09/18/20

While we support Georgia’s plan to establish a reinsurance program, we strongly oppose the state’s attempt to prohibit Georgians from choosing to enroll in coverage through Healthcare.gov, which if successful likely would reduce enrollment in comprehensive coverage and jeopardize quality and affordable healthcare coverage for patients with acute and chronic health conditions. The state’s so-called “Georgia Access” Model would reduce the enrollment pathways now available to Georgians and dictate that individuals use an insurer or broker. These options, that the state hopes to make mandatory, are already widely available to Georgians, who are free to choose them absent a waiver. This proposal dramatically increases the risk of consumer confusion, creating a high likelihood that people will lose coverage and others will enroll in plans that are inadequate for their health needs. Our organizations urge the Departments not to approve the Georgia Access Model portion of this waiver.