Story perspectives

Jackson Healthcare’s $1B Georgia contracts fuel governor scrutiny

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 4:14 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jackson Secures Billions

Jackson Healthcare’s 21 subsidiaries have received nearly $1 billion in Georgia state contracts since fiscal year 2020.
Locum Tenens, a Jackson subsidiary, was paid $18 million by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health since 2022.
Jackson pledged to end state business yet his firm renewed a contract through June 30, 2027.
A poll shows the governor’s race virtually tied, with Jackson slightly ahead but within the margin of error.

Summary

Bottoms & Jackson Debate

Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson debated at Assembly Studios on Oct. 6, 2026.
Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson discussed Medicaid expansion and lowering living costs in a town-hall.
Atlanta News First sponsored the event, asking about affordability, healthcare, and data centers.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s name appeared rarely, contrasting his usual election-year prominence.
After surrogates took questions, Keisha Lance Bottoms joined Rick Jackson in the spin room to answer voters.

History

Historical Context

President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act on March 23 2010, prompting the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that let states refuse Medicaid expansion. By December 2019, 37 states had expanded, lowering uninsured rates, while Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health awarded $1 billion in private contracts, including $18 million to Locum Tenens. In the 2026 gubernatorial race, candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson clash over expanding Medicaid and cost-of-living reforms.

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Jackson Secures Billions

Jackson Healthcare’s 21 subsidiaries have received nearly $1 billion in Georgia state contracts since fiscal year 2020.
Locum Tenens, a Jackson subsidiary, was paid $18 million by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health since 2022.
Jackson pledged to end state business yet his firm renewed a contract through June 30, 2027.
A poll shows the governor’s race virtually tied, with Jackson slightly ahead but within the margin of error.

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