Call to Action: State Health Plan, State of Georgia Residents

As many of you may be aware all state employees do not have any coverage under their current insurance plan for weight loss surgery.  The state has been considering adding the benefit back into the plan.  However, with all the budget cuts that continue to happen each year the consideration for surgery in 2009s contract are looking grim.  Right now it is on hold, but this is how all of us can make a difference.  We have a voice in our government.  The more voices and people who complain the more likely they are to see this as a real issue.  I need everyone’s help.  It doesn't matter if you work for the state or not, we are state residents.  I am urging everyone to take a few minutes to compile a letter to Governor Sonny Perdue's office or call their office to express the need to add this benefit for state employees in 2009.  It can still be changed.

You can contact him by email at this link:  When choosing the category put:  Insurance Issues - Health
http://gov.georgia.gov/00/gov/contact_us/0,2657,78006749_948 20188,00.html
Office # is 404-656-1776.

We need everyone to voice their concerns about no coverage to get this changed.  Please help me in this effort! 

WOO HOO!!!!! 

I'm going thru the process for WLS now.  I am a Georgia state employee working for the Cobb County School system in metro Atlanta.  I was planning on submitting to insurance, getting my denial, sending out a letter to Sonny Perdue, John Oxendine, the head of the dept of community health (she's responsible for the health plan), the Cobb County superentendent, the head of Cobb County HR, and a few state representatives who head health and insurance committees.  I have my awesome letter already written...but if people are going to do this now, I will send out my letter a little early, before denial.  Guess that would make sense, they would have to do this before open enrollment which starts October 10th (I think).  After mailing all of those people, I was going to hire an attorney.  But if you think it has a shot...

I sure as heck would have no problem waiting until Jan 09 for surgery...

-Elli

Yes, go ahead and send what you have.  We have to keep on them.  So many people don't end up calling or writing.  We need everyone to get on them.  In the program I work with now, we get 3 to 5 calls a day from state employees about surgery.  I'm starting to tell all of them to call too.

Wonderful!  I'm sure that it will help!

I told him the fact that gastric bypass cures type 2 diabetes and the money and lives saved from that is enough to include it in the plan.
Sherie

Awesome!  Every call and letter will help so much!  I've been having anyone who calls our program with the state plan call  in.

i just printed out and stuck in envelopes all my letters...

Sonny Perdue

John Oxendine

Dr. Rhonda Medows (she's the Commissioner for the GA Dept of Community Health - the head of the insurance)

Senator Ralph T. Hudgens, the Chairman of the State Senate Insurance & Labor committee

Senator Don R. Thomas, the Chairman of the State Senate Health & Human Svc committee

Representative Tom Knox, the Chairman of the State House Insurance Committee     

Representative Sharon Cooper, the Chairman of the State House Health & Human Svc committee

The superintendent of my school system, the chief human resource person for my school system, and my 2 district state representatives.

Did I miss anyone?
-Elli

Elli,

That is great!  I gave out this handout at my support group this week.  We are really trying to make sure they know this is an issue.  Thanks for your help!