Health Insurance in Georgia

Georgia Access: the state's own exchange

Unlike most states that use HealthCare.gov, Georgia now runs its own marketplace called Georgia Access. It launched in November 2024 for 2025 coverage. The idea is that 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. The plans, subsidies, and rules are the same as before. Only the enrollment process changed.

If you're enrolling for the first time, you can go directly to 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 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 monthly. 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 2026

Georgia marketplace premiums rose by a weighted average of 34.6% for 2026, before subsidies. This is one of the larger increases in the country, driven by the expiration of enhanced subsidies and rising medical costs.

After subsidies, costs are more manageable for lower-income enrollees. Bronze plans at $0 premium are still available for people under 200% FPL in many counties. Silver CSR plans remain the best value for those below 250% FPL.

Carriers in Georgia (2026)

Eight insurers offer marketplace plans, down from nine after Aetna's exit at the end of 2025:

• Ambetter (Centene/Peach State) tends to have the lowest premiums in many Georgia counties.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (Anthem) has the broadest network and is available statewide.
• 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 a few other regions.
• Molina Healthcare offers competitive rates in select counties.
• CareSource is available in many Georgia counties, especially outside Metro Atlanta.
• Alliant Health Plans serves select rural and smaller metro counties.
• Friday Health Plans offers coverage in certain Georgia counties.

Key regions

Metro Atlanta

The most competitive region with six or more 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 BCBS, Ambetter, and one or two others. Chatham County has moderate plan availability.

Rural Georgia

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

Estimate your subsidy

Resources

• Georgia Access for enrollment and plan shopping
• Georgia Pathways for the limited Medicaid expansion program
• Dial 2-1-1 for Georgia health and human services referrals