Georgia Access: What to know about new state-run health insurance site as open enrollment begins

ATLANTA — Open enrollment begins Friday in Georgia. For Georgians who previously bought health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, there is a new state-run health insurance portal.

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King announced earlier this year a statewide transition from the Healthcare.gov insurance marketplace to a state-managed one called Georgia Access.

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On Friday, King hosted an open enrollment kickoff event at the Georgia Capitol.

“Open Enrollment is the optimal time for Georgians to explore affordable options for health coverage,” King said. “Our innovative approach of partnering directly with private sector entities is tailored to fit how consumers already shop for health coverage, simplifying the enrollment process and ultimately reducing the number of uninsured Georgians.”

Georgians will not be able to apply anymore through the federal website. The state says people who were previously enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov have been automatically migrated to Georgia Access.

If you select a plan by Dec. 16, 2024, coverage will begin on Jan. 15, 2025. If you select a plan between Dec. 17, 2024 and Jan. 15, 2024, then your coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2025.

You can apply for health insurance at Georgia Access here. The state has also set up a Georgia Access Contact Center open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The center’s phone number is 888-687-1503.

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Georgia joins 18 states and the District of Columbia in using their own system rather than the federally-provided one, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

But some have raised concerns that private businesses will prioritize profit over providing people with good health care coverage.

State officials said they are working to facilitate a smooth enrollment process for consumers and prevent a repeat of the ACA’s chaotic launch over a decade ago.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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