Advocates seeking health insurance for more low-income Georgians are encouraged that Medicaid expansion is starting to draw support among what for years has been unified Republican opposition.
Although just four GOP state senators joined 17 Democrats when Senate Bill 50 was introduced late last month, it represents the Georgia’s first bipartisan legislation for the aid program. The measure would create PeachCare Plus, expanding Medicaid access for Georgians making less than 138% of the federal poverty level.
Currently, only Georgians who earn at or below the poverty level qualify for coverage. Unlike 40 other states, Georgia has not sought the expanded access – and associated federal money – that has been on the table for more than a decade. To qualify in Georgia now, a single person must earn less than $15,650 and a family of four is capped at $32,150.
