By Crystal Bui and Jamarlo Phillips, CBS 46 — Throughout the pandemic, Americans have been able to get the covid-19 vaccines, treatments, and the tests without having to pay with their own money. But that’s about to change. The Biden administration is...
More infoHere’s how to get your medical debt reduced or eliminated
November 23, 2021 By Savannah Levins, 11Alive (Watch Now)– Did you know that medical bills are negotiable? Or that you can get care in Georgia for free? Georgia Watch, a nonprofit consumer group, recently received a $190,000 grant to help Georgians...
More infoCovid-19 Resilience – Community Voices: Adrianne Proeller, CHW
By Puru Gaur, Georgia Watch Intern, Emory MPH Candidate Highlighting the Unequal Impacts of an Unprecedented Pandemic We are mindful that a public health crisis like COVID-19 disproportionately impacts marginalized and under-resourced communities that have...
More infoWTOC Investigates: Pandemic fuels high-interest loan complaints, Georgia ranks No. 4 in the nation
By Jessica Savage – WTOC (watch here) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Consumer advocates warn those who are in a vulnerable financial position to avoid high-interest loans offering fast cash. “It truly is the vehicle these high-cost predatory lenders...
More infoJust 39% of Americans could cover $1K emergency expense, report finds
By JoAnn Merrigan – WSAV (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The physical health of many has been ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s also affecting financial health. According to a new report from Bankrate, only 39 percent of...
More infoMillions of Americans risk losing power and water as massive, unpaid utility bills pile up
By Tony Romm – Washington Post This Tuesday marked 67 days of darkness for Kenneth Parson. He fell behind on his utility bills in the spring — and his lights went off, and stayed off, starting at the end of July. No power meant no refrigerator, so...
More infoCOVID-19 Stakeholder Interview: Liz Coyle, Georgia Watch
In a COVID-19 Stakeholder Interview, Liz Coyle discusses the numerous challenges consumers are facing in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising bills, unemployment and utility disconnections. Coyle provides suggestions about how electricity...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Deadline nears for end of $600 federal unemployment supplement
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. — Fred Stein is a furloughed construction coordinator. He and forty of his colleagues have been waiting for benefits since April. That would be state unemployment plus the $600 weekly supplement...
More infoGeorgia Power Shut-Off Freeze Ends As Summer Heats Up And Pandemic Drags On
By Molly Samuel – WABE (Listen Now) Wykeisha Howe said she knows how to be thrifty. “I try my best to manage and ration out things as best as possible,” she said. During Atlanta’s sweltering summers, the mom of eight doesn’t turn the AC down too much...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Stay away from debt relief firms
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) — With the $600 federal supplement payments scheduled to end this weekend, unemployed Georgians may be looking for more help to pay their bills. Better Call Harry and the consumer...
More infoASK ASA: Title loans trap consumers in long cycles of debt, consumer advocacy group warns
By Asa Aarons Smith – WJCL (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) —Millions of Americans have experienced job or income loss because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re among them and thinking of taking out a car pawn title loan to help with expenses...
More infoGa. Power disconnections to resume
By Mary Landers – Savannah Morning News A pandemic-related moratorium on power shutoffs expires Wednesday, Georgia Power reminded its customers in a press release issued Tuesday. For customers who accumulated a past-due balance during the COVID-19...
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