A new analysis shows that the combined effects of H.R.1 and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits will raise costs, weaken rural hospitals, and leave hundreds of thousands uninsured unless Georgia adopts state solutions.
ATLANTA, GA — A new analysis commissioned by the Georgia Health Initiative (GHI) and conducted by Manatt Health finds that the federal changes to Medicaid in One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R.1) and the expiration of the premium tax credits will significantly increase the number of uninsured Georgians and weaken the state’s health care system and economy. According to the report, Impact of Federal Policy Changes to Georgia’s Health Care Landscape:
- 492,000 Georgians are projected to lose health coverage and become uninsured by 2034.
- Georgia health care providers stand to lose $51.5 billion in revenue between 2025 and 2034, including $10.5 billion in uncompensated care costs, as coverage declines and federal Medicaid financing is reduced.
- The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits alone is projected to cost Georgia 33,600 jobs and $237 million in state tax revenue in 2026.
- Medicaid cuts would cause an additional 12,900 job losses and $89 million in lost state tax revenue by 2029.
- Rural regions in southwest Georgia, middle Georgia, and the coastal area are expected to experience some of the steepest declines in coverage, provider revenue, and access to essential services.
“Every Georgian deserves the security that comes with affordable, reliable health coverage. This new report makes it clear that Georgia is facing a serious challenge,” said Whitney Griggs, Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future. “Nearly half a million Georgians may lose coverage due to changes in federal policy. The impact will fall hardest on Georgia’s families, small business owners, and rural hospitals. However, Georgia is not powerless in the face of these changes. Georgia has realistic policy options to keep coverage affordable and prevent catastrophic financial and health care access issues. Lawmakers can create a state affordability program, strengthen reinsurance, and invest in enrollment assistance to keep people covered. Georgians for a Healthy Future urges state leaders to use this new data and take meaningful action in the upcoming legislative session to protect Georgia families.”