This past week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to move forward with a work-based Medicaid expansion plan called “Pathways”

Andrew Isenhour, a spokesman for Governor Kemp said, “I can confirm that we are moving forward with implementing the Pathways plan”. The limited Medicaid expansion plan will require enrollees to work, study or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month.

“No one who currently qualifies for Medicaid will be affected by the new program,” Isenhour said. “It is important to note that we are only adding people to the Medicaid rolls with this program. Georgia Pathways will expand Medicaid to otherwise ineligible Georgians who satisfy the work, job training, education, or volunteer requirements.”

Around 345,000 additional Georgians will become eligible for Medicaid under the new plan, as long as they meet other requirements, Isenhour added. Georgians whose incomes are below the federal poverty level (currently $13,590 for one person) will be eligible for the insurance.

To get the insurance, Georgians will need to work or perform other qualifying activities such as vocational training, education, job readiness programs or community service. Some enrollees will pay monthly premiums ranging from $7 to $16, depending on income and tobacco use.