Read More of the 2026 Budget Primer here. Georgia’s 2026 Health Budget The Departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Community Health (DCH) and Public Health (DPH) are the primary agencies focused on the state’s health care and public
Many state health departments and programs use acronyms. To help keep track of ones used in this paper, an acronym glossary is provided after the conclusion. Key Takeaways Non-medical drivers of health, including access to safe, stable and affordable housing,
*The following information reflects the legislation passed by the United States House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. Additional information will be provided as the bill progresses. Introduction and Summary Congress is currently negotiating a federal budget package. To pay
This press-release was co-authored with Georgians for a Healthy Future As federal officials consider extending Georgia’s Pathways program and Congress considers applying a nationwide Pathways-like work requirement to adults in Medicaid, Georgia advocates urge the public to speak out by
On January 21, 2025, Georgia’s Department of Community Health notified the public of its intention to submit an extension for the state’s 1115 demonstration waiver known as Pathways to Coverage. GBPI’s Director of Health Justice, Leah Chan, submitted the following
Introduction The Department of Public Health programs focus on health promotion and health-related disaster response and preparedness as well as disease and injury prevention. Governor Kemp’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 provides the Department with about $436 million in
Introduction Among a range of duties, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities operates five state psychiatric hospitals, provides evaluation and treatment for individuals under the jurisdiction of the court system to determine their competency to stand trial
Introduction The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is the state’s lead agency for safe and affordable housing, community and economic development and local government assistance. DCA’s housing services include providing rental assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals, providing
Introduction The Department of Community Health administers the state’s healthcare safety net, reimburses hospitals for services provided to uninsured and underinsured Georgians, manages health insurance coverage for state and school system employees and regulates health care and long-term care
In July 2023, Georgia launched the Pathways to Coverage program, which offers health care coverage to adults with lower incomes who do not have access to affordable health insurance. To be eligible they must work, attend school, volunteer or complete
The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute works to advance lasting solutions that expand economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians.
Georgia Budget & Policy Institute
The Georgia Budget Primer is GBPI’s signature annual examination of state revenues and investments. It outlines Georgia’s budget changes, trends and impacts regarding taxes, education, health care, human services and criminal legal systems. This year we are taking special care to describe how federal funding contributes to Georgia’s budget.
Submit public comment on Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program extension by February 20th – just complete this easily fillable form:
