Disabilities and caretaking responsibilities are not sufficient “qualifying activities” for Georgia Pathways

An applicant for Medicaid benefits was found ineligible for the new Georgia Pathways waiver program because she did not meet the “qualifying activities” requirement, for which she must be employed, engaged in job training, or performing community service for a certain number of hours. The applicant appealed this denial, arguing that her disabilities and obligations to care for her elderly husband should be considered qualifying activities. The Court ultimately affirmed the ineligibility finding, citing a decision by the U.S. District for the Southern District of Georgia that had rejected arguments similar to the applicant’s.