Bill > SB379

This bill, titled the "Georgia Health Insurance Affordability and Consumer Protection Act," aims to address the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which significantly helped Georgians afford health insurance. The bill mandates that the Georgia Department of Insurance establish a state-based "affordability program" by January 1, 2027, but only if Congress has not reinstated these federal tax credits. This program will offer state premium subsidies to individuals earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (the income thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), provide cost-sharing reductions (subsidies that lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments) for those earning below 250 percent of the federal poverty level, and create a premium-free health plan for individuals earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The Department will also convene a working group of stakeholders to develop a consumer-centered approach, conduct a fiscal impact analysis to identify funding sources, and implement consumer education initiatives, with the program set to automatically repeal on December 31, 2031.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72150