Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage Medicaid Program Underperforms, Enrollment Falls Short

Georgia’s Medicaid Enrollment Falls Far Short Amid Controversy Over Work Requirements

Georgia’s Medicaid plan, Pathways to Coverage has failed to meet expectations. Despite its launch a year ago only 4,300 people have enrolled compared to the projected 25,000.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office blames delays and promises to redouble efforts to sign people up. However, experts argue that the program’s work requirement is too burdensome and makes no exceptions for those who are caring for family members or lack transportation.

The program requires able-bodied adults earning up to the federal poverty line to work at least 80 hours a month or participate in other qualifying activities. However, many people struggle to meet this requirement including those with informal jobs or who are too sick to work.

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(photo: Grice Connect)

Debate Intensifies Over Georgia’s Medicaid Program Amid Calls for Reform

Critics argue that the program’s poor showing has implications beyond Georgia and that other states may follow suit with similar work requirements. The program is set to expire at the end of September 2025, but some experts suggest that Georgia should consider full Medicaid expansion instead, according to the report of Fast Company.

North Carolina has fully expanded Medicaid and has enrolled nearly 500,000 people in about half the time Pathways has been in effect. None of the 40 states that have accepted Medicaid expansion require recipients to work in order to qualify.

For now, Georgia officials show no sign of giving up on Pathways. However, critics are calling for a re-evaluation of its effectiveness and consideration of alternative solutions that prioritize access to healthcare over ideological agendas.

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