politics over the needs of Georgians. He has ignored his own blue ribbon panel's recommendation to include state health care exchanges," said Sen. Vincent Fort, whip of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

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Deal's characterization of the health care exchanges as a one-size-fits-all contradicts the reality that we are sacrificing any impact the state of Georgia may have in how our exchange is set up, Fort said.

"Regardless of his decision not to set up the exchanges, we urge him to proceed with the expansion of Medicaid so thousands more Georgians can have access to health care, including children and families caring for aging parents," Fort said.

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Thousands of Georgians are without health insurance. The costs associated with this are widespread. Most insured individuals pay around $1,300 every year to defray the costs of those without insurance. The cost to businesses is great and it takes a negative toll on our state economy.###

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