DCHNOW: a quick look around, 40729

Week of July 5, 2011
Welcome to DCHNOW: the latest news from across the agency, articles on timely topics and updates about what is going on in the organization. Consider this one of your major stops for news on anything DCH. We're happy to have you visit our site and if you would like to give us feedback on anything you find in DCHNOW, please email: dchnow@dch.ga.gov.
Week of July 5, 2011
Week of June 27, 2011 | Week of June 20, 2011 | Week of June 13, 2011 | Previous Issues
A Time of Change | Get Healthy, Stay Healthy | E-Cigarettes | Reinventing Medicaid Online
About DCHNOW....and Looking Ahead
With the very recent transition from DCH's Division of Public Health to the new Department of Public Health, DCHNOW will focus on issues specific to DCH, including Medicaid, the State Health Benefit Plan, Health Facility Regulation and others. With this edition of DCHNOW, we herald a new beginning with periodic features like "From the Commissioner" and the "ASKDCH Mailbox." Some members on our editorial staff have moved to Public Health and we wish them well as they launch PHWeek. For those who want the latest Public Health news, we encourage you to subscribe to PHWeek by contacting Connie F. Smith at cfsmith@dhr.state.ga.us. So stay tuned, there's a whole lot more to come.
From the Commissioner: A Time of Change

As the 2011 fiscal year draws to a close and the new Department of Public Health stands up as an independent agency, DCHNOW talked with DCH Commissioner David Cook on the eve of these significant transitions. Here are some highlights from that conversation. Read more
It Pays to Get Healthy, Stay Healthy Making the Most of Your State Health Benefit Plans
Did you know you can earn extra Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) dollars for making efforts to improve your overall health? That's right, if you are in the HRA Option, you and your spouse (if covered) can each earn a $125 dollar credit for receiving your annual physical and taking your health assessment. These dollar credits will be put into your HRA account to reduce your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum and use for covered medical expenses. Read more
E-Cigarettes: A Smoker's Alternative?
Do e-cigarettes really improve the health of your lungs or help you kick the habit as a smoker? For those new to the term, electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes") are products designed to deliver nicotine or other substances in the form of vapor. They are composed of a rechargeable, battery-operated heating element, a replaceable cartridge that may contain nicotine or other chemicals, and an atomizer, that when heated converts the contents of the cartridge into a vapor for inhaling. E-cigarettes come in flavors including strawberry, chocolate and mint and can be purchased online and in shopping malls. Read more
The Four-Second Rule Reinventing Medicaid's Online Home

Do you want to keep someone engaged with your website? According to experts, you only have four seconds to connect with them.
When you have important information to impart, you've got to grab the viewer at first glance. That's the challenge Hettie Smith, DCH Webmaster, faced when assessing the Georgia Medicaid section on the DCH website. Read more