Gov. Kemp announces “Georgia Access” Health Waiver

Governor Brian P. Kemp joined members of the General Assembly and business leaders to unveil Georgia Access – a Section 1332 state relief and empowerment waiver to the Affordable Care Act. Georgia Access will help lower insurance premiums, introduce greater choice in the private health insurance market, and strengthen small businesses across Georgia.  “On the campaign trail, I promised to lead on healthcare reform in Georgia,” said Governor Kemp. “During the 2019 legislative session, I worked with Lt. Governor Duncan, Speaker Ralston, and members of the House and Senate to champion the Patients First Act.  “Since then, we have worked with medical professionals, industry experts, state leaders, our partners in the federal government, and stakeholders to craft a Georgia-centric approach to lower healthcare costs and insurance premiums for Georgia families, enhance access to top-notch doctors and state-of-the-art services, and ultimately improve health outcomes for every Georgian in every part of our state.  “Georgia Access creates a state reinsurance program to incentivize the private sector, empower consumers, and lower insurance premiums for families. This plan shakes up the status quo as we work to enhance access to affordable, quality healthcare in Georgia. “When combined with Georgia Pathway, our Section 1115 demonstration waiver, we will have healthcare reform in the Peach State that actually puts patients first.”  “Governor Kemp‘s announcement today will do exactly what we talked about on the campaign trail – putting Georgia in the lead on the national conversation surrounding meaningful healthcare reform,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “Georgia Access will allow us to immediately begin tackling the top two issues that impact every single Georgian: affordability and access to quality services. Healthcare is a complicated topic, but the Georgia Access plan provides the framework to begin simplifying things through innovation and competition in order to better serve Georgia families.”  Since the inception of the Affordable Care Act, the individual insurance market in Georgia has experienced a significant level of instability. Between 2017 and 2019, the average individual insurance plan in Georgia increased between 27% and 41%. For many Georgia families, private-sector health insurance coverage is the largest – and most volatile – expense in their budget. Many are forced to compromise coverage for affordability while others seek new employment opportunities or take another job to foot the bill. The Governor’s 1332 Waiver, Georgia Access, will launch a state reinsurance program to create more choice, foster competition, and lower insurance costs for families. Like other states with similar programs, Georgia families will see a noticeable reduction in their insurance premiums – some upwards of double digits in certain parts of the state.