Georgia Pathways to Coverage™ Wins National Association of Medicaid Directors’ 2023 Spotlight Award

The state of Georgia's Pathways to Coverage™ program received the 2023 National Spotlight Award on October 2 during the National Association of Medicaid Directors' (NAMD) annual conference in Washington, D.C. The review committee was particularly impressed by the perseverance Georgia showed in piloting Pathways and providing a new avenue of coverage to uninsured Georgians.

"It's great to see this national recognition for what Pathways is: an innovative, Georgia-centric approach to providing health insurance coverage to low-income individuals," said Governor Brian Kemp. "From the beginning of my administration, we have made expanding access to affordable health care a top priority and despite the noise from naysayers, we've made significant strides over the years through a multi-pronged approach that includes Georgia Access and several new laws related to healthcare access."

"The Department of Community Health is proud to receive this recognition, especially so soon after Pathways' launch," continued DCH Commissioner Russel Carlson, who attended the annual conference. "I applaud all collaborators - chief among them the Governor's Office, General Assembly, Department of Community Health's present and former commissioners and staff, Georgia Department of Human Services, our CMO and technology partners, businesses and education community, and many others - who dedicated countless hours and resources to bring this program to life on behalf of Georgia residents."

Georgia Pathways launched on July 1, establishing a new category of Medicaid assistance for Georgians who otherwise would not be eligible for traditional Medicaid. Pathways, still in its early stages, is designed to increase access to affordable healthcare coverage, support eligible members on their journeys to financial independence, and promote members' transitions from Medicaid into private coverage.

"Congratulations to our colleagues in Georgia for the recognition of their Pathways to Coverage™ program," said NAMD Board President Cindy Beane, who is the Medicaid Director of West Virginia. "Their work to ensure qualified Georgians can gain access to health insurance through this program is a testament to the team's efforts in shaping the future of a healthy Georgia."