Georgia health leaders warn federal budget law could force hospital closures, cut Medicaid and SNAP
Georgia health advocates say the new federal budget could cut Medicaid, threaten SNAP benefits and trigger rural hospital closures in several counties.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Experts say the newly signed federal budget law, signed by President Trump on July 4, is threatening the health, food security and stability of families across Georgia.
Director of Health Justice & Georgia Budget & Policy Institute Leah Chan says health care provisions in the bill threaten the health and economic security of Georgia’s low-income families.
“We are likely to see reductions in access to health care coverage, pressure on household financial security for lower-income Georgians, and greater risk for medical debt,” she said. “Financial strain on safety net providers and increased risk of hospital closures, and stress on our state and local economy; with job losses and reduced economic output.”
She says modeling shows that four hospitals are at risk of closure—in Fannin, Macon, Irwin, and Washington counties.
“A closure in one of those counties doesn’t just impact folks who are on Medicaid,” she said. “It impacts the privately insured older adult who has been seen in there, when his diabetes symptoms flare up. It impacts the charge nurse who has worked at that hospital for over 20 years. And it impacts the café next door that stays open thanks to business from hospital patrons.”
Senior Health Policy Manager for Georgia Early Education Alliance Callan Wells says this bill has far-reaching implications for children.
“Children rely on the adults around them—parents, teachers, neighbors, extended family—to keep them safe, healthy and fed,” Wells said. “While the bill may exempt parents of young children from work requirements, it does not shield the broader network of caregivers who help raise them. In other words, when adults lose access to healthcare or nutrition support, children also experience that loss.”
Executive Director of Macon Volunteer Clinic John McCard says they are preparing for these new changes.
“We’ve always been available to people who work but are uninsured,” he said. “And if people are going to lose their benefits due to the cuts that have been made, they will be welcomed here—assuming they satisfy our income requirements and meet the criteria we have for our patients.”
McCard says you have to have no insurance in order to qualify. They offer primary healthcare, eye care, dental care and some mental health counseling.
“We never charge anyone for any of the health care here,” he said. “All the services we offer, including some pharmacy and medicine, is free.”
Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future Whitney Griggs says the law’s sweeping cuts to Medicaid, Affordable Care Act access and SNAP will leave hundreds of thousands of Georgians without health coverage or food assistance. She recommends finding solutions now.
