Advocate Health, the parent organization of Atrium Health Floyd, has announced plans to invest an additional $1.24 billion in employee compensation and benefits in 2027, including a new minimum starting wage of $20 per hour.

The announcement, made Thursday, November 5, includes approximately $846 million in additional compensation and $390 million in expanded employee benefits across the healthcare system, which employs approximately 170,000 people.

The new $20 minimum starting wage represents an increase from the $18.85 minimum established in 2026. Advocate Health says the wage increases and targeted market adjustments are expected to affect approximately 40,000 patient-facing employees.

The changes are particularly relevant to Northwest Georgia, where Atrium Health Floyd operates hospitals, medical offices and healthcare services serving Chattooga County and surrounding communities.

In addition to higher wages, Advocate Health is introducing four weeks of fully paid parental bonding leave, expanding paid bereavement leave and continuing insurance coverage for eligible employees using GLP-1 medications for weight management.

The organization also plans to absorb more than 90 percent of a projected $149 million increase in employee medical plan costs next year, helping limit increases in health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

Other benefits include retirement contributions of up to six percent of eligible pay, education assistance, student loan repayment programs and no-cost mental health support for employees and their households.

Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods said the organization’s most important investment is in its employees, emphasizing their role in providing healthcare to millions of patients.

The healthcare system says the investments are intended to improve employee retention, strengthen recruitment and provide additional financial support for healthcare workers and their families.

The changes are scheduled to take effect in 2027.