Insurance Commissioner John F. King Launches Georgia Access for Business

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King, joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced today that Georgia Access, Georgia’s health insurance exchange within the Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), will launch a new program, Georgia Access For Business (GAFB). GAFB will empower employers of all sizes to offer health benefits outside of traditional group health plans.

In comparison to traditional health insurance plans where a single group plan is selected for the entire company, Georgia Access For Business allows employers to establish a monthly contribution which employees may then use to pay for individual health coverage.  The new offering, a CHOICE Arrangement, allows an employer to set a fixed tax-free contribution toward each employee’s health coverage. Instead of one group plan for everyone, employers use that contribution to choose their own ACA-compliant plan on the individual market.   

“Businesses are the backbone of communities across Georgia and helping them compete for talent strengthens our workforce and our economy,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “Georgia Access For Business advances our mission to expand access to health coverage for working Georgians while supporting the employers and families who help our state thrive.” 

“CHOICE Arrangements help employers keep health spending predictable while offering flexible, affordable benefits, but many businesses don’t even know they’re an option,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “I applaud Commissioner King for taking a proactive role by giving employers the support they need to evaluate and implement CHOICE Arrangements through Georgia Access For Business.”

Traditional group coverage may be difficult for some smaller employers to afford or manage, while other employers may have workforce needs that do not fit in one group plan. Georgia Access for Business isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it’s an arrangement that maximizes flexibility for both the employer and the employee. 

GAFB is designed to help:

• Make employer costs predictable. Employers determine the amount they will contribute toward eligible individual health insurance premiums, based on their operating budget and goals.
• Give employees more choice. Employees choose an eligible individual health insurance plan available through Georgia Access.
• Provide guidance and support. Certified agents and Georgia Access resources assist with evaluation, implementation, and enrollment.
• Determine best fit. Employers can evaluate various coverage options and decide whether GAFB aligns with their workforce needs and budget.

GAFB was developed with extensive preparation and expert industry partners. Georgia Access partnered with NFP, a leading insurance broker and benefits consultant; zizzl health, a CHOICE specialist; and GetInsured by Vimo, a SaaS technology market leader for health insurance platforms. 

“We selected great partners who helped make it possible for us to bring GAFB to employers and employees across Georgia,” said Georgia Access Executive Director Cheryl Gardner. “For a business owner, being able to offer health insurance benefits for the first time can be a significant milestone. That’s where we see GAFB’s potential to transform how businesses support the people who keep them running. The size of a business shouldn’t stand in the way of investing in its people.”

For more information about Georgia Access For Business, visit https://georgiaaccess.gov/georgia-access-for-business/. 

Georgia Access, Georgia’s State‑based Exchange, is a division of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. The mission of the Office of 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.