A bill brought by State Rep. Katie Dempsey in the Georgia House would broaden Medicaid assistance for those caring for children facing significant behavioral health challenges, according to the Georgia State House.
Known as HB1238, the measure was filed Friday, Feb. 6 in the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly. The proposal directs the Department of Community Health to request a waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This waiver would make select caregivers eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.
This summary outlines key provisions of the bill text along with clarifications for understanding.
The bill mandates the Georgia Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request by Dec. 31, 2026. The goal is to allow caregivers of Medicaid recipients under age 21 with complex behavioral health conditions—especially those at risk of out-of-home placement or residential treatment—to qualify for Medicaid funding for respite care and similar services. Following approval, the department must take all appropriate action to use Medicaid funds for these purposes.
Additional co-sponsors for the measure are Rep. Lee Hawkins (Republican-27th), Rep. Sharon Cooper (Republican-45th), and Sen. Bo Hatchett (Republican-50th), alongside two further sponsors.
Dempsey has introduced six bills this session in addition to the current proposal, with one passing adoption.
She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
The Republican lawmaker, representing the 13th House District, joined the Georgia House in 2007.
In Georgia, the legislative process starts when a lawmaker, sometimes prompted by a constituent, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to prepare a bill. Afterward, the proposed legislation is filed with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, goes through its initial reading, and heads to a committee for debate and review. Bills that pass committee proceed to the House or Senate floor for further debate and up-or-down vote. Passage in both bodies—and potential negotiation if the versions differ—is required. Once approved, the bill goes to the governor, who has six days in session or up to 40 days after adjournment to sign, veto, or allow the bill to take effect without a signature. The General Assembly convenes yearly for a regular 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB677 | 02/27/2025 | Health; certain placement procedures for children upon discharge from a hospital or psychiatric residential treatment facility; provide |
| HB612 | 02/24/2025 | Behavioral Health Coordinating Council; add member |
| HB567 | 02/21/2025 | Professions and businesses; authorize and regulate teledentistry by licensed dentists |
| HB541 | 02/20/2025 | Education; tuition equalization grants; expand definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing |
| HB533 | 02/19/2025 | Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act; enact |
| HB218 | 02/03/2025 | Health; lower the age from 50 to 18 years old at which hospitals shall offer inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus prior to discharge |
Details in this article are sourced from the Georgia State House. Source material is available here.
