Will Georgia Pathways be expanding? Kemp unveils new health care plan

Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled his health care proposals for the upcoming legislative session on Wednesday.

Georgia Pathways provides Medicaid coverage to low-income adults in Georgia. 

Health care in Georgia

The backstory:

Gov. Kemp has introduced a series of health care proposals aimed at improving access to medical services in Georgia. These proposals are set to be discussed in the upcoming legislative session. The focus of Kemp's plan is to expand the Georgia Pathways program, which currently provides Medicaid coverage to low-income adults in the state.

Gov. Brian Kemp unveils his health care plan during a press conference at the Georgia Capitol on Jan. 15, 2025.

Gov. Brian Kemp unveils his health care plan during a press conference at the Georgia Capitol on Jan. 15, 2025. (FOX 5)

Georigia Pathways future

What we know:

Under the new plan, eligibility for the Georgia Pathways program will be expanded to include parents and legal guardians in households with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, specifically those with children up to six years of age. Additionally, the plan proposes to extend coverage for eligible new mothers beyond their one-year post-partum period and to offer previously unavailable coverage to eligible new fathers upon the birth of their child. The proposal also includes an allocation of nearly $4 million in additional funding for Maternal Health Services.

Kemp's heath care proposals

What they're saying:

Gov. Kemp emphasized that his initiatives are designed to ensure that Georgians have access to quality health care across the state and to address the issue of maternal mortality rates in Georgia. On the other hand, House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley highlighted that while Medicaid expansion remains a top priority for Democrats, they are also advocating for legislation that will broaden health care access and increase the number of medical personnel statewide. Despite these calls, Governor Kemp remains opposed to full Medicaid expansion.

House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, responds to Gov. Brian Kemp’s health care proposal on Jan. 15, 2025.

House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, responds to Gov. Brian Kemp’s health care proposal on Jan. 15, 2025. (FOX 5)

Medicaid expansion in Georgia?

What's next:

As the legislative session approaches, the debate over health care access and Medicaid expansion is expected to intensify. Governor Kemp's proposals will be scrutinized and discussed, with potential amendments and counter-proposals likely to emerge from both sides of the political aisle. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for health care access and quality in Georgia.

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The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Deidra Dukes.

Georgia PoliticsHealth CareNewsGeorgiaBrian Kemp