Best health Insurance plans in

Georgia

in 2025

No, individuals cannot purchase group health insurance on their own. Group health insurance is typically offered by employers to their employees and their dependents. However, self-employed individuals in Georgia can explore Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) or Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRA) through platforms like Venteur, which allow them to select personalized plans from the marketplace.

Small businesses in Georgia can choose from several types of health insurance plans, including:

• Group Health Insurance Plans: These are employer-sponsored plans where costs are shared between the employer and employees.
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA): Employers set a budget for employees, who then select their own plans from the marketplace.
• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRA): Similar to ICHRA but with contribution limits set by the IRS.

Popular plan types include PPOs, HMOs, HSA-eligible plans, and indemnity plans, each offering varying levels of flexibility and cost.

Georgia follows federal guidelines under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can offer coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) or off-exchange group plans. Businesses may also qualify for tax credits if they meet criteria such as contributing at least 50% of premium costs for full-time employees.

The ACA mandates that businesses with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer affordable health benefits that meet Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and minimum value standards. Failure to comply may result in penalties. Smaller businesses may benefit from tax credits under SHOP if they meet eligibility requirements.

Yes, small businesses can offer different health insurance benefits to employees based on bona fide employment classifications such as job title, seniority, or part-time/full-time status. These distinctions must comply with IRS regulations to avoid discrimination.

While there is no state-specific mandate requiring small businesses to provide health insurance, applicable large employers (ALEs) with 50 or more full-time employees face federal penalties if they fail to offer coverage. Penalties can range from $2,570 per full-time employee minus the first 30 employees to higher amounts depending on affordability and coverage standards.

Yes, small businesses can access resources such as:

• Georgia Access: Provides information on SHOP plans and eligibility for tax credits.
• Venteur’s ICHRA Platform: Helps employers set budgets and allows employees to choose personalized plans.
• Certified agents and brokers who assist with plan selection and enrollment.

Employees can maintain coverage through COBRA continuation for up to 18 months after leaving a job. Alternatively, they may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to purchase a new plan through Georgia Access within 60 days of losing coverage. Some may also be eligible for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® based on income.

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