Healthcare in Georgia

This clearly isn't working.  

Over 1 in 5 Georgians either depend on government assistance to afford health insurance, or they simply go without.  

Those with employer-sponsored health insurance struggle with massive premiums and high deductibles.  

Recent changes in Washington aimed at gutting the programs that many Georgians currently depend on means that things will only get worse.  The time for our state government to act is NOW.   Our economy cannot grow when so many of our neighbors cannot access quality healthcare.

There are several ways to address this crisis, if we only try.  Below are proven successful methods used by other states (red and blue).  I'm willing to work with anyone - from either side of the aisle - to step up and deliver solutions for Georgians.  

State Marketplace Subsidies

Georgia already has a health insurance marketplace - Georgia Access.  Currently, applicants can potentially qualify for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids, but requirements limit availability severely.  Adults can qualify for Federal Premium Tax Credits, but that is going away in 2026 with the recently passed federal budget legislation.

Proof:  California and Massachusetts have both done so and have some of the highest coverage rates in the nation. I would clarify what "done so" means exactly or explian the solution more clearly in the above paragraph. Expand it? Revise restrictions? There needs to be a clear action item. 

Reinsurance Programs

Georgia can implement a state-run reinsurance program.  This is essentially insurance for insurance companies, helping them cover expenses cover high-cost claims and allowing them to reduce the premiums they charge customers.

Proof:  Minnesota, Maryland, and Colorado all have reinsurance programs and have seen large premium reductions since implementation.

Public Option

The State of Georgia can operate a public plan that offers basic minimum coverage at a lower premium by not being beholden to investors or stockholders.  This is be an area where a public-private partnership can be very effective.

Proof:  Washington and Colorado both cover state-run public options and have seen XYZ positive results.

Encouraging Telehealth Expansion

Given Georgia's large rural population and needs, encouraging telehealth through tax credits or reimbursements to providers can reduce transportation barriers and improve healthcare access.

Proof:  Utah, Texas, and New York have increased reimbursements or implemented regulations aimed at expanding access through telehealth options and have seen XYZ positive results.

Expanding Medicaid

Although the recently passed HR1 "Big Billionaire Bill" makes this infinitely harder to accomplish, it is still possible to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.  It will not be as impactful as it once was, but it can help deliver healthcare access to Georgians in need, and it can help prevent the closure of more rural hospitals.

Rather than expanding Medicaid while we had the opportunity, Georgia implemented Georgia Pathways, which the Federal government used as a blueprint for recent Medicaid cuts despite it's abysmal failure.