Health Insurance in Georgia

Georgia Access: the state's own exchange

Unlike most states that use HealthCare.gov, Georgia runs its own marketplace called Georgia Access. It launched in November 2024 for 2025 coverage. Instead of shopping on one central website, consumers can enroll through certified agents, web brokers, insurance company websites, or the Georgia Access consumer portal at georgiaaccess.gov.

In practice, this means you have more ways to shop and enroll, but it can also be confusing if you're used to HealthCare.gov. Do not apply on HealthCare.gov if you live in Georgia. Premium tax credits for Georgia residents are only available through Georgia Access or one of its approved enrollment partners.

Open Enrollment for 2027 runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1. You can start at georgiaaccess.gov or work with a certified agent or broker. Free enrollment help is available through navigator organizations.

Georgia Pathways: limited Medicaid expansion

Georgia did not do a full Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Instead, it created Georgia Pathways to Coverage, a waiver program that extends Medicaid to adults aged 19-64 with income up to 100% FPL ($15,960 for a single person under the guidelines used for 2027 coverage) who meet certain work or activity requirements (at least 80 hours per month of work, education, community service, or caregiving).

This is a much narrower expansion than what most states did. Full ACA expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL with no work requirements. Georgia Pathways only covers up to 100% FPL and requires documenting qualifying activities. Enrollment has been limited compared to full-expansion states.

If you don't qualify for Pathways, children may still be eligible for PeachCare for Kids (Georgia's CHIP program) at higher income levels.

What plans cost in 2027

Premiums are going up again for 2027, the second straight year of double-digit increases for most Georgia insurers. Georgia premiums rose by a weighted average of 34.6% for 2026. Check your own 2027 price before letting your plan renew, because increases differ a lot from one insurer to the next.

One thing working in Georgians' favor: the state's reinsurance program, which covers part of the cost of very expensive claims and lowers premiums for everyone in the individual market. Federal regulators approved a five-year extension of the program in October 2026, so it continues for 2027 through 2031.

The enhanced premium tax credits expired after 2025 and were not extended for 2027. If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for a single person), you still qualify for a premium tax credit. Above 400% FPL you pay full price. Bronze plans at $0 premium are still available to many lower-income enrollees, and Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions remain the best value for those below 250% FPL.

Carriers in Georgia (2027)

UnitedHealthcare and Cigna are not offering Georgia Access plans for 2027, so their members need to choose a new plan. Antidote Health Plan is new to Georgia. Insurers offering 2027 plans include:

• Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan (Centene) tends to have the lowest premiums in many Georgia counties.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has the broadest network and is available statewide. Anthem also sells plans through a second company, AMGP Georgia Managed Care.
• Kaiser Permanente operates in the Metro Atlanta area as an HMO. Popular for its integrated care model.
• Oscar Health is available in Metro Atlanta and other regions.
• CareSource is available in many Georgia counties, especially outside Metro Atlanta.
• Alliant Health Plans serves select rural and smaller metro counties.
• Antidote Health Plan is new for 2027 and offers a virtual-first model built around telehealth primary care.

Key regions

Metro Atlanta

The most competitive region, with the most carriers. Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties have the most plan options. Kaiser is only available here. Premiums tend to be lower due to competition.

Savannah and Coastal Georgia

Fewer carriers, typically Anthem, Ambetter, and one or two others. Chatham County has moderate plan availability.

Rural Georgia

Many rural counties have only two or three carriers. Anthem and Ambetter are the most consistently available. Premiums are generally higher, and provider networks are thinner.

Estimate your subsidy

Resources

• Georgia Accessfor enrollment and plan shopping (Georgia's official marketplace, not HealthCare.gov)
• Georgia Pathways for the limited Medicaid expansion program
• Dial 2-1-1 for Georgia health and human services referrals