Update 18 SB 507 Support

[Guest guest]

Dearest Advocates:

I wanted to give you an update from yesterday’s vote in the Senate-

SB 507 passed UNANIMOUSLY! Now the bill goes to Senate Rules Committee. Thank you to everyone that acted quickly and helped in this process.

I have received a couple of emails from therapists stating why we asking for the prior authorizations to change from 3 to 6 months right now when it is already being administrated that way. The reason is because we want to make this “official” and make sure DCH holds to this process. This definitely helps with less burdensome paperwork for the therapist and families.

In addition- the difference between this bill and HB 549 is that it has EPSDT language in there which help supports all the services our children need under the Medicaid program. This is a lot bigger of an issue in Georgia than I can write about at this time- but it needs to happen! In addition, it looks like we currently / possibly have Governor Perdue’s support in this bill!

Also- please take a moment to thank Senator Dan Moody dan.moody@...) for his efforts in getting this bill prepared and put on the agenda yesterday. Without our legislators support, we would not be making the process we are making to help our children in Georgia.

Will keep you posted on our next advocacy step.

Have a great weekend,

Heidi

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Yesterday’s Newsletter # 18 E-mail:

Dearest Advocates:

We need your help NOW. Senator Moody’s bill (SB 507) is being reviewed by committee TODAY at 1:00pm (I just found out myself). The bill is on Prior authorization for therapy, notice provisions and Medical necessity.

At this point we do not have the votes to pass it confirmed. We need

parents to call their legislators or e-mail them and tell them they support this

bill which will:

1. Extend the time period for prior authorization from 3 months to 6 months;

2. Ensure Medicaid (DCH) fulfills the notice provisions for denial (exactly what

service the child is being denied and why)

3. And defines Medical necessity straight from the Medicaid statute.

In other words, the bill supports the intent of EPSDT.

The Senators on the committee that need input from parents and providers include the following:

Sen. Unterman

Sen. Greg Goggans

Sen. Don Balfour

Sen. Lee Hawkins

Sen. Judson Hill

Sen. Preston

Sen. Horacena Tate

Sen. Wiles

renee.unterman@..., greg.goggans@..., don.balfour@..., lee.hawkins@..., judson.hill@..., preston.smith@..., horacena.tate@..., john.wiles@...

You can cut and paste the above list and send your email message now!

This will make a huge difference for our children and the therapy services they are receiving and supporting the providers that are Medicaid providers. SB 507 is even better than HB 549.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL NOW and write the above State Senators. We need to continue to educate those that don’t understand why this is needed! Please help our children!

UNITED - WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Sincerely,

Heidi J. (Proud Mother to - 8 years old with Down syndrome & - 6 years old) For more information about how Heidi can help you maximize your child's potential, please go to www.heidijmoore.com "Help The Children Now, So They Can Help Themselves Later!" The material contained in this e-mail is for general information only. It is not intended in any way to provide or offer legal advice. To obtain legal advice, please consult with your attorney or a qualified legal representative. For previous advocacy email's, please go to the following website: http://www.lgtinc.org/authors/41/Heidi-J.-. To see how you can advocate for your child go to www.kidshealthcarega.org.