What’s next for Georgia as Medicaid waiver requirements rejected?

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, left, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma sign health care waivers at the state Capitol in Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Georgia’s plans would provide Medicaid access to adults who make less than poverty level incomes who meet work requirements, and leave private brokers as the only avenue to buy federally-subsidized private insurance for people with above-poverty incomes. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

The timing of the waiver decision, right before Christmas, drew a quick, angry response from state Republican leaders.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s spokeswoman noted that the federal health officials’ announced rejection of the state’s proposed work requirements for its Medicaid waiver came two days before Christmas. “They attempted to hide behind the holiday,’’ said Katie Byrd.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston said President Biden acted “like the Grinch’’ in taking away the chance of thousands to gain Medicaid coverage through the waiver.