Letter to the editor: Georgia continues to fail its citizens

The Governor and the legislature are failing Georgia citizens on health care by neglecting to address the significant impacts of the loss of federal health care funding. In Governor Kemp’s State of the State address on January 15, 2026, the impending healthcare crisis was barely noted and Republican state legislators have been silent on the matter. 

Georgia’s uninsured rate is the fifth highest in the country. Georgia’s healthcare performance ranks nationally from 45^th to 48^th in the country depending on the study. March of Dimes gave Georgia an F rating. The low rankings are a result of high costs, poor access to care and poor health outcomes.  

Failure to expand Medicaid has contributed to a fragile healthcare system. The passage of H.R.1 by the federal government will exact a further blow and means that even more Georgians will be priced out of the insurance market. There will be more strain on rural hospitals and more financial pressure on Georgia’s families.  

Studies of the Federal cuts have been consistent in describing the negative impacts on Georgia over the next 4 years. An estimated 460,000 Georgia Access enrollees will lose coverage. Already in this first phase, approximately 190,000 residents have lost insurance. The impact on Georgia’s economy includes the loss of 46,500 jobs and $336 million in lost revenue.  

A report by Regional Economic Models, Inc (March 2024) suggests that Medicaid expansion in Georgia would create additional jobs statewide, stimulate consumer spending, increase the size of the economy and have a positive impact on jobs and income in rural Georgia. In Bibb County alone, Medicaid expansion would create an estimated 727 jobs, generate $115.3 million in additional economic output and would have a personal income impact of $27.7 million.  

Healthcare legislation must be a priority. All Georgians deserve better, affordable healthcare coverage. It makes sense from a public health and economic standpoint.