Record number of Georgians sign up for Obamacare subsidized premiums

Georgia has experienced a groundbreaking surge in health insurance plan sign-ups through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, surpassing all previous records.

The ACA, commonly known as Obamacare, stands as the signature health care law implemented during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

Over 1.2 million Georgians have enrolled in the plan, contributing significantly to the nationwide increase that brought the total ACA plan membership in the country to 20 million.

The state’s record sign-ups for 2024, closing on January 16, have seen a remarkable 40% rise from the previous year, well exceeding the national average increase of 25%.

Georgia is currently among the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid to cover all of its low-income adults.

The primary objective of the ACA is to enhance access to health insurance coverage for individuals who find it challenging to afford insurance independently but do not qualify for Medicaid. One of the key provisions involves subsidizing premiums for eligible individuals.

These subsidies are designed to make health insurance more affordable for those who fall into the income bracket that exceeds Medicaid qualification but still face financial constraints in purchasing private health insurance.

The aim is to bridge the gap and ensure that a broader segment of the population has access to essential health care coverage. The ACA has played a significant role in transforming and expanding the health care landscape in the United States.

Krutika Amin, associate director of the Program on the ACA at the health research organization KFF, highlighted that Georgia’s additional 350,000 sign-ups this year rank as the third-highest in the country, following only Texas and Florida. In 2023, the state reported 879,000 new ACA enrollees.

Several factors contribute to this success including federal subsidies which have made premiums either free or significantly reduced for individuals with below-average incomes.

In addition, the Biden administration has capped premiums for higher-income individuals at 8% of their income, with this subsidy set to expire in 2025. Also, ongoing Medicaid disenrollment in Georgia and other states may make some individuals eligible for ACA plans.

Amin also emphasized the impact of increased marketing and outreach efforts during the Biden administration, which includes substantial investments in hiring navigators to assist people with enrollment.

Despite various factors at play, Georgia’s achievement reflects a concerted effort to enhance accessibility and affordability of health insurance, marking a positive trend in ACA enrollment.

Meanwhile, the discussion on full Medicaid expansion in Georgia is gradually moving into the spotlight. Over the past decade, GOP leaders in Georgia have been resistant to the idea, a stance that contrasts with the key initiative of former President Obama.

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns recently addressed reporters’ questions during his annual news conference outlining legislative priorities for the upcoming session.

When confronted with a question about Medicaid expansion, Burns expressed openness to exploring the possibility saying, “Expanding access to care for low-income working families through a private option — in a fiscally responsible way that lowers premiums — is something we will continue to gather facts on.” 

Burns acknowledged the importance of examining the facts surrounding expansion, indicating a shift from the historical reluctance of Georgia GOP leaders to consider full Medicaid expansion.

However, this year, there appears to be a change in perspective, as House GOP leaders signal an interest in the potential for Medicaid expansion. This interest is coupled with a willingness to explore the idea in exchange for rolling back regulations such as the Certificate of Need, which protects hospitals from competition.

The evolving stance suggests a new openness to considering Medicaid expansion in Georgia’s legislative agenda.