ATLANTA (AP) - Two years ago, state Sen. Renee Unterman helped lead an effort to shut down Medicaid expansion in Georgia.
But chair of the Senate health committee now wants her colleagues to reconsider years of opposition to any form of Medicaid expansion.
Supporters recognize the path is difficult. Rank-and-file Republicans and leaders still oppose the key component of President Barack Obama's health care law. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates 600,000 uninsured people in Georgia don't qualify for federal insurance subsidies.
But the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is working on suggestions, due out before the fall. The powerful group, along with pressure from struggling rural hospitals, could have some influence when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.
A 2014 law requires legislative approval for significant Medicaid changes.
