ATLANTA – Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus held a press conference on Thursday, January 25, 2018, to announce legislation that would expand Medicaid in Georgia. The representatives called on members of the General Assembly to support House Bill 669, which would provide for Medicaid expansion under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
In 2016, Georgia’s uninsured rate was 12.9 percent, equivalent to about 1.2 million Georgians. Medicaid expansion would close the coverage gap for an estimated 240,000 Georgians who don’t currently qualify for Medicaid.
Democratic Leader Bob Trammell (D-Luthersville) stated that healthcare access was the number one priority for the caucus. House Democrats argue that Medicaid expansion would provide more Georgians with access to basic healthcare, reduce uncompensated care costs, provide support to rural hospitals and bolster the state’s economy.
When asked about the cost, State Representative Trammell noted that expansion would represent less than 1 percent of Georgia’s 25 billion dollar budget.
“We have the money,” Rep. Trammell said. “The question is, do we have the priority?”
Legislators also emphasized the impact Medicaid expansion would have on rural hospitals across the state.
“Medicaid expansion would keep our rural hospitals open by lowering the burden of uncompensated care costs and stimulating economic growth,” added Rep. Jonathan Wallace (D-Watkinsville)
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