Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Department of Community Health (DCH) announced Deloitte will work with state officials to develop federal healthcare waivers for Georgia's Medicaid program and private health insurance marketplace based on the Patients First Act.

"As Governor, I am committed to tackling the healthcare challenges facing our state. Georgians need better options - reduced costs, enhanced access, and improved quality of care - as soon as possible," said Governor Kemp. "Through the Patients First Act, we are now one step closer to reaching these objectives in every corner of Georgia. Deloitte offers unmatched experience in developing innovative solutions for complex healthcare issues. Working with our federal counterparts, the Department of Community Health, and Deloitte's team, I look forward to crafting a Georgia-centric healthcare system that puts patients first."

“The Department is eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work, and we are excited to utilize Deloitte’s experience and results in this arena to support our team and stakeholders in the coming months,” said Frank W. Berry, DCH Commissioner. “The Patients First Act is about affordable, accessible, high-quality health care for Georgians across our state. Today’s important announcement – and the work that has gone into making it happen – has laid a strong foundation upon which to build options for Governor Kemp to consider.”

In the Amended FY 2019 Budget, the Legislature allocated $2.6 million in funding for healthcare waiver consulting services. At $1.92 million, Deloitte's proposal is under budget, and state officials expect to submit the 1115 Medicaid and 1332 State Innovation Waivers to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the U.S. Department of Treasury by December 31, 2019.