Georgia
Adults aged 19 to 64 made up 61% of the overall number of Georgia residents, based on 2012 data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Adults 65 to 74 years of age totaled 7% while those aged 75 and above comprised 4% of the rest of the population. In Georgia, 22% of residents fell below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Limited finances usually have a negative impact on one’s health and well-being.
The Trust for America’s Health estimates that Georgia will have a total of 160,000 Alzheimer’s cases among senior citizens in 2025. According to the organization, approximately 20.4% of Georgia residents smoked tobacco regularly in 2012. In 2013, the state saw over 49,000 new cases of cancer.
The Kaiser Family Foundation adds that 2% of the overall number of skilled care recipients in nursing facilities throughout the U.S. in 2011 lived in Georgia. The Center for Personal Assistance Services notes that as much as 159,000 adults ages 18 to 64, along with 188,000 adults ages 65 and over, will require support in activities of daily living in 2025. Custodial care services can give that support and improve their well-being.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Georgia.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Atlanta | $202 | $105 | $59 | $108 |
| Augusta | $235 | $82 | $57 | $114 |
| Macon | $193 | $88 | N/A | $96 |
| Savannah | $201 | $95 | N/A | $108 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
MedAmerica, an insurance company that offers long-term care coverage, enacted some changes in the preferred health and marital discounts of its FlexCare LTCI product. These changes became effective in ten states, including Georgia, on October 12, 2013. Along with discount changes, MedAmerica also ceased in allowing policyholders to pay using credit cards.
On November 9, 2013, TransCare III Partnership policies became available in Georgia’s long-term care insurance market. Transamerica, another insurance carrier that provides LTCI coverage, also sold Partnership TransCare III products in three other states. The LTC Partnership program in Georgia took effect on April 19, 2006.
Georgia residents can buy Partnership-certified LTCI policies from American General Life, Berkshire Life, Country Life, Genworth, John Hancock, LifeSecure, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, Northwestern, and State Farm.
State Long-Term Care Programs
Adults 65 years of age and above, along with younger individuals who have disabilities, can get long-term care through Medicare. Medicare pays for some skilled nursing facility care, home health care, and other services for a serious ailment or debilitating injury. Medicare clients can get free and useful information through GeorgiaCares, a statewide program made up of volunteers.
Medicaid supports 1.7 million Georgia residents in sustaining health-related services, including long-term care. It also covers seniors and people with disabilities, particularly those in the lower socio-economic background. A possible expansion can provide coverage to 650,000 more residents, yet the state did not proceed with expansion in 2014. The federally-facilitated Marketplace supervises Medicaid applications in Georgia.
The Georgia Health Care Association initiated a campaign called “Share a Moment of Love this Holiday” that motivates the public to celebrate holidays with care recipients in skilled nursing facilities.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Georgia, please check the following websites:
Georgia Department of Community Health
Informs about various long-term care services, which helps in choosing a care setting.
Georgia Health Care Association
Provides an in-depth consumer guide about LTC that comes with a glossary.
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