Georgia residents can choose from among four insurers who are offering coverage in 2019 through the state’s Healthcare Marketplace via their website at HealthCare.gov. In fact, short term plans with terms up to 364 days are available through the federal government’s health insurance exchange. Open enrollment for 2019 expired in December of 2018 but if you were affected by Hurricane Michael or other qualifying events then you will have until February 20.
Medicaid Coverage
Georgia has yet to accept federal funding in order to expand the state’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. As a result, the state’s Medicaid program has lower income limits for eligibility for parents as compared to most states. For this reason, approximately 726,000 Georgia residents do not qualify for Medicaid because their income levels are considered too high. Apply through the state’s Healthcare Marketplace at HealthCare.gov to learn if you qualify for Medicaid insurance coverage.
Short Term Health Insurance
There are no state regulations for short term health insurance plans, and as a result Georgia defaults to the regulations established by the federal government. For this reason, residents can sign up for short term insurance plans that expire before 364 days with the option to renew for as long as 36 months.
Georgia Residents and Health Insurance Coverage
Many residents of Georgia do not have health insurance. What compounds the problem is that there is a shortage of physicians to
Individual Health Care Insurance Carriers in Georgia
A large percentage of Georgia residents do not qualify for Medicaid. If they are not offered health insurance through their employer or if they are self-employed, they will need to purchase coverage from an individual health care provider. Currently, there are at least half a dozen or so individual health care insurance carriers in Georgia. Many of them do not have a limit on the number of office visits you can make and that are covered by a copayment. In addition:
- Several of the existing individual health care insurance carriers in Georgia offer reasonable maximum out of pocket limits. This can greatly reduce your financial costs. A combination of your coinsurance percentage and deductible determines your maximum out of pocket cost.
- Shop around among the individual health care insurance carriers in Georgia to compare copayment costs for office visits, emergency room visits, and urgent care center visits. Also compare deductibles for name brand prescriptions
Perform Your Due Diligence Before Signing up for an Insurance Package
Online reviews are available for most, if not all insurance carriers from former and present customers. This can provide you the insight you need to help you choose the best insurance carrier for your needs. Prior to talking to a representative from the insurance company, have a list of questions prepared. Be clear on your total costs for the various insurance riders so that you will know ahead of time if it will be in your budget.