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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Georgia's transition to a State-based Exchange (SBE), known as Georgia Access. The new health insurance marketplace will go live on November 1, 2024, coinciding with the start of Open Enrollment 2025.
Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced the development, highlighting that Georgia Access is designed to offer multiple options for Georgians to enroll in affordable health insurance coverage through web brokers, agents, and insurance companies.
“This milestone is the result of the extraordinary work our office has conducted over the past three years to move Georgia away from reliance on the federal government for health coverage,” said Commissioner King. “The Georgia Access approach is an innovative one. It will be the first State-based Exchange to partner with private sector companies to get consumers enrolled. It represents our commitment to expand access to affordable, quality health coverage and reduce the number of uninsured Georgians.”
Cheryl Gardner, executive director of Georgia Access, emphasized the program's readiness: “Georgia Access stands ready to bring improvements to our State to better serve consumers and help reduce the number of uninsured Georgians. We will meet Georgians where they are, with a goal to continue to innovate Georgia’s healthcare market.”
Governor Kemp also commented on this initiative: "This is a great milestone in connecting Georgians with the coverage they need," he said. "A state-based exchange will not only make the process for Georgians getting covered easier but will also increase their coverage options and our ability to promote quality and affordable health plans. That's why creating Georgia Access has been a top priority of my administration."
In response to significant issues within Georgia's health insurance landscape in 2019—where over 1.3 million residents were uninsured and many counties had limited carrier options—Governor Kemp signed the “Patients First Act” on March 27, 2019. This act authorized Georgia's submission of a Section 1332 waiver aimed at addressing healthcare challenges through innovative solutions.
Part I of this waiver introduced a five-year reinsurance program designed to lower premiums by increasing carrier participation. Part II transitioned the state's individual market from a Federally-facilitated Exchange (FFE) to an SBE under Georgia Access.
As reported during Open Enrollment 2024, more than 1.3 million Georgians enrolled in marketplace healthcare coverage, marking significant progress since these initiatives began.
Consumers can start shopping for health coverage on November 1, with plans taking effect from January 1, 2025, if selected by December 16, 2024.
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The mission of the Office Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.
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