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Georgia Access reports 1.5 million enrollees; officials say state-based exchange increased choice and reduced premiums in parts of the state
Summary
State Insurance Commissioner John King told the Senate Health committee that Georgia Access enrolled about 1.5 million consumers in 2025, expanded carrier participation and reduced premiums in some rural counties; presenters warned that the potential expiration of enhanced tax credits could raise premiums.
Commissioner John King told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that Georgia Access, the state's new state-based health insurance marketplace, enrolled roughly 1,500,000 consumers during the 2024–2025 open-enrollment period.
"As a state backed exchange, Georgia Access administers all required functions of the exchange, including consumer eligibility, enrollment system, consumer contact center, and small business health options program," Commissioner John King said. He told the committee Georgia Access fully replaced healthcare.gov on Nov. 1, 2024 and that the state-based model allowed targeted community outreach across Georgia.
King reported several performance metrics: Georgia Access enrolled 1,500,000 consumers during open enrollment; 57% of enrollees fell at or below 138% of the federal poverty line; over 225,000 of the enrollees had never previously been enrolled through any exchange; and more than 95% of consumers were eligible for financial assistance. King also said nearly 17,000 licensed agents assisted consumers during the period and that competition among carriers increased choice and lowered premiums in many rural counties.
Committee members pressed presenters on the possible end of enhanced premium tax credits created under the Inflation Reduction Act. Senator Halton noted the potential impact: if the enhanced credits expire, "estimates suggest that average annual premiums for subsidized enrollees in Georgia could increase by $500," and lower-income enrollees would be most affected. Commissioner King said the state was "making plans in case" the subsidies expire but urged Congress to act to stabilize coverage.
King and committee members emphasized that the exchange is financed by marketplace fees rather than general state tax revenue. King said fees generated by the marketplace fund operations and a reinsurance-like mechanism used to attract carriers to underserved areas.
The committee did not take legislative action on marketplace policy at the hearing; presenters offered to provide follow-up materials and data to committee members.
Ending: Presenters asked committee members to remain in contact for additional data; officials cautioned that federal policy changes — including subsidy expirations — could alter affordability and enrollment.
