Georgia Nursing Homes Face Closure Due to Medicaid Cuts

News Summary

A recent Brown University study reveals that 37 nursing homes in Georgia are at risk of closure owing to significant Medicaid cuts in President Trump’s budget bill. With 70% of residents relying on Medicaid, the impact of these cuts raises serious concerns. Senator Jon Ossoff warns that thousands of seniors could be displaced, while Democratic senator Jason Esteves decries the changes as politically motivated. The Georgia Health Care Association expresses alarm over potential adverse effects on vital nursing home services, highlighting a broader national issue of long-term care accessibility amid a potential 579 nursing homes facing closure nationwide.

Atlanta – A recent study from Brown University warns that 37 nursing homes in Georgia are at risk of closure due to significant cuts to the Medicaid program as outlined in President Trump’s recently signed budget bill. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that Medicaid will face cuts totaling $1 trillion over the next decade, which is projected to impact many nursing homes across the state. Approximately 70% of seniors residing in nursing homes in Georgia depend on Medicaid for their coverage, making these cuts especially concerning.

Among the 37 affected nursing homes, five are located in the metro Atlanta area. Senator Jon Ossoff has raised alarms about the possible consequences of these Medicaid cuts, emphasizing that they could displace thousands of vulnerable seniors and place additional strain on the healthcare infrastructure in the state. Georgia currently ranks as one of the top five states in terms of the number of nursing homes threatened with closure.

In reaction to the proposed budget cuts, Democratic state senator Jason Esteves has argued that these changes are politically motivated and have come at the expense of essential care for Georgia’s senior population. Meanwhile, the Georgia Health Care Association has expressed deep concerns about how these budget cuts could adversely affect vital nursing home services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The ongoing potential for widespread closures has broader implications for long-term care across the country. The Brown University study has identified a total of 579 nursing homes nationwide that are exposed to the risk of closure, primarily due to their dependence on Medicaid, low occupancy rates, and low quality ratings. Additionally, William Dow from UC Berkeley has suggested that these Medicaid cuts could diminish access to long-term care for older adults, potentially leading to the loss of dual coverage for some Medicare enrollees.

Despite the challenges posed by these budget cuts, the White House has asserted that the Medicaid reductions will not adversely impact vulnerable population groups. The administration plans to focus on eliminating waste and fraud within the program to enhance its integrity and efficiency.

Nursing Homes in Georgia

Georgia is home to over 300 nursing homes and long-term care facilities that provide various services, amenities, and activities tailored for senior citizens. Recently, Newsweek released its 2025 list highlighting 1,200 of America’s Best Nursing Homes, which was based on peer recommendations, accreditations, resident satisfaction, and performance data.

Noteworthy mentions from Georgia include:

• Lenbrook, Atlanta – Ranked No. 1 for nursing homes with 50-99 beds, featuring 60 certified beds, Medicare acceptance, diverse dining options, and recreational facilities including an on-site swimming pool and fitness programs.
• A.G. Rhodes – Atlanta, Atlanta – Ranked No. 1 for nursing homes with 100-149 beds, offering 138 certified beds, a resident council, and advanced services such as an on-site dialysis clinic.
• A.G. Rhodes – Wesley Woods, Atlanta – Ranked No. 1 for nursing homes with 150+ beds, providing 150 certified beds and a variety of activities, alongside an Alzheimer’s secure unit and dialysis services.

Metro Atlanta has the highest representation of nursing homes on the prestigious list from Newsweek, with other recognized locations including Stockbridge, Peachtree City, and Austell. Northern areas like Summerville, Gainesville, and Royston also have several facilities that have made the rankings.

The potential threat of nursing home closures in Georgia highlights a critical issue in the state’s healthcare landscape. As budget discussions continue, the fate of many of these facilities and the vulnerable populations they serve hangs in the balance.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AJC: Report on Georgia Nursing Homes at Risk
• Wikipedia: Nursing Home
• Savannah Now: Georgia Nursing Homes Highlighted by Newsweek
• Google Search: Georgia Nursing Homes Closure Risk
• Online Athens: Cuts to Georgia Nursing Homes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing Home
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Medicaid Cuts Impact on Nursing Homes
• Google Scholar: Georgia Nursing Homes Medicaid Cuts