Resolution calls for study of ways to overhaul Medicaid

House lawmakers voted Thursday to create a joint House-Senate committee to study ways to overhaul Georgia’s ailing Medicaid program.

“It’s time we take a serious look at Medicaid reforms and ensure that hardworking taxpayer dollars are being implemented in the most cost-effective manner,” said Rep. Donna Sheldon, R-Dacula, who sponsored the resolution.

House Resolution 107 calls for a committee of lawmakers, health care providers and at least one consumer to look at ways to better run the state’s health care program for the poor. Medicaid provides health coverage for roughly 1.7 million Georgians, mostly pregnant women, children, the elderly and disabled. The program busted its budget last fiscal year by $32 million.