Fiscal Analysis Proves Case For Medicaid Expansion, Ga. Democrat Trammell Says

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January 23rd, 2019

In 2014 outside the Georgia Capitol, demonstrators are shown calling for Medicaid expansion. Former Gov. Nathan Deal and Republican leaders in the state Legislature have opposed expansion for years, citing the cost to the state. After an analysis of costs, dated Jan. 18, was conducted, House Minority Leader Bob Trammell, D-Luthersville, said, “Medicaid expansion remains the best investment Georgia can make in health care spending.”

David Goldman / Associated Press file

A state analysis of a potential Medicaid expansion in Georgia finds that the move would cost up to $148 million in fiscal 2020 and would cover up to 526,000 people.

The “fiscal note,’’ requested by Georgia House Democrats, comes in the wake of a governor’s race in which the two major candidates split on the issue. Gov. Brian Kemp, the Republican who won the election, opposed Medicaid expansion as outlined by the Affordable Care Act. Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams strongly supported expansion and campaigned on the issue.

The analysis, dated Jan. 18, is signed by Greg S. Griffin, state auditor, and Kelly Farr, director of the state Office of Planning and Budget. It factors in savings to state agencies and revenue gains in order to estimate the net cost to Georgia of expansion.

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