More Georgia Republican lawmakers than ever want to expand the Medicaid program next year. They don't know what shape it will take, how much it will cost or whether they have enough support to force a vote. But they say it is past time for Georgia to begin accepting tens of billions in federal money to expand coverage to more than 600,000 low-income residents.
They face the same objections that thwarted past attempts. But backers point to recent developments that could play to their advantage. And Gov. Nathan Deal and other GOP leaders haven't shut the door on the idea.
“I still have the same concerns. And you won’t see anyone advocating a wholesale Medicaid expansion,” Deal said in an interview. “But I do think there will be variations that will be discussed, and I look forward to talking to members of the General Assembly.”
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