UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Finding affordable health insurance in Georgia depends on your medical coverage needs. There are different tiers of health insurance plans, and it can be tricky to find the balance between getting the most coverage at an affordable monthly premium. This article dives into the options for health insurance in Georgia to help you choose the best plan.
Georgia Open Enrollment dates for health insurance
Open Enrollment for health insurance in Georgia runs from November 1st to January 15th each year.
Georgia health insurance demographics
Demographics play a key role in the costs of health insurance premiums. Below you will see the demographics listed for Georgia:
- Average household income: Households in Georgia are considered high-income. The average household income is $85,691.
- Median age range: People ages 65 and older grew in 2021 as residents of Georgia. It rose the median age range to 37.5 years.
- Education: Georgia ranks 1st in the K-12 education system with early learning and higher education. About 1.52 million of the population aged 25 and older hold a Bachelor’s degree.
What type of Marketplace does Georgia have?
Georgia uses a federally-run health insurance exchange. There are eleven carriers offering plans through the business. The state adopted to use of the federal health insurance Marketplace through Healthcare.gov. State government officials oppose the Affordable Care Act, so in 2023, the state is transitioning. It is moving to a network of web brokers and health insurance companies for coverage enrollment.
How many people are insured through the Georgia health insurance Marketplace?
During open enrollment in 2022, 701,135 residents of Georgia enrolled in market plans through the health insurance exchange.
Did Georgia implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
In 2019, Georgia was granted permission to seek federal assistance to expand Medicaid. Only those people earning up to 100% (rather than 138%) of the poverty level are eligible.
When can you purchase ACA health insurance in Georgia?
Residents of Georgia can apply for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans. Applying must occur during the Open Enrollment Period from November 1st to December 15th.
Types of ACA plans in Georgia
There are six types of health insurance plans for ACA in Georgia. They are as follows:
- Catastrophic
- Bronze
- Expanded Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
The monthly premiums can vary depending on location, age, and more. Coverage increases along with your monthly premium when the plan tier is higher.
What carriers offer ACA insurance in Georgia?
Eleven different carriers offer individual health insurance under the ACA in Georgia. The carriers are:
- Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
- Bright Health
- Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
- Oscar
- Aetna/CVS
- CareSource Georgia Co.
- United Healthcare
- Alliant
- Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan (Centene)
- Kaiser
- Friday Health Plans
The plan availability may vary from one location to another across the state.
How much does health insurance cost in Georgia?
Costs for health insurance can vary depending on which tier you choose. There are multiple other factors regarding deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. The average monthly costs in Georgia under each tier are:
- Catastrophic: $350 monthly
- Bronze: $416 monthly
- Expanded Bronze: $440 monthly
- Silver: $525 monthly
- Gold: $532 monthly
- Platinum: $681 monthly
Cheapest health insurance by Metal Tier in Georgia
The options in the table below might be a good fit if you’re looking for the cheapest individual plan.
| Metal Tier | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic | $240 | $8,700 | $8,700 |
| Bronze | $295 | $8,600 | $8,600 |
| Bronze Expanded | $260 | $7,700 | $8,700 |
| Silver | $350 | $6,100 | $6,100 |
| Gold | $355 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| Platinum | $510 | $0 | $8,700 |
Cheapest health insurance by county
Your location affects your insurance rates. However, those living in Georgia’s five largest counties have the same options for cheap individual and family insurance. People in other parts of the state may see rates vary slightly.
| County Name | Individual, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 & Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatham | $350 | $700 | $910 |
| Cobb | $350 | $700 | $910 |
| DeKalb | $350 | $700 | $910 |
| Fulton | $350 | $700 | $910 |
| Gwinnett | $350 | $700 | $910 |
Are subsidies available in Georgia?
You might qualify for subsidized coverage if you fall within 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The amount equals $12,7060 to $51,040 for individual income. The average subsidy received for enrollment in Georgia’s Marketplace was $494 in 2021.
Can you purchase off-exchange insurance coverage in Georgia?
You can purchase health insurance privately or off-exchange in Georgia. These providers offer flexibility and options outside those plans through the federal exchange. However, the premiums will vary and may be more expensive, depending on your coverage.
Can you purchase short-term insurance in Georgia?
Short-term health insurance is available in Georgia. If you don’t have medical insurance, you are eligible to get a short-term coverage plan. The plans run for 11 months or more.
Health coverage options for low-income people in Georgia
You may be eligible for cost-sharing reductions in Georgia if you have a low income. It will provide lower deductibles, so you won’t have to pay as much upfront when needing medical care. Other options are available in Georgia if you are within a low-income household.
What Medicare options are available in Georgia?
Those 65 years or older or who are ill or with a disability are eligible for the Medicare program. The options under Medicare are as follows:
- Part A – covers in-patient hospital stays, nursing facilities, hospice, and some healthcare services.
- Part B – covers outpatient services, including doctor visits and preventative services.
- Part D – prescription drug coverage
Medicaid in Georgia
The Medicaid program in Georgia provides access to free and low-cost medical care. It is currently available to those who are:
- Pregnant
- Caring for a child 18 or younger
- Blind
- With a disability or caring for a family member with a disability
- 65 years of age and older
Your household income can’t exceed 36% of the poverty level to be eligible for Medicaid. For a family of four, annual household income must be below $68,542 before taxes.
Cheapest health insurance plans in Georgia
Your health insurance premium cost can change. The average for a 40-year-old on a Silver health plan in Georgia is around $394 per month. Below are some of the cheapest health insurance plans in the state.
Cheapest health plan in Georgia with low out-of-pocket maximums
You should consider a health insurance plan with low out-of-pocket maximums if you have many medical needs. There may be higher premiums, but you will reach your limit quickly, and your insurer will cover expenses quicker, saving you money.
The cheapest insurance plan in Georgia with low out-of-pocket maximums is Ambetter Balanced Care 25 HSA (Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan). The monthly premium averages $479 monthly for a 40-year-old.
Cheapest health plan in Georgia with high out-of-pocket maximums
If you are younger and have no medical needs, you should choose a plan with a lower monthly premium. You pay more since these plans come with high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
The most affordable plan in Georgia with a high out-of-pocket maximum is Anthem Catastrophic Pathway X Guided Access HMO 8550 (BlueCross BlueShield). The monthly premium averages $228 monthly for a college student or 26-year-old.
Cheapest health plan in Georgia with an HSA option
Using a Health Savings Account (HSA) is an excellent choice if you are healthy and have fewer medical needs. These plans cost less and allow you to save pre-taxed money for medical expenses when they arise.
Georgia’s cheapest health insurance plan with HSA is the Kaiser Permanente GA Signature Bronze 6400/40%HSA. The average cost is $345 monthly for a 40-year-old male.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health plans in Georgia
There are two healthcare plan types in Georgia. They include the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
The most affordable Silver plans under the HMO and PPO plans include
- HMO: the Kaiser Permanente Silver HDHP 5000/20/S8 plan. The monthly premium average is $391 for a 40-year-old.
- PPO: The Alliant Health Plan’s SoloCare Silver PPO 40017 Area 1 plan. The monthly premium average is $429 for a 40-year-old.
FAQs
What’s the average cost of health insurance in the state of Georgia?
The price for health insurance in Georgia under each tier varies depending on your coverage. There are deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses that you need to consider. The average cost is $585 per person monthly.
How do I get health insurance in Georgia?
The Health Insurance Marketplace provides online comparisons of health plans in Georgia. You can also call private insurance providers or check eligibility for government health programs.
Does Georgia have medical insurance?
You can purchase medical insurance in Georgia through the eleven carriers within the Marketplace exchange.
Who qualifies for Peach State Health Plan?
People age 65 or older, under 65 with a disability, or any age with End-State Renal Disease (ESRD) are eligible for coverage through Peach State Health Plan Advantage.
Does Georiga have free healthcare?
The Medicaid program in Georgia is free (or very low-cost) for eligible people.
How to buy health insurance in Georgia
Before buying health insurance in Georgia, take the time to review what different policy types offer and consider your healthcare needs. When you’re ready to purchase health insurance, use our online quote tool to compare rates.
