If you live in Georgia and need health insurance, there’s a new way to get covered. Georgia Access is now the place where you can find and enroll in individual health insurance plans. Let’s make it simple to understand what it is, how it works, and how you can get started.
What Is Georgia Access?
Starting with plans for January 1, 2025 effective dates, Georgia replaced the federal Healthcare.gov platform with Georgia Access. This marketplace is where you can:
- Compare different health insurance plans.
- See if you qualify for financial help.
- Enroll in a plan that works for you.
Think of Georgia Access as an online store for health insurance. It’s not complicated—it’s just where all the plans are housed so you can shop and apply.
You can use the Georgia Access website directly or get help from licensed brokers or agents who can guide you through the process.
What Hasn’t Changed
Even though Georgia Access replaced Healthcare.gov, the important parts of health insurance remain the same:
- Financial Help: If you qualify, you can still get subsidies to lower your monthly costs.
- Essential Benefits: Plans still cover things like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
- Quality Plans: You’ll have access to the same trusted insurance companies.
- Open Enrollment: The timeframe to sign up hasn’t changed, running from November through January.
How to Get Started
Here’s how you can enroll in a health insurance plan through Georgia Access:
1. Use the Georgia Access Website
Go to the Georgia Access website to compare plans, see what financial assistance you qualify for, and enroll. It’s designed to be user-friendly and straightforward.
2. Work With a Licensed Broker or Agent
If you’d like extra help, a licensed broker or agent can make things easier. They can:
- Explain your options in simple terms.
- Help you find plans that include your doctors and prescriptions.
- Check if you qualify for subsidies.
- Walk you through enrollment.
3. Contact Insurance Companies Directly
You can also reach out to insurance carriers if you prefer to explore their plans on your own.
Working with a broker doesn’t cost you anything extra, as brokers are paid by insurance companies.
What Health Plans Cover
Every plan on Georgia Access includes these essential benefits:
- Doctor visits and preventive care
- Emergency services and hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and addiction services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
This ensures you get complete coverage, no matter which plan you pick.
When to Enroll
You can enroll in a health plan during:
Open Enrollment
- When: This runs from November to January each year. It’s the main time to sign up or change your plan.
Special Enrollment Periods
If you experience a major life change, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Examples of qualifying events include:
- Losing your current health insurance
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new state or coverage area
- A significant change in income
If you qualify, you’ll have 60 days from the event to enroll in a plan.
Why Use a Broker?
Health insurance can feel overwhelming, but brokers are here to help. They can:
- Break down complex terms so they’re easy to understand.
- Compare plans to find one that fits your needs and budget.
- Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
- Handle the enrollment process for you.
Brokers like Stroman Insurance provide this assistance at no extra cost to you.
Take the Next Step
You have options to find the health insurance plan that works best for you. You can:
- Visit the Georgia Access website to shop and enroll directly.
- Work with a licensed broker for personalized help.
- Contact insurance companies to explore their plans.
If you’d like expert guidance, licensed brokers like Stroman Insurance are ready to assist you every step of the way. They offer free consultations to help you find and enroll in the right plan.