Georgia Access Opens its 2026 Open Enrollment Period

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that the Open Enrollment (OE) period for Plan Year 2026 will commence on November 1, 2025, on Georgia Access (GeorgiaAccess.gov). Beginning tomorrow, Georgians can shop for, compare and enroll in high quality, affordable, comprehensive health coverage that will best fit the needs of their family.

“As Georgia Access opens its doors for open enrollment, we invite consumers to compare their options and enroll early in a health insurance plan,” said Commissioner King. “We urge consumers to use the variety of resources we have available at Georgia Access to help navigate the enrollment landscape and this evolving process.”

This year’s Open Enrollment period takes place as potential changes in federal legislation may affect coverage options and affordability for Georgians. These changes include the scheduled expiration of enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) which will impact premium costs. However, Georgia Access proclaims that affordable health insurance options are still available. 

“Georgia Access remains dedicated to our core mission to expand access to affordable health insurance for Georgians,” said Cheryl Gardner, Executive Director, Georgia Access. “It’s vital that consumers review their health insurance options carefully and take action during Open Enrollment. Georgia Access offers a variety of coverage options designed to cater to a host of needs and budgets and we have an abundance of qualified professionals available to assist in the enrollment process.” 

This OE period marks Georgia Access’s second year as a state-based marketplace. Plan Year (PY) 2025 was Georgia’s highest enrollment year ever, successfully enrolling over 1.5 million consumers, including 225,000 new consumers who were not previously enrolled in coverage through Healthcare.gov. 

Georgia Access is the first State-based Exchange to implement an innovative model that offers consumers multiple ways to enroll including through an extensive network of certified agents, Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) partners, such as a web brokers and insurance companies, or through the Georgia Access consumer portal.

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2026 will run from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2026, for consumers who enroll by December 15, 2025; coverage will begin on February 1, 2026 for consumers who enroll between December 15, 2025, and January 15, 2026. Consumers who are not eligible for health coverage through Georgia Access may be eligible for other state health coverage programs such as Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, or Georgia Pathways to Coverage. Georgians may also be eligible for Medicare and/or COBRA.

Anyone seeking coverage may visit https://georgiaaccess.gov/ to navigate enrollment options. For more information, consumers my call the Georgia Access Contact Center 888-687-1503, TTY Line 711. During Open Enrollment the Contact center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST (excluding holidays).

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Georgia Access, the new State-based Exchange in Georgia, 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.