Health Care Policy Brief #1

Media Releases

Effective State Exchange Key to Lower Health Costs for Georgia Consumers

Georgia PIRG Education Fund

Atlanta– Georgia policy-makers can address rising health care costs by implementing an effective health insurance exchange, according to the first in a new series of policy briefs released today by consumer advocacy group Georgia PIRG. 

“Georgia leaders have the flexibility to craft an exchange that enhances choice and competition,” said Stephanie Ali, Georgia PIRG’s Program Associate. “We hope to inform that process and ensure that the public interest is protected.”

Today’s brief, which is the first in a series of seven that the organization plans to release, details steps policy-makers can take to ensure that the exchange is accountable to the public and operates in the best interests of consumers and businesses.

“To succeed, this new health insurance marketplace must be run by and for Georgia businesses and consumers, not by and for the insurance lobby,” said Ali.

The remainder of the series will focus on creating an optimal state health insurance exchange, where consumers and small businesses can pool their buying power to leverage greater efficiency and lower health costs from insurers.

According to Ali, “States from Utah and Massachusetts have embraced the idea of competitive exchanges. We here in Georgia need to put the politics behind us and work together to rein in rising health care costs.”