Citing that it would cost the state to much and that he would not take federal money, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said that he will not expand the Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Deal is quoted to say, `No, I do not have any intentions of expanding Medicaid… I think that is something our state cannot afford. And even though the federal government promises to pay 100 percent for the first three years and 90 percent thereafter, I think it is probably unrealistic to expect that promise to be fulfilled in the long term, simply because of the financial status that the federal government is in.`

The heath care law expanded Medicaid coverage to families making up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $31,000 per year for a family of four.

States were allowed to opt out of the federal law if they choose.