Health advocates warn Georgia’s rural communities could be hit hardest by proposed federal health policy changes, with nearly 100,000 rural residents projected to lose coverage on top of the state’s already high uninsured rate. Advocates say cuts tied to H.R. 1 and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies could cost rural hospitals more than $600 million, threatening facilities that are already struggling to stay open.
Changes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development could also ripple through Georgia, as federal officials shift away from a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness. Service providers receiving tens of millions in federal funding say they may be forced to rethink how they deliver care.
Georgia drivers may see some relief at the pump as three insurance companies announce rate reductions, with state officials pointing to increased competition and recent tort reform as stabilizing forces in the market.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a historic expansion of Georgia Power’s capacity after protesters were removed from the hearing, a decision critics say could lock ratepayers into higher costs for decades. And uncertainty around the future of ACA subsidies has already driven down enrollment in Georgia’s insurance marketplace, with analysts warning hundreds of thousands more could drop coverage in the coming years.
Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.
#HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNowNews #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #Healthcare #RuralHospitals #ACA #HousingPolicy #GeorgiaPower #PSC #InsuranceRates #AtlantaNews
