Two prominent partnerships have formed as the 2025 open enrollment period opened on Friday, Nov. 1. The partnerships came in conjunction with the official launch of Georgia Access – the state’s health insurance exchange.
With open enrollment now underway, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced last week, Georgians can now shop for, compare and enroll in high quality, affordable, comprehensive health coverage that best fits the needs of them and their families.
King said the two recently-formed partnerships with the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Dream “seeks to bolster Georgia Access’s 2025 Open Enrollment Public Awareness Campaign (PAC),” which started in October.
“Open Enrollment is the optimal time for Georgians to explore affordable options for health coverage,” King said. “Our innovative approach of partnering directly with private sector entities is tailored to fit how consumers already shop for health coverage, simplifying the enrollment process and ultimately reducing the number of uninsured Georgians. We’re excited to have partnerships with the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Dream to support this important goal.”
University of Georgia Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Alan Thomas said “Georgia Bulldogs proudly support Georgia Access in its efforts to improve healthcare and well-being across our state.”
“We are committed to raising awareness about the critical need for health coverage and offering essential resources to help Georgians secure the coverage they need,” he said. “This partnership represents our shared goals to foster healthier communities.”
Officials say Georgia Access has gained “significant progress” through implementation of a statewide reinsurance program and a multi-year targeted outreach effort, reporting carrier participation has more than doubled since 2019. More than 1.3 million Georgians enrolled in marketplace coverage, the largest figure ever recorded in Georgia’s market, during the 2024 open enrollment period.
The new partnerships will aim to further those numbers.
“The Atlanta Dream is committed to support Georgia Access in its goal to promote healthcare and well-being in our communities,” said Laila Brock, senior vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact. “This partnership is a natural fit and together we can make an impact to educate Georgians about the importance of health coverage and provide resources to help them enroll.”
Those who were previously enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov have been automatically migrated to Georgia Access, according to officials.
Coverage will begin on Jan. 1 of next year for consumers who select a plan by December 16. For plans selected between Dec. 17 and Jan. 15, coverage will take effect on Feb. 1
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.
For assistance regarding coverage options, visit https://georgiaaccess.gov/.
Consumers can also call the Georgia Access Contact Center at 888-687-1503, TTY Line 711, for more information. The contact center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (excluding holidays).
