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Access to quality health care isn’t just a service—it’s a basic human right and a key part of a healthy society. This Women’s History Month, we recognize the critical role that health care plays in the lives of women, from preventive screenings and prenatal care to treatments for chronic illnesses and mental health support. Having the right coverage and knowing where to turn for services can make all the difference.

In Georgia, Medicaid is a key resource that helps many women access the care they need. But despite the important protections it offers, many women still fall outside of the eligibility guidelines and remain uninsured.

According to Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, nearly one in five women between the ages of 18 and 44 in Georgia lacks health insurance—one of the highest rates in the country. The problem is even worse for Hispanic/Latina women, nearly half of whom are uninsured. Black women in Georgia are more than twice as likely as white women to suffer severe complications or die from pregnancy-related causes. Many of these deaths are preventable, yet barriers to care persist.

Georgia’s Medicaid programs offer critical support for eligible women, but they are limited in scope. This blog will help break down the available Medicaid options for women in Georgia, who qualifies, and where to turn for free help enrolling.

Traditional Medicaid in Georgia: A Lifeline with Limits

In Georgia, Medicaid eligibility remains very limited. To qualify, a person must have a very low income and fit into one of a few narrow categories. This means that many working women, caregivers, and adults without disabilities do not qualify, even if they are uninsured and struggling to afford care.

Who qualifies for traditional Medicaid in Georgia?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are a child or teenager under the age of 19
• Are an adult age 65 or older
• Are legally blind
• Have a diagnosed disability
• Need nursing home care
• Are an adult who meets stringent work or activity requirements (through Pathways to Coverage)

While Medicaid continues to provide critical care for those who qualify, its strict rules in Georgia leave many women behind. Understanding these limits can be the first step in navigating your options.

Health Coverage Options for Women in Georgia

Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible pregnant women in Georgia through Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM). This program covers:

• Prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
• Labor and delivery costs.
• Postpartum care for 12 months after giving birth.

Eligibility:

• Must be pregnant and a Georgia resident.
• Income must be at or below 220% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet immigration status requirements.

Women’s Health Medicaid (Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment)

Georgia’s Women’s Health Medicaid program provides full health coverage for uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer who cannot afford treatment. This program covers:

• Cancer treatment services.
• Doctor visits, hospital care, and medications.
• Additional medical support needed during recovery.

Eligibility:

• Must be under 65 years old.
• Must be diagnosed through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
• Must be uninsured and meet income guidelines.

Georgia Pathways to Coverage: A Limited Medicaid Program

Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program provides Medicaid benefits to some adults ages 19-64 who meet income requirements and complete 80 hours of qualifying activities per month. While this program is not available to all uninsured women, those who meet the requirements may access Medicaid services through Pathways.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Georgia resident.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• Must earn below 100% of the FPL (e.g., $15,650 per year for an individual).
• Must complete at least 80 hours per month of work, job training, or education.

Note: The Governor has proposed expanding Pathways to allow Medicaid coverage for parents and legal guardians with children ages 0-6, as long as their household income is at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, this change has not yet been implemented.

The Gaps in Georgia’s Medicaid Programs

Georgia’s Medicaid programs provide essential coverage for many women, especially during pregnancy and after a cancer diagnosis. These programs are life-changing for those who qualify.

However, strict eligibility rules and limited pathways to coverage leave thousands of women without health insurance. Many working women, caregivers, and those with chronic health conditions do not qualify for any existing Medicaid option.

Pregnant women lose coverage a year after giving birth, and many women who earn just above the income limits are excluded entirely. Georgia’s alternative, Pathways to Coverage, adds more barriers by requiring participants to meet monthly work or training hour requirements—which is difficult or impossible for many women with caregiving duties, disabilities, or inconsistent job hours.

These gaps contribute to Georgia’s high rates of uninsurance among women and create serious obstacles to care, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Want to better understand how these gaps affect real women? Read more in this blog from the Cover Georgia Coalition featuring personal stories of women stuck in the coverage gap.

Need Help Understanding Your Options? GHF’s Navigators Can Help

Figuring out if you qualify for health coverage can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Georgians for a Healthy Future’s (GHF) free health insurance navigators can help you:

• Check if you qualify for Medicaid or other programs.
• Complete Medicaid applications.
• Troubleshoot issues with the application process.

Get help today: Schedule a free appointment with a GHF navigator at GHF’s Insurance Help Page.

Next Steps: Take Charge of Your Health

Georgia’s Medicaid programs provide important coverage options for many women—but there are still gaps. If you think you might qualify, or you’re not sure where to begin, GHF is here to help.

No matter your situation, you deserve access to care. Don’t wait—reach out today to learn more about your options and get the support you need.r Options? GHF’s Navigators Can Help

Figuring out if you qualify for health coverage can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Georgians for a Healthy Future’s (GHF) free health insurance navigators can help you:

• Check if you qualify for Medicaid or other programs.
• Complete Medicaid applications.
• Troubleshoot issues with the application process.

Get help today: Schedule a free appointment with a GHF navigator at GHF’s Insurance Help Page.

Next Steps: Take Charge of Your Health

Women’s health coverage in Georgia can be difficult to navigate, but resources are available to help you get the care you need. No matter your situation, there are resources available to help you take control of your health. If you have questions about coverage or services, don’t hesitate to reach out!