Some people in Georgia earn too much to get Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance plan

Politics

New state commission to study Medicaid options as uninsured Georgians cope

LaShonda Harrell, 43, of Austell was diagnosed two years ago with Stage 4 metastasized breast cancer. Because of her pain level, she’s only able to work a few hours per week as a Publix grocery clerk — not enough to qualify for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage plan. (Elijah Nouvelage for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

LaShonda Harrell is in so much pain most days she can barely stand up. The Austell resident was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastasized breast cancer two years ago.

“The pain can be a 10,” said Harrell, 43. “If you’ve ever had the flu and you feel like your bones ache, imagine that every day.”

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Former Department of Community Health Commissioner Caylee Noggle has been selected by Gov. Brian Kemp to lead a health insurance study commission set to begin work this month. Noggle said the committee will focus on working to improve Kemp’s Georgia Pathways to Coverage program, which has seen slow enrollment. It will not replace the program, she said. (Georgia House of Representatives)

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State Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass, center, said he is open to expanding Medicaid in Georgia, but he supports a work requirement. (Natrice Miller / Natrice.miller@ajc.com)

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Heather Payne, 52, of Dalton hasn’t been able to get health insurance coverage. She had to stop working as a nurse after having strokes, and because her disability application is on pause, she can’t get Medicaid either. (Michelle Baruchman/AJC)

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Michelle Baruchman covers the Georgia House of Representatives and statewide issues. She is a politics news and enterprise reporter covering statewide political stories.

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