ATLANTA  – As part of the joint Senate Appropriations subcommittee meeting series, the Community Health subcommittee and the Best Value in Government Task Force held a joint workshop yesterday at the Capitol to discuss agency reports, efficiencies, and cost savings for the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, Ga. Board of Physician Workforce, State Medical Education Board and Department of Community Health (DCH).  Senators Greg Goggans (R-Douglas) and Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) co-chaired the meeting.

“Today we’re exploring every tax dollar spent on healthcare to provide Georgians with the most essential programs,” said Sen. Goggans.  “By working with state government agencies, we can streamline efforts to provide effective and cost efficient healthcare for Georgians.” 

Each agency presented an overview of programs, efficiencies and cost savings that have been implemented.  The current budgets were submitted and several agencies were asked to provide further detailed information on particular programs or services.  Members of the committee focused on uncovering duplicated services and redundancies between agencies.

Some of the programs discussed today were Medicaid and the PeachCare program, all administered by the Department of Community Health (DCH).  Healthcare access for the underinsured and uninsured was also examined.

Additional joint workshops are scheduled through mid-December.  Topics for remaining meetings include human development, education and fiscal management.  The workshops are being held at the request of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, who has charged the Senate to proactively identify non-essential government services and maximize efficiency and value in our state government.

Senate Press Office