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What Are Higher Health Insurance Costs Doing to Your Family?

If your health insurance costs went up this year, you are not alone.

Thousands of Georgians are paying more for their Georgia Access coverage right now. Some have seen their monthly premiums double or even triple. Others have had to choose cheaper plans with higher deductibles or drop coverage completely. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent real families making difficult decisions about their health and financial security. Are you one of these Georgians?

Why Is This Happening?

Extra federal help that kept premiums low expired at the end of 2025. Without that support, many people across Georgia are now facing much higher costs each month. This sudden change has left families scrambling to adjust their budgets, cut back on other essentials, or make tough choices about their health care coverage.

For some, the increase means skipping medications or postponing doctor visits. For others, it means working extra hours just to cover the premium. And for many, it means wondering whether they can afford to stay insured at all.

Your Experience Can Make a Difference

Georgia leaders have options to help make coverage more affordable again. But they need to hear directly from people who are affected by these higher costs. 

The actions of our state leaders are most effective when they’re informed by the real experiences of the people they’re meant to serve.

That is where you come in.

Whether you renewed your plan and are paying more, switched to a cheaper plan with less coverage, had to drop your insurance because of the cost, or are still trying to figure out what to do, your story matters. Your experience helps show what is really happening to Georgia families right now.

Ready to get share?  Share your story here.

When you share what you’re going through, you help paint a clearer picture of the impact these changes are having across the state. You give voice to thousands of others who may be struggling silently. And you provide Georgia’s decision makers with the information they need to understand the urgency of this situation.

Selected participants who share their stories may be compensated for their time and contribution.

Your story doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Even a few sentences about how these cost increases have affected your family can be valuable. Maybe you’ve had to cut back on groceries to afford your premium. Maybe you’ve delayed needed medical care. Maybe you’re worried about what will happen if you or someone in your family gets sick without coverage. Whatever your situation, your voice deserves to be heard.

Missed Open Enrollment? You May Still Have Options

Although Open Enrollment for Georgia Access is now closed, some people may still be able to enroll or change plans through a Special Enrollment Period.

Special Enrollment Periods are available if you experience certain life changes, such as losing other health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or losing Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids. Income alone no longer qualifies someone for a Special Enrollment Period, but qualifying life events may still open a window to enroll.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is still worth checking your options.

Need Help Understanding Your Coverage or Next Steps?

Georgians for a Healthy Future offers free, unbiased help with Georgia Access and Medicaid. Our trained enrollment assister can help you understand your coverage, explain why your costs may have changed, walk through Special Enrollment Period eligibility, and help you explore your options.

We can help whether you are newly uninsured, struggling with higher costs, or trying to figure out what comes next.

You do not have to navigate this alone.

Ready to get help? Visit

https://healthyfuturega.org/insurancehelp/ to connect with an enrollment assister.


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