Georgia Department of Community Health

05/11/2026

The State Health Benefit Plan Open Enrollment and Retiree Option Change Period ends Friday, November 6. If you are an active SHBP member or retiree, there is still time to make your health benefit selection for 2027. Active members: https://shbp.georgia.gov/enrollment/open-enrollment. Retirees: https://shbp.georgia.gov/enrollment/retiree-option-change-period

03/11/2026

This year’s National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) Fall Conference brought together Medicaid leaders, health plans, and federal partners to discuss key policy developments, exchange insights, and explore the future of state Medicaid programs.

Held at the Ga***rd National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, this year’s conference marked a special milestone for DCH’s Stuart Portman, who attended his first NAMD conference as board president. Portman serves as executive director of DCH’s Medical Assistance Plans (MAP) Division. MAP Executive Director of Eligibility and Enrollment, Rebecca Dugger, also shared at the conference.

Photos: National Association of Medicaid Directors

02/11/2026

Mark your calendar! NOSORH and DCH invite you to celebrate the on November 19 for . Our State Office of Rural Health (SORH) is proud to support efforts that strengthen rural communities and improve access to quality health care across Georgia. Together, we can recognize the people, partnerships and programs making a difference in rural health!

Join the nationwide celebration and find ways to get involved at powerofrural.org.

02/11/2026

DCH is hosting the third meeting of the GREAT Health Advisory Council on Nov. 5th at 1:00pm. Learn more and register to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89831630427?pwd=mMfJyKFIHuquGgi2VoCM5D2TigZoB3.1

30/10/2026

Healthy Georgia Check-In: What does a healthy community look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us what makes a community healthy and connected.

28/10/2026

October is a reminder to prioritize your breast health and take steps toward early detection.

Know your risk. Know your family history. Talk with your health care provider about recommended screenings, and don’t ignore changes in your breasts. Early detection can make a difference. Encourage yourself and someone you love to make breast health a priority.

28/10/2026

The State Health Benefit Plan released Invitations for Proposals for Regional Medical and Statewide Medical Third-Party Administrator services. Click here for more information.

State Health Benefit Plan Releases Invitations for Proposals for Two Medical Procurements

27/10/2026

State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) Executive Director Louis Amis recently joined the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia's “TRS Talks” podcast to discuss important updates for SHBP members.

With open enrollment underway, Louis shared insights on 2027 health plan updates, prescription drug coverage, wellness benefits, and key information members and retirees need to know as they make decisions about their health coverage for the year ahead.

Watch the full episode to hear what’s new and get informed ahead of 2027!

Are you ready for Open Enrollment? Join us for "TRS Talks" with Lou...

21/10/2026

Ever wondered what a healthcare facility surveyor actually does?

Healthcare facility surveyors with the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division work in the field to help ensure healthcare facilities are meeting standards designed to protect the people they serve.

That can mean:
🔎 Reviewing medical records and facility documentation
🗣️ Interviewing residents, families and staff
🏥 Observing the quality and safety of care
📋 Investigating complaints and potential deficiencies
🤝 Working with facility leadership to address concerns
📝 Documenting findings and completing detailed reports

But behind the regulations and reports are real people who care deeply about the work.
Some of our DCH surveyors, Keisha Payne-Holloway, Latisha Bolden, Mika Adams and Mike Vongvilay, shared what it’s like to do this important work and what they wish everyone knew about the role.

Their message is clear: Surveyors aren’t simply looking for what’s wrong. They’re looking at the bigger picture and working to promote compliance, safety, quality of care and better outcomes for Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.

What surprised you most about what healthcare facility surveyors do?

20/10/2026

DCH ON THE ROAD!
September was a busy month for DCH leaders as they traveled across the state to connect, collaborate and share updates on programs impacting Georgia communities.

From visiting the Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Community Health (Macon) and the Rural Development Council (Blue Ridge), to the Rural Health Association Conference (St. Simons Island), leadership got the chance to engage with providers, legislators, community partners and other stakeholders.