Finding Health Coverage in Georgia
What some people may not realize, is that leading an active lifestyle and eating right is just half the battle when it comes to taking care of yourself. Health insurance is more than just a protection plan against unforeseen medical bills, it actually plays an important role in your overall health.
Having health coverage gives you access to a variety of medical benefits including preventive services and primary care physicians. The best part about living in Georgia is that you have access to some of the top health insurance options in the country, so if you are not covered, or are looking to switch plans, you have many possible choices. The following are just some of the top health insurance options in the state:
- Aetna
- Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna Healthcare
- Friday Health Plans
- Kaiser Permanented
- United Healthcare
For individuals who are low-income and in need of coverage, Georgia Gateway is the resource to apply for Medicaid coverage. During open enrollment, everyone else can access the Georgia Health Insurance Exchange to find the most affordable plans.
Georgia Open Enrollment Dates
Open Enrollment is the busiest time of year for the medical insurance industry, because it’s the time of year that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) marketplace and exchanges are open for business. Georgia is a participant in the federal marketplace, meaning that it adheres to the federal Open Enrollment Period. So, if you’re a resident, Georgia’s Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1 to January 15.
During Georgia’s Open Enrollment Period, residents will have the ability to enroll in health insurance plans without having to worry about being denied coverage for pre-existing or chronic health conditions. Georgia’s marketplace is also where one can apply for subsidized coverage during open enrollment depending on income level. For many, the federal marketplace offers some of the most affordable health insurance options in the state of Georgia.
Georgia Health Insurance Quotes
While the Affordable Care Act was passed with good intention, the marketplace has become expensive for individuals and families who don’t qualify for government subsidies or premium tax credits. If you are one of the millions of Americans who were priced out of the health insurance marketplace, then your best bet is to join the growing trend of people turning to the private sector. In 2022, the average lowest-cost bronze plan in Georgia is $347, while the premium for the average silver plan is $392 and the gold plan is $403. However, these prices fluctuate depending on one’s area and personalized healthcare needs. With the right willingness, one can easily find affordable health insurance in Georgia.
For example, FirstQuote Health specializes in helping residents find affordable health insurance quotes in Georgia, which takes the pain out of shopping. Plans and pricing will vary depending on where you live, so by entering your zip code you’ll be able to see what’s available by you. You can even talk to an experienced agent with no obligation, and get covered as soon as today.
Compare Georgia Health Insurance Plans Today
As you look for Georgia health insurance quotes, keep in mind that if you opt to enroll directly with a health insurance company, you may end up paying more than you would if you compared quotes. You also may end up with a policy that doesn’t fit all your needs. Everyone’s healthcare needs are different, so what works for someone else may not work for you and your family.
It’s a good idea to do a little research before you commit to a health insurance plan, even if you plan to enroll with a company with a recognizable brand name and great reputation. Using FirstQuote Health to compare plans is as easy as completing a quick search online to give you personalized rates, show you what current and past members are saying about their experience, and allow you to read up on different providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get health insurance in Georgia?
To get health insurance in Georgia, one must wait until the open enrollment period between November 1st and January 15th. During this time, residents can use the state marketplace to find plans. For individuals who are seeking to obtain health insurance outside of the marketplace, they can use an online quote tool, such as FirstQuote Health to find and compare plans. Low-income individuals can apply for Medicaid at any point during the year through Gateway Georgia.
How much does health insurance cost in Georgia?
The cost of health insurance varies depending on several factors, like one’s zip code, plan needs, and medical history. However, in 2022, the average lowest-cost bronze plan in Georgia is $347, while the premium for the average silver plan is $392 and the gold plan is $403. To find more accurate, personalized rates, you can use FirstQuote Health to compare plans.
Does Georgia require you to have Health Insurance?
No, health insurance is no longer mandatory in the state of Georgia as of 2019. After the Affordable Care Act took effect, it implemented what is known as the individual mandate, a rule requiring Americans to purchase health insurance or face a tax penalty.
The individual mandate ended in 2019. However, some states, in an effort to protect the Affordable Care Act, decided that they would implement individual mandates of their own. Georgia was not one of those states.