ATLANTA, GA — Georgia health care and policy experts warned this week that the newly signed federal budget law threatens the health and well-being of families across the state, putting both health care access and food security at risk.
During a press briefing jointly hosted by Georgians for a Healthy Future, the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, and the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), speakers outlined how the law’s deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), along with stricter work requirements, will undo progress Georgia has made in expanding health coverage and reducing food insecurity.
Every Georgian deserves the freedom to see a doctor when they are sick and put healthy food on the table for their family. But experts warned that the new law undermines this basic promise. The cuts and requirements are expected to leave more Georgians uninsured, drive up health care costs, increase food hardship, and strain hospitals, early childhood programs, and safety-net providers.
Speakers called on state leaders to use Georgia’s resources wisely to protect families from falling through the cracks and to ensure no one is forced to choose between paying for medical care and buying groceries.
Whitney Griggs, Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future, explained how the changes to the Affordable Care Act will lead to more uninsured Georgians, higher costs, and added strain on hospitals.
“Georgia Access enrolled more than 1.5 million people in 2025, second only to California, because plans are affordable and enrollment is simple,” said Griggs. “With over 90 percent of enrollees relying on subsidies, the budget bill’s ACA changes could strip coverage from up to 700,000 Georgians unless state leaders act.”