FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

ATLANTA | Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, with the support of Senate Republican members of the Georgia Senate Health and Human Services Committee, issued a statement recapping the committee’s work on behalf of healthcare systems, providers, and Georgians over the past four years. 

“I want to thank Chairman Ben Watson, his Republican colleagues on the committee and all Senate members who supported the Senate’s work and leadership on healthcare issues over the past four years,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “By working with Governor Brian Kemp, we prioritized innovative programs to draw down additional federal funding, expanded insurance coverage for Georgians across the state, and increased residency slots and graduate medical education funding, while ensuring mothers across Georgia received additional postpartum care. These are just a few of the ways we have continued to ensure that every Georgian has access to affordable and appropriate health care regardless of their zip code. I am proud of the work we have done, and our record speaks for itself. When we work together and put the people of Georgia first, promises are kept and lives are changed for the better, ensuring a healthier future for all Georgians.”

“Lt. Governor Jones has demonstrated real leadership in advancing care for Georgians,” said Senate HHS Chairman Ben Watson. “His focus on accountability and proven strategies like growing graduate medical education to train physicians is exactly what a growing state like Georgia requires to expand access to care. Thanks to Lt. Governor Jones, Georgia has built a strong foundation, grounded in strategic investment and measurable outcomes, from which to continue improving access and affordability for all Georgians.”

The following list reflects Georgia Senate Health and Humans Services Committee Republican members who echo the statement and fully support the work done by Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Burt Jones: Chairman Ben Watson, Vice-Chairwoman Kay Kirkpatrick, Secretary Ed Setzler, Senator Matt Brass, Senator Bill Cowsert, Senator Russ Goodman, Governor Floor Leader Bo Hatchett, Senator Mike Hodges, Senator Chuck Hufstetler, Majority Whip Randy Robertson and Senator Brian Strickland. 

Legislative and Regulatory Priorities and Successes: 

Supporting reapplications and funding for State Directed Payment Programs helping support healthcare expansion and workforce development across the state. As of March 2026, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) received approval for six renewed and four new State Directed Payment Programs (DPPs), directing an estimated $4.5 billion in funding to eligible hospitals and providers. 

Supporting Pathways and Governor Kemp’s Administration on innovative waiver initiatives to provide insurance coverage for Georgians.

Prioritized the modification of statutes relating to the state's certificate of need (CON) processes by creating new exemptions for equipment procurement, rural hospitals, reopening of existing facilities, perinatal services and birthing centers. 

Coverage for couples wishing to start a family by requiring every health benefit policy to include coverage for expenses related to starting fertility preservation and clarifying that nothing in Georgia law prohibits a service from providing, or a family from obtaining, in vitro fertilization.

Expanding access to the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program for additional rural hospitals like the one located in Irwin County. 

Supporting student loan repayment for a variety of healthcare professionals providing services to underserved youth or who practice in an unserved geographic area.

Budget and Funding Priorities and Successes:

The Senate championed the support of mental health services and law enforcement by appropriating $409M for the construction of a 300-bed mental health services hospital.

Prioritized 900 New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) slots for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Supported Governor Brian Kemp’s priority to appropriate $50M for the funding, design, and construction of the University of Georgia Medial School. 

Appropriated over $33M in state general funds to support hospitals serving rural Georgians and their financial solvency.

Prioritized growing Georgia’s healthcare workforce by appropriating over $52M for Graduate Medical Education (residency slots, start-up funds for residency programs, fellowship slots/programs). Of this $52M, over $34M was for GME programs serving rural Georgia.

Appropriated over $24.5M for efforts to improve Maternal and Infant Health.

Addressed Medicaid Rate Increases totaling $225,205,448, including ABA and Autism Services Therapy totaling $21,266,643.

Contact

Legislative and Communications Director Ines Owens

[email protected]