LISTEN: The federal government is seeking public comment as it considers extending Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program through 2030. Started by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2023, it offers Medicaid coverage to low-income adults but includes a work requirement. GPB’s Ellen Eldridge reports.

Since its launch in July 2023, less than 3% of those eligible for the state's Pathways to Coverage — or 7,000 Georgians — have enrolled in health care coverage using a Medicaid waiver.

Whitney Griggs with Georgians for a Healthy Future said the administrative burden is preventing people from enrolling and is leaving more people without access to health care.

"Lots of folks who are eligible lose their coverage because they run into some sort of an administrative roadblock trying to submit their qualifying activity or prove their address or even just fill out the basic application," she said.

Congress is considering similar changes as it looks to make cuts to Medicaid. The public comment period goes through June 1.

Tags: Georgia  Medicaid  Atlanta  health  Pathways to Coverage 
GPB’s Health Reporting is supported by Georgia Health Initiative

Georgia Health Initiative is a non-partisan, private foundation advancing innovative ideas to help improve the health of Georgians. Learn more at georgiahealthinitiative.org