Atlanta mother of three with sickle cell disease hopes new bill becomes law

An Atlanta mother whose three daughters have sickle cell disease supports the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act, which would require the Georgia Department of Community Health to review treatments for Medicaid enrollees annually; the bill awaits Governor Kemp's signature.

An Atlanta mother is speaking publicly about her family's long experience with sickle cell disease and is backing state legislation aimed at improving care. Her three daughters have required frequent medical treatment and ongoing therapies. She started the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation to support others affected by the condition. Supporters say the proposed law would create a formal state process to keep treatment options under regular review. Known details: - The mother, Mapillar Dahn-Flemister, reports that her three daughters have required extensive medical care, including many hospital visits and regular transfusions. - The Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act would require the Georgia Department of Community Health to conduct an annual review of medications, treatments and services for Medicaid enrollees with sickle cell disease. - Supporters describe the bill as a way to expand access to newer therapies and to update the system that serves patients with the condition. - There are an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 Georgians living with sickle cell disease. Summary: If Governor Kemp signs the Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act, the state would be required to begin annual reviews of treatments for Medicaid enrollees with sickle cell disease. The bill is currently awaiting the governor's decision, and implementation details would be determined after any signature.