© 2024 WUGA | University of Georgia
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Trump Officials Approve Georgia Health Plan

11 Alive News

The Trump administration has approved Georgia’s plan to overhaul how state residents buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. 

 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that federal officials on Sunday signed off on Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposal to offer federally subsidized health insurance through private brokers instead of the HealthCare.gov website. 

Georgia would be the first state where residents would buy insurance directly from brokers or insurers on sites where they would be able to compare plans that meet the requirements of the ACA with those that don’t.  

 

Gov. Kemp addressed the matter earlier this month. 

 

“Since 2016 enrollment on Healthecare.gov has dropped 22%, with nearly 130,000 Georgians leaving the marketplace. In short, hardworking Georgians in every zip code struggle to access quality health care, and many more who are insured are struggling to pay.”

 

Kemp’s administration says private brokers will offer more options. Critics worry the move will drive healthy people to cheaper plans. 

 

The new Georgia Pathways and Access has four goals: to reduce uninsured rates, lower insurance premiums, cut red tape, and enhance healthcare outcomes in the state. 

 

At over 14%, Georgia has one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. 

 

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!
Related Content