Thousands Kicked Off Medicaid Are Cautiously Optimistic After Georgia Promises To Revisit Purge

Earlier this month, the Georgia Department of Community Health purged 17,000–roughly one percent–of the state’s Medicaid recipients because, the department told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, they didn’t respond to renewal notices.

David Goldman / Associated Press

Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 1.7 million Georgians. The joint federal/state health insurance program for those with low incomes, the disabled, and seniors in nursing homes is the only way many can access the health system.

Earlier this month, the Georgia Department of Community Health purged 17,000–roughly one percent–of the state’s Medicaid recipients because, the department told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, they didn’t respond to renewal notices. Attorneys for some of those purged say the state never sent any notices, and their clients had no idea why they’d lost coverage.

On Friday, state health officials said they’d reverse the purge and allow those affected to re-apply.