ATL Standard

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced a proposed change to the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program, aiming to enhance eligibility through the addition of a new qualifying activity. This initiative seeks to extend Medicaid coverage to parents and legal guardians in households with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), specifically those with children aged 0-6.

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of this move by stating, "Despite the Biden administration's unlawful delay, Georgia Pathways has expanded healthcare coverage to thousands of low-income and able-bodied Georgians since it launched." He highlighted that this effort is not only about keeping families healthy but also investing in Georgia's future.

Currently, Medicaid in Georgia covers medical care for pregnant women, including labor and delivery. The new proposal would extend coverage for eligible new mothers beyond their one-year postpartum period and offer previously unavailable coverage to eligible new fathers upon their child's birth.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones expressed support for these initiatives: "Today’s announcement builds on the progress we have already made to provide healthcare coverage to more Georgians through Georgia Pathways." He stressed that increasing healthcare coverage will lead to healthier outcomes and reduce maternal mortality rates.

Speaker Jon Burns echoed these sentiments, stating, "Increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare for every Georgian, regardless of zip code, has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for the Georgia House."

The Georgia Pathways program was launched in July 2023 after overcoming legal challenges from the Biden administration. Since then, it has provided coverage to 8,385 Georgians with incomes up to 100% of the FPL.

In conjunction with this proposal, Governor Kemp announced additional investments in maternal health services. These include $2.98 million in funding to expand the Department of Public Health's Perinatal Home Visit Pilot Program across an additional 25 counties and $778,000 for expanding cardiovascular and high-risk care services at designated perinatal centers in Georgia.