Keisha Lance Bottoms Warns of Rising Georgia Health Insurance Costs

Georgia Access Insurance Premiums Rise for 2027

Open enrollment for health insurance through Georgia Access began in November, bringing premium increases for policyholders across the state heading into 2027. Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms stated during a Friday press conference that 600,000 Georgians dropped their coverage at the beginning of the year due to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Alesha Arscott, a small business owner who runs a coaching and consulting company in Atlanta, experienced a sharp monthly price jump when returning to the marketplace from COBRA. Her plan cost $831 monthly through April of this year, but her renewal quote for 2027 climbed to $1,088 per month for the exact same coverage. Arscott said the more than $250 monthly increase forces her to evaluate whether to sunset her business to secure employment with corporate benefits.

Healthcare Affordability Plans Under Bottoms

Bottoms campaigned on expanding access to affordable healthcare and addressing state school investments. During her Friday remarks, she outlined her intent to target broader affordability issues across Georgia systems. She specifically noted plans to dismantle the Georgia Pathways program, asserting that it has failed to function properly for residents.

Bottoms expressed confidence in managing state fiscal priorities based on her tenure as mayor of Atlanta. Arscott, meanwhile, plans to manage her budget options while confronting the new marketplace pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Health Insurance

Why are Georgia health insurance premiums increasing for 2027?

Premiums are rising sharply due to higher marketplace rates and the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act subsidies that previously helped offset monthly costs for hundreds of thousands of residents.

How many residents dropped coverage previously?

Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms reported that 600,000 Georgians dropped their health insurance coverage at the beginning of the year after subsidies lapsed.

What changes are proposed for the Georgia Pathways program?

Bottoms stated an intention to completely dismantle the Georgia Pathways program and replace it with a system focused on delivering affordable healthcare access to residents.

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