The Georgia Department Of Community Health 
A SNAPSHOT OF 
Initiatives for FY 2008 
 
Medicaid Transformation 
In 2006, the state of Georgia transitioned approximately 80 percent of the Medicaid population into Georgia Families, a managed care program through which health care services are delivered to members of Medicaid and PeachCare for KidsTM. The program is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and private Care Management Organizations (CMO) to ensure accessible and quality health care services for all of the Medicaid managed care members. By providing a choice of health plans, Georgia Families allows members to select a health care plan that fits their needs. In FY 2008, DCH will continue these efforts. 
Health Care Consumerism 
Consumerism in health care means that individuals should have greater control over decisions affecting their health care. The DCH is promoting health care consumerism through a number of programs, including the Health Information Technology and Transparency initiative and the new consumer directed health plans that are offered to State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) members. 
Financial Integrity 
The Financial Integrity initiative continues to focus on the DCH completing clean audit opinions on financial statements and appropriately managing departmental finances. 
Health Improvement 
The DCH is committed to promoting and improving the quality of health in underserved and targeted populations. Separate initiatives are geared toward improving the health of the medically underserved, men, woman and minorities by developing strategies, public policy recommendations and programs, including community outreach, health system viability and public/private partnerships that are designed to create awareness of the benefits of early detection and screening, healthy lifestyle practices and disease management. 
Solutions for the Uninsured 
Approximately 47 million Americans are uninsured, which includes, more than 1.7 million Georgians. The DCH is dedicated to providing access to quality, affordable health care services through programs such as the Georgia Volunteer Health Care Program and the State Office of Rural Health. Recent efforts include pursuing an 1115 Waiver to create a health insurance partnership with small businesses to provide affordable insurance products to their employees. 
Medicaid Program Integrity 
In FY 2008, the DCH, through the Office of the Inspector General, is dedicated to safeguarding DCH from 
 
2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 w www.dch.georgia.gov 
 
December 2007 
 
 DCH Initiatives for FY 2008 
risk, both internally and externally. The Office will continue to collaborate with local, state and federal agencies to prevent, detect and pursue fraud and abuse. 
Workforce Development 
The staff at the DCH's is our most valuable resource. In FY 2008, DCH is committed to maximizing each employee through effective human resource management practices, and developmental and educational training. 
PeachCare for KidsTM Program Stability 
PeachCare for KidsTM is Georgia's version of the federal Children's Health Insurance Program that provides health care coverage for children whose parent's income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who do not have access to affordable private insurance. In FY 2008, the Georgia Department of Community Health is committed to working with the Governor's Office and Congress to ensure that the program is adequately funded. 
State Health Benefit Plan Evolution 
SHBP provides health insurance coverage to state employees, school system employees, retirees and their dependents. In FY 2008, SHBP will focus on health care consumerism through the offering of two new consumer driven health plan options, a relatively new and innovative approach in health care benefits, to all eligible SHBP members. 
Customer Service and Communication 
The DCH recognizes the importance of good customer service and regular, communication with members, providers, media and the public. In FY 2008, DCH is committed to Governor Sonny Perdue's goal to make Georgia the best managed state in the United States by training all DCH employees on internal and external customer service best practices, and increasing and improving our communication with internal and external audiences.