Sen. Warnock Spearheads Healthcare Expansion for Georgians
TL/DR –
A new commission will investigate Georgia’s healthcare needs, particularly for low-income and uninsured residents, and consider whether the state should expand Medicaid. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock has proposed a “Bridge to Medicaid” Act that would use tax credits to create a new healthcare option for Georgians in the coverage gap—those who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Governor Brian Kemp has been critical of full Medicaid expansion, preferring a “Georgia-specific approach,” and his partial expansion program has enrolled about 4,300 people since its launch.
A New Commission to Review Healthcare Coverage in Georgia
A fresh commission is set to scrutinize the healthcare coverage requirements of uninsured and low-income Georgians. The analysis is geared towards examining if the state should reconsider its firm stance against full Medicaid expansion. This move comes following newfound openness towards expanded healthcare coverage from prominent Republicans.
However, a proposal suggesting an Arkansas-style model of healthcare expansion, which would instead buy private insurance for citizens rather than adding to state-run Medicaid, was recently rejected. This commission is seen as a platform to continue discussions and to allow more time for Governor Brian Kemp’s limited expansion program, Georgia Pathways to Coverage, to take effect.
The nine-member commission is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting later this month. It is tasked with submitting a report to state legislators and the governor by December, in anticipation of the 2025 legislative session. The commission will dissolve at the end of 2026.
Temporary Federal Work-Around
A new proposal is being developed that is expected to create a temporary federal solution for non-expansion states such as Georgia. A similar proposal was proposed a few years back during the Inflation Reduction Act negotiations. Unfortunately, this earlier suggestion could potentially reduce federal funding for holdout states.
It’s worth noting that Georgia, with one of the country’s highest uninsured rates, has not fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock recently announced plans to introduce a bill known as the “Bridge to Medicaid” Act. This proposal aims to create a new healthcare option for those in Georgia’s coverage gap, a prevalent issue in states that have not fully expanded Medicaid.
‘More Work to Do’
Under Governor Kemp, Georgia has partially expanded coverage for some low-income citizens who complete 80 hours of work, school, or other eligible activities each month. However, as of June, only about 4,300 people were enrolled. When the program first launched, state officials anticipated as many as 100,000 signups, with up to 345,000 people potentially eligible.
Kemp remains opposed to full Medicaid expansion, claiming it’s not in the state’s best interest. Instead, he is committed to a ‘Georgia-specific approach’ to healthcare. He affirmed, “Do we have more work to do? Absolutely. We remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made and fighting back against efforts that threaten to send us backwards.”
The next steps for improving healthcare in Georgia will soon be under scrutiny. Kemp has appointed GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle to serve as the commission’s chairperson. Noggle oversaw the Pathways program’s launch when she served as the state Department of Community Health’s commissioner.
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