He Became the Face of Georgia’s Medicaid Work Requirement. Now He’s Fed Up With It.

This article was created for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in collaboration with The Current. Subscribe to Dispatches to receive stories like this as soon as they are published.

Last year, amid debates about Georgia’s Medicaid work requirements, Governor Brian Kemp showcased a testimonial video featuring Luke Seaborn, a mechanic from rural Jefferson. Seaborn praised Georgia Pathways to Coverage, Kemp’s insurance program, for improving his life. However, Seaborn’s positive view of the program shifted after experiencing bureaucratic hurdles that led to the cancellation of his benefits.

Seaborn’s case highlights the challenges faced by many low-income adults eligible for Pathways, despite the state’s efforts to promote the program. Issues such as paperwork requirements and sudden changes have left enrollees like Seaborn frustrated and struggling to maintain coverage.

While Seaborn initially supported Pathways and appeared in promotional materials for the program, his experience with administrative obstacles has soured his opinion. Despite efforts to rectify the situation, including intervention from state officials, Seaborn faced difficulties in navigating the system.

Ultimately, with the assistance of media inquiries, Seaborn was able to regain his coverage. However, his journey underscores the communication gaps and challenges faced by individuals relying on government healthcare programs like Pathways.