Georgia Health Insurance for Self-Employed People and Families
Looking for health insurance in Georgia? We help self-employed people, 1099 workers, families and small business owners compare Georgia Access and private health insurance options based on their budget, doctors, prescriptions and coverage needs.
Georgia now operates its own Health Insurance Marketplace, Georgia Access. With insurance companies entering and leaving the market, higher 2027 premiums and changing provider networks, comparing your choices is especially important this year.
1099 Health Insurance is licensed to help clients in Georgia. Most consultations are completed by phone and screen-share, allowing us to review plans together wherever you live in the state.
Georgia Health Insurance at a Glance for 2027
| Georgia Health Insurance Marketplace | Georgia Access |
|---|---|
| 2027 Open Enrollment | November 1 – December 15, 2026, based on current Georgia state guidance |
| Marketplace change | Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are leaving the Georgia individual Marketplace for 2027. |
| New insurer | Antidote Health Plan is entering Georgia Access for 2027. |
| 2027 rate changes | Recent approved-rate reporting indicates increases of roughly 11% to 29% depending on the insurer, with an overall increase around 20%. |
| Georgia Medicaid expansion | Georgia has not adopted full ACA Medicaid expansion. Georgia Pathways provides limited coverage to certain adults up to 100% of the federal poverty level. |
| Private health insurance | Private health coverage outside Georgia Access may also be available depending on the plan and applicant's eligibility. |
What's Changing for Georgia Health Insurance in 2027?
Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are leaving Georgia Access
Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are expected to stop offering Georgia Access individual health insurance plans after 2026.
If you're currently enrolled with either insurance company, plan to actively compare replacement coverage for 2027.
Pay particular attention to your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, deductible and maximum out-of-pocket exposure. A replacement plan with a similar premium may have a very different provider network.
Antidote Health Plan is entering Georgia
Antidote Health Plan is expected to join Georgia's individual Marketplace for 2027, giving consumers another carrier option in areas where its plans are available.
As with every Georgia Access insurer, availability depends on your county and ZIP code.
Georgia health insurance premiums are increasing
Georgia's 2027 individual health insurance rates are increasing again. Recent reporting based on state-approved rates indicates increases ranging from roughly 11% to 29% among continuing insurers, with an average around 20%.
That does not mean your own premium will increase by exactly 20%. Your cost depends on your age, county, insurance company, plan, household information and eligibility for financial assistance.
Because rate changes differ significantly by insurance company, a plan that was competitive in 2026 may not be your best value for 2027.
How Georgia Access Works
Georgia has its own Health Insurance Marketplace
Georgia moved away from HealthCare.gov and began operating its own state-based Marketplace, called Georgia Access, for 2025 coverage.
Georgia residents shopping for Marketplace coverage now use Georgia Access rather than HealthCare.gov.
You can get help from a certified insurance agent
Georgia Access allows consumers to enroll through the Georgia Access portal, certified agents, insurance companies and approved enrollment partners.
The premium for the same Georgia Access plan does not become higher simply because you receive help from a certified agent.
Financial assistance is available through Georgia Access
Eligible consumers can receive federal premium tax credits when enrolling in qualified health coverage through Georgia Access.
Under current federal rules, premium tax credits generally apply to otherwise eligible households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
Other eligibility requirements also apply, including rules involving access to qualifying employer-sponsored coverage.
Georgia Health Insurance for Self-Employed People
Georgia Access specifically allows freelancers, consultants, independent contractors and other self-employed workers to apply for individual health insurance.
For self-employed applicants, financial assistance is based in part on your estimated net self-employment income for the coverage year.
If your income changes during the year, update your Georgia Access application so your financial assistance can be adjusted. For questions about business deductions, retirement contributions, HSAs or taxes, speak with a qualified tax professional.
We regularly help:
Georgia Pathways and Medicaid
Georgia has not adopted the ACA's full Medicaid expansion. Instead, the state operates Georgia Pathways to Coverage for certain adults.
Georgia Pathways generally covers eligible Georgia residents ages 19 through 64 with household income up to 100% of the federal poverty level who meet the program's other requirements.
Pathways has work and activity requirements
Georgia Pathways already requires most participants to complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities. Self-employment can count.
Beginning January 1, 2027, federal changes modify some of the Pathways community-engagement rules. Qualifying methods include working, community service, qualifying work programs or being enrolled at least half-time in an educational program.
The 2027 rules also allow an individual to satisfy the community-engagement requirement by earning at least $580 during the month, while still meeting the program's income limits.
PeachCare for Kids
Children who do not qualify for traditional Georgia Medicaid may qualify for PeachCare for Kids, Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program.
Medicaid and PeachCare applications are available throughout the year.
Georgia Health Insurance Options
Georgia Access Marketplace Plans
Georgia Access offers individual and family qualified health plans in Bronze, Silver, Gold and other available coverage levels.
Marketplace plans cover pre-existing conditions and include the essential health benefits and consumer protections required under federal law.
Eligible consumers can also receive income-based financial assistance through Georgia Access.
Private Health Insurance
Some Georgia residents may also qualify for private health insurance outside Georgia Access.
Depending on the product, private plans may use medical underwriting and can have different provider networks, benefits, exclusions, deductibles and eligibility requirements than Georgia Access plans.
Marketplace premium tax credits cannot be used for coverage purchased outside Georgia Access.
We can compare Marketplace and private options with you so you understand the differences before applying.
Georgia Pathways and Medicaid
Traditional Medicaid and Georgia Pathways may provide coverage for eligible residents who meet program income and eligibility requirements.
Applications are available throughout the year.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance may be available in Georgia for certain temporary coverage needs.
Short-term coverage may use medical underwriting, exclude pre-existing conditions and provide different benefits and protections than ACA-compliant major medical coverage.
Policy duration and renewal options depend on current rules and the specific insurance company.
Health Sharing Programs
Health sharing memberships may be available, but they are not health insurance.
Payment of medical expenses is not guaranteed in the same way covered claims are paid according to the terms of an insurance policy.
Small Business Health Coverage
Georgia businesses may have access to traditional group health coverage and other employer health benefit arrangements.
Georgia has also launched Georgia Access for Business, giving participating employers another way to contribute toward employees' individual health coverage.
Dental, Vision and Supplemental Coverage
Dental, vision, accident, critical illness and other supplemental products may be available alongside medical coverage.
Individual and Family Coverage
Whether you need coverage for yourself, a spouse or your family, we can help compare the plans available based on your Georgia ZIP code.
Georgia Marketplace Insurance Companies for 2027
Based on current 2027 market information, Georgia Access is expected to include:
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
- Alliant Health Plans
- CareSource
- Kaiser Permanente
- Oscar Health
- Antidote Health Plan
Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are leaving the Georgia individual Marketplace after 2026.
Not every insurer offers coverage in every Georgia county. We check actual availability using your ZIP code before comparing plans.
Check Your Georgia Doctors and Hospitals Before Enrolling
Provider networks vary significantly between Georgia insurers, plans and counties.
This is especially important for people moving away from Cigna or UnitedHealthcare coverage for 2027.
Depending on where you live, hospital systems you may want to check include:
- Emory Healthcare
- Piedmont Healthcare
- Northside Hospital
- Wellstar Health System
- Grady Health System
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Atrium Health Navicent
- Memorial Health
Don't assume a doctor or hospital is covered simply because it participates with another plan offered by the same insurance company.
During a phone or screen-share consultation, we can help check your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions while reviewing your options.
Serving All 159 Georgia Counties
We help clients throughout Georgia by phone and screen-share, so you can compare coverage without traveling to an insurance office.
We work with clients in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Albany, Warner Robins and communities throughout Georgia.
Health insurance availability can vary by county. Rural Georgia may have different insurer and provider-network options than metro Atlanta or other larger areas.
Your ZIP code is the starting point for determining which plans are actually available to you.
Convenient Georgia Health Insurance Consultations
Most consultations are completed by phone. When it helps to compare plans together, we can use screen-sharing so you can see premiums, benefits and networks while we discuss your options.
How It Works
Schedule a Call
Choose a convenient time for a phone consultation. If helpful, we can use screen-sharing to review plan information together.
Compare Your Options
We compare the plans available in your area, estimated financial assistance, provider networks, prescriptions and Marketplace versus private coverage when appropriate.
Choose and Apply
If you find an option that works for you, we help with the application and remain available for questions after enrollment.
Georgia Health Insurance FAQ
When is Georgia health insurance Open Enrollment for 2027?
Current Georgia state guidance lists Georgia Access Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage as November 1 through December 15, 2026.
Enrollment dates can be updated by the state, so check the current Georgia Access deadline when you're ready to enroll.
What is Georgia Access?
Georgia Access is Georgia's state-based Health Insurance Marketplace. It replaced HealthCare.gov for Georgia Marketplace enrollment beginning with 2025 coverage.
Can an insurance agent help me enroll through Georgia Access?
Yes. Georgia Access works with certified insurance agents and approved enrollment partners to help consumers compare and enroll in Marketplace coverage.
My Cigna or UnitedHealthcare plan is ending. What should I do?
Both insurers are expected to leave Georgia's individual Marketplace after 2026. Compare replacement plans during Open Enrollment rather than assuming another plan will have the same doctors, hospitals or prescriptions.
Which companies are expected to offer Georgia Access plans for 2027?
Current information indicates Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Ambetter, Alliant, CareSource, Kaiser Permanente, Oscar and new entrant Antidote Health Plan.
Availability varies by county and should be confirmed using your ZIP code.
How much will Georgia health insurance cost in 2027?
Your cost depends on your age, county, household income, insurance company, plan and eligibility for financial assistance.
Recent reporting on approved 2027 rates indicates increases of roughly 11% to 29% depending on the insurer, averaging around 20% overall.
Can self-employed people get health insurance through Georgia Access?
Yes. Freelancers, independent contractors, consultants and other self-employed people can purchase individual coverage through Georgia Access.
Eligibility for financial assistance is based in part on estimated household income, including expected net self-employment income.
Can I choose private health insurance instead of Georgia Access?
Some Georgia residents may have private health coverage available outside Georgia Access.
Depending on the product, these plans may use medical underwriting and can have different benefits, exclusions and networks than Marketplace coverage.
Marketplace premium tax credits cannot be used for coverage purchased outside Georgia Access.
Did Georgia expand Medicaid?
Georgia has not adopted full ACA Medicaid expansion. Georgia Pathways provides Medicaid coverage to certain adults with income up to 100% of the federal poverty level who meet the program's other requirements.
Can self-employment count toward Georgia Pathways requirements?
Yes. Self-employment can count toward the Pathways community-engagement requirement when the program's documentation and eligibility requirements are met.
Can I buy Georgia health insurance outside Open Enrollment?
Georgia Access coverage generally requires Open Enrollment or eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event.
Events such as losing other health coverage, marriage, having a baby or certain moves may qualify.
Medicaid and PeachCare applications are available throughout the year. Certain private and supplemental options may also have different enrollment rules.
Can you help check my doctors and prescriptions?
Yes. Have the names of your doctors, specialists, preferred hospitals and prescriptions available during your consultation. We can help check them while reviewing the plans you're considering.
How do consultations work?
Most consultations are completed by phone. When it is useful to review plans together, we can use screen-sharing so you can see the coverage details while we discuss them.
Get Help Comparing Georgia Health Insurance
With two insurers leaving Georgia's individual Marketplace, a new carrier entering and premiums changing for 2027, this is a good year to compare your coverage carefully.
We can help you compare Georgia Access and private health insurance options by phone or screen-share.
Georgia Health Insurance Sources
- Georgia Access — Marketplace eligibility, enrollment options and plan information
- Georgia Department of Public Health — 2027 Georgia Access Open Enrollment dates
- Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire — individual-market and insurer information
- Georgia Pathways to Coverage — Medicaid eligibility and 2027 community-engagement changes
- Georgia Department of Community Health — Medicaid and PeachCare information
