(The Center Square) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is asking the Georgia General Assembly for an additional $2.98 million to expand a perinatal home visit pilot program.
If approved, 25 additional counties could participate in the program, bringing the total number to 75 of the state’s 159 counties.
The governor is also pitching the expansion of the state’s Georgia Pathways to Coverage program for parents and legal guardians at or below 100% of the federal poverty level with children under the age of 6, according to his office. The program offers Medicaid coverage to low-income Georgians who show that they are working, volunteering or attending school.
“Since Pathways launched, my administration has worked with our legislative partners, subject experts, and stakeholders to evaluate its progress and identify opportunities to streamline and make the program more accessible,” Kemp said. “As we do in all areas of government, this work will continue, but with today’s announcement we are not only keeping families healthy together during a critical time of development, but also making an important investment in our state’s future.”
The program has faced criticism for its low enrollment numbers. Kemp’s office said in a release that 8,385 Georgians were enrolled.
“More than 40% of Georgia’s counties still had fewer than 10 enrollees despite the state having one of the highest percentages of uninsured populations in the nation,” an October analysis by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute said.
Kemp is also asking for $778,000 “to expand cardiovascular and high-risk care services at designated perinatal centers in the state.”
The General Assembly must approve the proposals. Kemp will address the body on Thursday when he gives his State of the State address.