Georgia: GA Access extends deadline for Jan. 1st coverage to Dec. 20th

via Georgia's brand-new state-based ACA exchange, Georgia Access:

Additional Opportunity for Georgians to Enroll in Health Coverage that will begin on January 1, 2025; Coverage Begins January 1 for Plans Selected by December 20

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) announces an extension of the deadline to enroll in coverage that will begin on January 1, 2025. “Open Enrollment is the optimal time for Georgians to explore affordable options for health coverage,” said Commissioner King.

One of the benefits of establishing a State-based exchange (SBE) is the added flexibility it affords states to operate in the best interest of residents and respond appropriately to state-specific conditions. The decision to extend the deadline was made because Georgia Access is still a new program and may be unfamiliar to some consumers, and there were two devastating natural disasters that affected many consumers, and we want to give all Georgians sufficient opportunity to enroll. “At the heart of everything we do, we put consumers first. In the final analysis our goal is to offer health care enrollment that is easy, convenient and affordable and to offer every opportunity to increase enrollment of uninsured residents in Georgia” said Cheryl Gardner, Georgia Access Executive Director.

To ensure coverage begins on January 1, 2025, consumers must select their plans by December 20, 2024. For those who enroll after this date, coverage will start on February 1, 2025.

Georgia Access provides a variety of quality and affordable health insurance plans designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the state. Over 16,000 certified agents are available to assist consumers in navigating their options and enrolling through various channels, including the Georgia Access Portal, web brokers, and insurance companies.

Residents can access resources and assistance by visiting GeorgiaAccess.gov or calling the Georgia Access contact center at 888-687-1503, TTY Line 711.

Georgia Access, the new State-based Exchange in Georgia, is a division of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. The mission of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.

As an aside, I have to say, given how openly hostile Georgia GOP Governor Brian Kemp had previously been towards the ACA exchanges existing at all (he spent a couple of years fighting to eliminate Georgia being on either the federal or a state-based exchange), I'm continuously surprised at how much of a 180 the state has done, to the extent of not only launching its own full state-based exchange but apparently taking it seriously enough to make a move like this.