Debate Continues On Georgia Expansion Of Medicaid Under Affordable Care Act

The debate over expanding Medicaid in Georgia continues, with some Democrats pushing for expansion under the Affordable Care Act and the governor and other Republicans opposed.

At a breakfast this morning sponsored by the consumer advocacy group Georgia Watch, Democratic State Representative Debbie Buckner said Medicaid expansion could provide a half million more Georgians with health coverage.

She says there would be other benefits as well.

"We haven't looked at the fact that it could mean upwards of 70 thousand new jobs,” Buckner said.

The federal government would pay the initial costs of the expansion, but that would phase out over a number of years.

Republican State Senator Josh McKoon says once that happens, the price tag would be too high for the state.

"I would liken it to putting more people on the deck of the Titanic,” said McKoon. “I mean you're just waiting probably a few more years before the entire system implodes."

Georgia is one of at least 16 states that opposes Medicaid expansion.

Tags: expansion of medicare in georgia, Georgia Watch, Affordable Care Act, state Senator Josh McKoon