Georgia governor unveils Medicaid plan with work requirement

FILE - In a Friday, September 20, 2019 file photo, Gov. Brian Kemp answers questions from the media in Dalton, Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp has unveiled a much-anticipated plan to overhaul the state's health insurance market under the federal Affordable Care Act. The proposals released Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 aim to reduce premiums for residents who buy health insurance under President Barack Obama's signature health law. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)
FILE - In a Friday, September 20, 2019 file photo, Gov. Brian Kemp answers questions from the media in Dalton, Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp has unveiled a much-anticipated plan to overhaul the state's health insurance market under the federal Affordable Care Act. The proposals released Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 aim to reduce premiums for residents who buy health insurance under President Barack Obama's signature health law. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp plans to seek federal approval to expand Medicaid to the poorest, able-bodied adults. But his proposal is more limited than most other states, and would require the adults to work, volunteer, receive job training or attend school.

Kemp unveiled the plan on Monday, expanding Medicaid to adults who make no more than the federal poverty level. They'll have to pay monthly premiums and spend at least 80 hours a month working, volunteering, training or studying. Kemp's office calls it a conservative reform that reflects the state's values.

The Republican's work requirement is sure to face opposition. Critics say many adults eligible for Medicaid face barriers to entering the workforce, including medical conditions and care-taking responsibilities.

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