Committee advances bill to move foster children from managed-care CMOs to fee-for-service Medicaid The committee voted to advance HB 1002, which would transfer foster-care medical coverage from care management organizations to fee-for-service Medicaid upon contract expiration or renewal. Supporters said it would reduce administrative barriers; state health officials warned prior authorization and enrollment rules remain in either system.

A new bill aims to shift Georgia's foster children's medical coverage back to fee-for-service Medicaid, potentially cutting delays and improving access to essential care.

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#GA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaFosterCare #ChildWellbeing #HealthAccess

Committee approves pilot to screen and serve foster children for autism The House Judiciary Juvenile Committee unanimously approved HB 943, creating a multi-region pilot to screen, evaluate and treat foster children for autism spectrum disorder and requiring periodic reporting on implementation and effectiveness.

A groundbreaking bill has been approved to enhance screening and treatment for foster children with autism, addressing an urgent need in Georgia's child welfare system.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaFosterCare #AutismScreening #ChildWelfare #HealthAccess

Hearing on HB 1002 spotlights foster-care medical-management concerns and possible move from managed care Representative Camp introduced HB 1002 to change how medical services for children in foster care are managed; speakers, including former legislator and foster parent Mike Dudgeon, argued managed-care contractors have struggled with authorizations and continuity and urged exploring fee-for-service options pending a fiscal note.

A new bill aims to overhaul medical services for Georgia's foster children, addressing the urgent need for accessible care amid a troubling managed-care system.

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#GA #AccessToCare #ManagedCareReform #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaFosterCare #ChildHealthcare

Committee advances amendment to HB256, agrees to revisit bill language on caregiver definitions The Judiciary juvenile committee heard HB256, a foster-parent bill of rights substitute, approved an amendment clarifying references to foster home approval (not licensure), debated whether to broaden protections to 'foster placements,' and agreed to table the measure for further drafting and legislative-council review.

A groundbreaking amendment to the foster parent bill of rights is making waves, aiming to enhance protections and support for caregivers while addressing critical legal concerns.

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#GA #ChildWelfare #LegislativeReform #FosterParentRights #GeorgiaFosterCare #CitizenPortal

Foster Care Leaders Urge Action Amid Georgia's Insurance Crisis Impacting Child Welfare Insurance costs soaring for child placing agencies threaten care for thousands of Georgia children.

Georgia's foster care system is on the brink of collapse as skyrocketing insurance premiums threaten the future of thousands of vulnerable children.

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#GA #GeorgiaFosterCare #CitizenPortal #InsuranceReform #ChildWelfare

Julie Wysotsky shares experience in adoption law at committee meeting Julie Wysotsky discusses her 30-year legal career focusing on adoption law.

Experts are rallying for reform in Georgia's foster care and adoption systems, with attorney Julie Wysotsky leading the charge to amplify the voices of families in need.

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#GA #GeorgiaFosterCare #CitizenPortal #AdoptionReform #FamilySupport #ChildWelfare

Georgia lawmakers advance Foster Care Scholarship Act for youth education funding The act provides comprehensive scholarships for Georgia youth transitioning from foster care.

Georgia is paving the way for a brighter future as lawmakers advance the Foster Care Scholarship Act, empowering young adults transitioning from foster care with comprehensive funding for their education and living expenses.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaFosterCare

Georgia Senate Committee approves amendment for foster children scholarship eligibility Committee amends promise scholarship accounts to include biological and adopted children of foster parents.

Georgia's Senate Bill 152 could transform the educational futures of foster children by expanding scholarship eligibility, but will it spark the support needed to pass?

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#GA #CitizenPortal #PolicyReform #EducationAccess #GeorgiaFosterCare #ChildSupport

Georgia faces funding crisis for group homes amid federal policy changes States face funding challenges for group homes due to federal policy changes and resource limitations.

Georgia's foster care system is on the brink as lawmakers confront a funding crisis that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

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#GA #FundingChallenges #FamilyBasedCare #GeorgiaFosterCare #CitizenPortal #ChildWelfare