Story perspectives

Georgia Medicaid Work Rule Boosts Mental-Health Reports; Ohio Fathers Depressed

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A JAMA study found that Georgia’s Medicaid work-requirement program, launched in 2023 without mental-health or substance-use disorder exemptions, raised mental-health reports among low-income adults versus neighboring states.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data showed mental-health declines among low-income adults started after the program, unlike neighboring states.
Northwestern research of 4,290 Ohio fathers reported 6.6% depression, 11% anxiety, with unpaid or no leave worsening mental health because of financial barriers.

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Story summary

A JAMA study found that Georgia’s Medicaid work-requirement program, launched in 2023 without mental-health or substance-use disorder exemptions, raised mental-health reports among low-income adults versus neighboring states.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data showed mental-health declines among low-income adults started after the program, unlike neighboring states.
Northwestern research of 4,290 Ohio fathers reported 6.6% depression, 11% anxiety, with unpaid or no leave worsening mental health because of financial barriers.