ATLANTA – Even Governor Kemp’s fellow Republicans in the state legislature can see that his expensive, restrictive ‘Pathways’ program is a failure and support full Medicaid expansion. Four Georgia Republicans have broken with Kemp and backed Democrats’ bill to fully expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

The lawmakers, who represent rural areas of Georgia, cited that expanding Medicaid would help rural hospitals keep their doors open. It would also cover nearly half a million Georgians who are currently uninsured and create jobs throughout the state. By contrast, Kemp’s failed “Pathways” program has burned through nearly $40 million – nearly all of it on consultant fees – to cover fewer than 6,000 Georgians since its launch a year and half ago.

“Even members of Governor Kemp’s own party can’t stomach continuing to prop up Kemp’s expensive, restrictive ‘Pathways’ flop,” said DPG spokesman Dave Hoffman. “There is bipartisan support to fully expand Medicaid to save rural hospitals, deliver needed care and create jobs – if only Brian Kemp would swallow his pride and do what’s right for Georgia.”