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ATLANTA ~ In a press conference held today in Atlanta, Governor Brian P. Kemp, along with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner John King, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, announced plans to expand eligibility for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. This expansion would provide Medicaid coverage to parents and legal guardians in households with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who have children ages 0-6.

Governor Kemp stated that despite the Biden administration's delay, the Georgia Pathways program has already provided healthcare coverage to thousands of low-income and able-bodied Georgians since its launch. He also mentioned that his administration has been working closely with legislative partners, subject experts, and stakeholders to evaluate the program's progress and identify opportunities for improvement.

The proposed expansion aims to support healthy families, improve maternal and child health, and assist parents who are trying to re-enter the workforce but are struggling due to lack of health insurance. Lt. Governor Burt Jones expressed his support for the initiative, stating that it builds on the progress made by Georgia Pathways in providing healthcare coverage to more Georgians.

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Speaker Jon Burns also voiced his support for the expansion, emphasizing that increasing access to quality healthcare for every Georgian is a top priority for the Georgia House. He commended Governor Kemp's efforts in taking a family-focused approach towards healthcare.

The Georgia Pathways program was launched in July 2023 after the state successfully sued the Biden administration over their unlawful rescinding of its approval and multi-year delay. Since then, it has provided coverage to 8,385 Georgians with incomes up to 100% of the FPL.

In addition to expanding eligibility criteria for the program, Governor Kemp also announced investments in maternal health services. These include an additional $2.98 million in funding for expanding the Department of Public Health's Perinatal Home Visit Pilot Program. This would allow the program to reach an additional 25 counties, bringing its total reach to 75 counties.

Furthermore, an additional $778,000 will be allocated to expand cardiovascular and high-risk care services at designated perinatal centers in the state. These investments aim to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce Georgia's maternal mortality rates.

In conclusion, Governor Kemp's announcement of expanding eligibility for the Georgia Pathways program and investments in maternal health services has been met with support from state officials. This move highlights the state's commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Georgians, regardless of their zip code.

Filed Under: Government, State

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