Sluggish start to Georgia’s modest expansion of Medicaid reignites debate over health coverage policies

Fewer than 300 people have been approved for Georgia’s new Medicaid program for some low-income adults who rack up enough hours of work, or other qualifying activity, each month.

The program, which launched July 1, is being closely watched nationally as Georgia becomes the only state to require work or the equivalent for low-income adults newly eligible for the public health insurance program. Thursday offered the first glimpse into how the program is working so far.

Lynnette Rhodes, chief health policy officer for the state Department of Community Health, which administers the Medicaid program, said during a public presentation Thursday that 265 people have been approved for the new program.