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Open enrollment is almost here! From November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026, Georgians can shop for health insurance coverage for 2026 through GeorgiaAccess.gov.

This year brings a few important changes, including higher premium rates and the end of extra savings that made coverage more affordable in recent years. 

Here’s how to make the most of this year’s open enrollment period and find a plan that works for you and your family.

Review your coverage before you renew

If you already have a plan through Georgia Access, it’s worth taking another look before you automatically renew for 2026.

Each year, plan details can change, like monthly costs, deductibles, provider networks, or prescription coverage. Because the extra premium subsidies are expiring at the end of December, plan details for 2026 are shifting more than usual. Reviewing your current plan and exploring other options helps you make sure your 2026 plan still fits your needs and budget.

A few key things to check:

• Is your doctor or preferred clinic still in-network?
• Does the plan cover your regular prescriptions?
• How much will you pay if you need emergency or specialist care?

Taking a few minutes to compare plans now could save you money and stress later.

Choose a plan that fits your needs

Finding the right plan isn’t just about picking the lowest monthly premium. It’s about balancing what you pay each month with what you’ll owe when you need care.

When comparing plans on GeorgiaAccess.gov, look at:

• The deductible (what you pay before your plan starts to share the costs of care)
• Copays and coinsurance (what you pay when you visit a doctor or fill a prescription)
• The out-of-pocket maximum (the most you’ll pay for covered care in a year)

If that sounds complicated, don’t worry. Free, unbiased help is available from Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF). Our enrollment team can walk you through your options, explain the details, and help you find coverage that works best for you.

Check your savings options

Health insurance costs can go up or down each year, depending on your income, your family size, and where you live. The enhanced premium tax credits that made coverage cheaper during the past few years are scheduled to end (unless Congress acts), but financial help is still available for most Georgians.

When you apply through Georgia Access, you’ll find out right away if you qualify for savings that lower your monthly premium. 

Don’t wait! Enroll by December 15th

Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

• Enroll by December 15, 2025, if you want your coverage to begin on January 1, 2026.
• The final deadline to sign up is January 15, 2026.

It’s also worth noting that federal changes will shorten next year’s open enrollment period, so planning early this year is a smart move.

GHF is here to help

Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) offers free, unbiased help from Enrollment Assister, Deanna Williams. Deanna is trained to guide Georgians through the enrollment process and help them understand their coverage options.

“This year, we’ve engaged more than 70,000 Georgians who wanted more information and clarity about their health insurance options,” said Carmen Ervin, Impact Program Manager at GHF. “Our goal is to make sure every person we talk with leaves feeling informed and confident about their next steps.”

Many people prefer receiving help from a Certified Application Counselor because they know the guidance is free, unbiased, and focused on their needs.

“Many people struggle with confusing terms like deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums,” explained Deanna Williams, Certified Application Counselor and GHF’s Lead Enrollment Assister. “We take time to simplify those details and provide a clear picture of what total costs might look like. Our role isn’t to steer anyone toward a specific plan; it’s to help them understand all of their options so they can make an informed choice that works best for them.”

This transparent, client-centered approach builds trust within the community and helps Georgians feel more confident using their health insurance throughout the year.

Visit GeorgiaAccess.gov to compare plans or contact Georgians for a Healthy Future to connect with a Certified Application Counselor for one-on-one help.