MACON, Ga. — If you use Medicaid for health coverage or have a friend or loved one who does, you need to listen up. The state is reconsidering coverage for more than 2.5 million Georgians, and Atrium Health Navicent advises you to check your coverage status.
Eric Perez says his father had a heart attack. Now, the left side of his father's heart doesn't work. Perez says his father had Medicaid in New York, but since moving back to Georgia, he can't receive Medicaid since he has no young children.
"Now it's a matter of time before he dies, and I don't think that's right," Perez said.
Perez says his father is only 56, but since his heart attack, he's now out of work.
"He can't get disability unless he sees a doctor, but how is he supposed to see a doctor without Medicaid? Medications was $200 for each one and he's on multiple medications. It's hard to pay for them when you don't have an income," he said.
According to Carol Babcock, the Assistant VP for Healthy Communities and Virtual Health at Atrium Health Navicent, says before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid eligibility was checked each year, but during the crisis, more folks got put on Medicaid coverage, because of that, requirements were put on pause.
"There was a need for the government to step in and be able to give access to those who might not have the ability to get care for COVID," Babcock said.
Now, since things are pretty much back to normal, Georgia is checking once again to see if you qualify. So, who does Medicaid help?
Babcock says Medicaid covers folks who are low-income who may not have the ability to be eligible for private insurance.
"I think that Medicaid should be there for people who have no income and truly need the help -- 'life-or-death' situations," Perez said.
Babcock says what's most important is that you're proactive and that you make sure you update your contact information. Perez says he's on Medicaid and he's thankful for that since he has two small children.
"Their shots, the vaccines, for normal checkups, to dentists, to feeling sick and not knowing what's wrong -- there's a lot of things," he said.
Babcock says you can apply through the state or through the local Department of Family and Children Services. She says a lot of children are on Medicaid. Experts say it's important to check on your status now before you potentially lose your coverage.