State Sen. David Lucas introduces bill to expand Medicaid statewide in Georgia

Legislation would allow Georgia to draw federal funding and extend coverage to more residents

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- State Senator David Lucas, a Democrat from Macon, has introduced Senate Bill 380, legislation aimed at expanding Medicaid statewide in Georgia.

The bill would allow the state to draw on federal funding to cover low-income households and extend Medicaid eligibility to a broader range of Georgians.

Addressing healthcare costs and coverage gaps

In a news release, Lucas said his proposal is intended to address rising healthcare costs and the number of Georgians struggling to afford medical care.

“Having served in the Georgia General Assembly for five decades, I know how rising healthcare costs have impacted Georgia families over the years,” Lucas said. “With so many Georgians being priced out of coverage, we need solutions that expand access to care and close the healthcare coverage gap.”

Lucas pointed to outcomes in other states that expanded Medicaid, saying those states have seen increased employment, stronger hospitals, and economic gains.

“The simple truth is that healthy people work more and earn more, building stronger families and communities,” he said. “With many Georgians already struggling to afford basic care, expanding Medicaid is the only path for millions of people to afford to see a doctor and get the quality healthcare they deserve.”

Background and next steps

Senate Bill 380 follows the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits, which led to increased insurance premiums for 24 million Americans nationwide, according to information included with the bill’s introduction.

The legislation has been recommended to the Health and Human Services Committee for review.

Additional details about Senate Bill 380 are available in the text of the legislation.