Augusta, GA

What’s next as bill to lower medicine costs fails in the Senate

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2023

What’s next as bill to lower medicine costs fails in the Senate

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A failed Georgia invoice would have compelled the intermediary, employed by insurance coverage firms, to barter drug reductions and move these financial savings to you.

Small companies are apprehensive they will be unable to supply insurance coverage to their workers if premiums enhance.

We spoke with Georgia State Consultant Mark Newton about what occurred and the place we go from right here.

Newton says from the beginning, it’s at all times been about transparency, and till this invoice passes, the combat received’t cease.

No invoice? For large insurance coverage firms, it’s no downside.

“Pushback has at all times been from the insurers, particularly those which can be carefully related, even co-owned by a PBM,” he stated.

A PBM is a pharmacy profit supervisor. They act like a intermediary, negotiating decrease charges for prescriptions. However the issue is half of the financial savings they get to maintain for themselves.

Firms like Cigna, United Healthcare, and Aetna are only a few large healthcare firms carefully related to pharmacy profit managers. These within the Senate Well being and Human Providers Committee in opposition of the invoice argue if prescription prices go down, premiums will go up — hurting small companies attempting to afford well being care.

However Newton says premiums would solely go up seventy-five cents a month, and the financial savings for voters could be enormous.

“If I had been wiser, I might’ve had three quarters and simply put ‘em on the rostrum with me. I might’ve advised them, you’re gonna hear from others that premiums could enhance. I would like you to have a look at this similar stack of three-quarters,” he stated.

With overwhelming help within the Home, how did it not move out of a Senate committee?

State Senator Larry Walker, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance coverage, obtained the ball rolling.

“I’d prefer to make a movement to not move it,” stated Waker.

And what does Walker do for a residing? He owns an insurance coverage company.

Newton stated: “They’ve a robust curiosity in maintaining this different division of their firm worthwhile.”

Newton says it’s not simply in regards to the value of any prescription, however particularly, these name-brand prescriptions these with underlying situations must survive.

“Any of us may very well be on this state of affairs subsequent week, that our member of the family actually wanted a drugs that’s certainly one of these increased costs however extremely life-changing or lifesaving medicines,” he stated.

Newton says as they put together to go to bat for this invoice once more throughout subsequent 12 months’s legislative session, there shall be extra give attention to ensuring these against the invoice, absolutely perceive what the invoice does and battling misinformation.

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Augusta, GA

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

Published

2 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Harlem child was transfered to a local hospital after shooting himself in the shoulder, according to the Harlem Police Department.

Officials say the Harlem Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Fairview Drive just after 8 p.m. Thursday in reference to a gunshot wound.

Deputies say they offered aid to the juvenile until the Fire Department and EMS arrived.

According to authorities, the child found an unsecured gun in his father’s room and shot himself in the shoulder.

Deputies say the child was alert and conscious and is expected to make a full recovery.

Spencer Johnson has been arrested on a charge of cruelty to children in the second degree and has been transported to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to officials.

This case is still under investigation.

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Augusta, GA

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

Published

10 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.

The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.

The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office says in a recent case, a scammer posing as “Sgt. John Lewis” demanded over $300 for a leg monitor. The scammer later requested additional funds, directing the victim to provide payment via a bar code at a retail store.

The phone number, 706-821-1000, which is the official Richmond County Sheriff’s Office line, was spoofed during the scam to lend credibility to the fraudulent calls, deputies say.

Key reminders to avoid being scammed:

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they will never demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately and contact the agency or business directly by looking up the official number on their website.
Avoid providing money or personal information to unknown individuals, especially when payment methods involve gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, debit cards or other non-traditional methods.

The sheriff’s office says to report the scam immediately to local law enforcement.

For questions or to report suspicious activity, contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000.

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Augusta, GA

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

Published

18 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

First look at Augusta’s new grocery store ahead of opening day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We got an inside look at Augusta’s newest grocery store, FreshTake.

It’s located next to the Outback Steakhouse on Washington Road, where Whole Foods used to be.

FreshTake touts itself as an elevated shopping experience with a focus on fresh, ready-to-eat meals.

There is a butcher shop, seafood counter, specialty food stations like sushi, pizza, pasta, juices and smoothies and a Starbucks coffee shop located inside the store.

There’s also a beer and wine bar inside the grocery store and a BBQ smoker outside.

“I always wanted to have a store that had an abundance of food service offerings on one side just like you see here. I’m super happy and excited I was able to bring this to the Augusta community to enjoy,” said Jackson Mitchell, CEO of FreshTake.

FreshTake opens its doors to the public on Monday at 10 a.m. for its soft opening with a grand opening set for January 30.

The store tells us it is also committed to ensuring no food goes to waste and is partnering with Golden Harvest Food Bank.

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