Georgians buying health insurance through Georgia Access face higher premiums and changes in participating insurers for 2027, making it important to compare coverage before renewing.

Returning marketplace insurers are raising premiums by roughly 10% to 30%, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting, citing the Georgia insurance commissioner’s office. Individual plan increases vary, and the amount a household ultimately pays depends on its coverage and eligibility for financial assistance.

For Dunwoody and Brookhaven residents who use the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, checking next year’s options means looking beyond the monthly premium.

Insurers entering and leaving

Georgia Access has eight participating insurers for 2027. Antidote is joining the marketplace, while Cigna and UnitedHealthcare are leaving, GPB reported.

UnitedHealthcare will continue offering individual and family plans outside Georgia Access, according to Becker’s Payer Issues. Its reported average rate increase of nearly 40% should therefore not be treated as an increase for a 2027 Georgia Access offering.

Residents whose insurers are leaving should select replacement coverage and check whether their doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered.

Subsidy and tax changes

The temporary expansion of federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. Households earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level generally no longer qualify for those credits, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Another change affects households that receive more advance premium tax credit than they ultimately qualify for. Beginning with tax year 2026, they must repay the entire excess. Previously, repayment limits applied to eligible households with income below 400% of the federal poverty level.

An income estimate that proves too low can therefore produce a larger tax bill. The IRS advises promptly reporting changes in income, household composition and other circumstances so the marketplace can adjust advance assistance.

Enrollment has declined

Georgia’s ACA enrollment fell by about 350,000 between spring 2025 and spring 2026, leaving approximately 900,000 enrolled, the Georgia Recorder reported.

Cynthia Cox, who directs KFF’s ACA program, told the publication that insurers anticipate further enrollment declines. When healthier customers leave coverage, the remaining pool can become more expensive to insure, adding pressure on premiums.

Compare before renewing

Georgia Access automatically re-enrolls eligible customers, but it encourages them to review their options each year. Residents should update their expected income and household information, then compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, prescription benefits and provider networks. Those whose insurers no longer offer coverage in their area must choose another plan. Georgia Access renewal guidance

Enrollment assistance is available through the Georgia Access website or its contact center at 1-888-687-1503, TTY 711.

The deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027, is Dec. 15. Open enrollment ends Jan. 15, 2027, for coverage beginning Feb. 1.