SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Democratic Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address that he wanted the president to address healthcare and Medicaid funding, calling them among the biggest concerns for ordinary people.

Warnock said families in rural Georgia disproportionately rely on Medicaid and that rural hospitals are struggling.

Rural hospitals facing tough decisions

Warnock brought Bill Lee, CEO of Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton, as his guest for Tuesday night’s address. Lee said smaller hospitals like his are making difficult decisions due to tight budgets.

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Evans Memorial recently closed its labor and delivery unit.

“When you see hospitals that begin to shutter services like labor and delivery, then that sometimes is a telltale sign that there is issues with being able to maintain all levels of service,” Lee said.

Warnock also addressed Evans Memorial’s financial situation directly.

“And he’s got $1 million shortfall this year. $1 million. Now, if you live in Atlanta or somewhere like that, that sounds like peanuts. It’s not when you’re in a rural community,” Warnock said.

Lee said the state is providing some funding but that more support is needed at the federal level.

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