Changes are coming to Georgia Medicaid. Read on to learn how you could be affected.
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What Georgians Need to Know
Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a Georgia Medicaid program that provides health coverage to certain adults. People enrolled in Pathways already have to work, go to school, volunteer, or complete other qualifying activities to get and keep their Medicaid coverage. Starting January 1, 2027, new federal requirements will change some of these rules, including what activities count and who can qualify for an exemption.
Who Is Affected
Many adults ages 19–64 covered by Georgia Medicaid will need to meet new work requirements to keep their coverage unless they qualify for an exemption.
Who Is Exempt
Exemptions include people younger than 19 or older than 64; pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy; American Indians/Alaska Natives; parents and caretakers of children 13 and under; individuals who have a mental, substance use, or physical condition that impairs their ability to work; and several other groups. To see a full list, please follow the links below.
Timeline
Georgia Resources
Georgia Gateway
Apply for coverage, update your contact information, report your hours, and check your status online.
gateway.ga.gov →H.R. 1 Changes to Pathways
Georgia Pathway’s official overview of what’s changing and when, who’s exempt, and how to meet the requirement.
pathways.georgia.gov →Georgia Pathways Eligibility Criteria
See who qualifies for Pathways and review the current activity requirements
pathways.georgia.gov →Georgia Pathways FAQs
State FAQs covering applications, reporting activities, maintaining coverage, and other common member questions.
pathways.georgia.gov →Georgia Frequently Asked Questions
Due to new policies out of D.C., a number of changes will be coming over the coming months that could impact you, depending on your immigration status, work/school/volunteer qualifications, and more. You will begin to learn more from Georgia in the coming weeks, and should be prepared to take action to make sure your Georgia Medicaid policy is protected.
Yes, people enrolled in Medicaid through Georgia Pathways must already complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, such as working, volunteering, or attending school. Starting January 1, 2027, Georgia Pathways members will still be subject to work requirements, but new federal requirements are changing some of the existing rules and adding new ways to meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Georgia Pathways already requires many members to work, attend school, volunteer, or complete other qualifying activities. Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal requirements will change some of the rules. There will be some new ways to meet the work requirements, including earning at least $580 per month. Some activities that are currently allowed under Pathways will no longer count, and new exemptions will be available for certain groups, including many parents and caregivers, people who are medically frail, pregnant people, and others. A full list of changes can be found on the Georgia Pathways website.
Yes. If Georgia determines that you may not meet the Pathways requirements, you will have an opportunity to provide additional information before your health coverage ends. If DFCS needs information from you, it will mail you a letter. You can also appeal a decision that affects your coverage. Make sure your contact information is up to date in Georgia Gateway.
The new work requirements will go into effect beginning January 1, 2027. To qualify for and keep Pathways coverage, individuals must meet the work requirements for at least one month immediately before the month of application, continuing monthly during Pathways enrollment, and at renewal every 6 months. Individuals up for renewal in 2027 will be required to come into compliance with work requirements at their scheduled renewal date. When you are up for renewal, the state will either renew based on existing data that shows you worked or were exempt, or request information from you to support your renewal. If you do not provide this information, you will lose your Medicaid coverage. Sign up for updates and we’ll notify you as deadlines approach.
A full list of exemptions can be found on the Georgia Pathways website, but some people are automatically exempt, including: children 18 years old or younger, parents or caregivers of children 13 and under, people with disabilities, pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy, and those 65 and older. If you fall into any of these categories, it is recommended that you check the Georgia Pathways website for more information.
Most enrollees will need to document a qualifying exemption; at least 80 hours per month of employment, job training, and/or volunteering; attend school half-time; or earn at least $580 a month (you only need to meet one).
Georgia Pathways will check when you apply and when your Medicaid is renewed. If you do not have Medicaid and are applying for it, you must meet the requirement during the month before you apply and continue meeting it each month while enrolled in Pathways. If you do not, you will lose your Medicaid coverage.
Georgia Gateway is Georgia’s official portal to apply, report your hours, and update your account. If you need help, you can contact the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 or visit your local DFCS office for in-person assistance. You can also sign up with Keep Your Care and we’ll keep you up to date as deadlines approach.
Federal and state requirements and deadlines are still changing.
Sign up for updates and we'll notify you about any Georgia-specific updates as they are released.