For Employers and Business Owners
Health Benefits That Work for Your Business
Offering health benefits doesn’t have to mean locking your whole team into one plan or watching costs climb every renewal. Whether you don’t offer health benefits today, are feeling the pressure of rising premiums, or want to give your employees more choice in their coverage, now there’s a more flexible way to do it.
Announcing our new option: CHOICE:
- A fixed, tax-free contribution you set, not a percentage of a group premium.
- Employees choose their own ACA-compliant plan, not one you pick for everyone.
- No minimum or maximum contribution required.
- Works for businesses of any size, including if you’ve never offered health benefits before.
- Funds go straight to the employee’s chosen carrier, no reimbursement paperwork.
How Does a CHOICE Arrangement Work?
You decide how much to contribute.
There’s no minimum or maximum. Set a fixed, tax-free contribution amount that fits your budget. You can even offer different amounts to different employee groups, like full-time versus part-time.
Explore Cost Comparison ToolA certified agent can help you get everything in place.
Your agent and GAFB resources can help you evaluate the CHOICE solution, set your contribution strategy, prepare your team, and guide enrollment from start to finish.
Find an AgentYour employees choose their own coverage.
Each employee chooses an ACA-compliant plan on the individual market that fits their needs, guaranteed-issue, regardless of health history. Licensed agents are available to help employees understand their options and enroll.
Your contribution pays the carrier directly.
Once enrolled, your contribution funds an account that pays the employee’s chosen carrier automatically. There is no reimbursement paperwork for you or your employees.
FAQs for Employers
What is Georgia Access For Business (GAFB)?
Georgia Access For Business helps employers of all sizes explore ways to offer health benefits to their employees, primarily through CHOICE. CHOICE lets employers decide how much to contribute while employees choose their own coverage. Other options, including the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), are also available. See Other Programs.
How does GAFB work for employers?
GAFB helps employers and certified agents explore CHOICE, which lets you decide how much to contribute while employees choose their own coverage, and compare it against other options, including SHOP and commercial group plans you may already be considering. The goal is to help you find the solution that best aligns with your budget, health benefits goals, and compliance needs, with guidance along the way.
What types of health benefit options are available through GAFB?
CHOICE is GAFB's new, primary offering, and it’s available today. Employers can also explore SHOP (see Other Programs), and QSEHRA is a potential future option, not currently available.
Why would an employer consider an CHOICE Arrangement?
CHOICE allow employers to contribute tax‑exempt funds for employees to purchase individual health insurance through Georgia Access. This new solution offers simplicity and flexibility, letting employers contribute flat amounts or vary contributions by age, location, or other factors. In addition, employees can choose the plan that works best for them and retain that plan even if they leave their current job.
How does GAFB support employers throughout the process?
GAFB strongly recommends that employers work with knowledgeable, licensed agents to evaluate all their options and choose the model and plan that best fits their needs. GAFB can help employers connect with a knowledgeable agent. Call 844-424-2472.
GAFB also provides tools, guidance on health benefit options, comparisons between coverage models, and support for both employers and certified agents. Additionally, GAFB will share resources to help your organization prepare employees if you choose a CHOICE or SHOP model.
How can employers find a certified agent to help them?
GAFB's "Find a Certified Group Agent" tool lets you search by name, agency, ZIP, product, language, or market to find and connect with a certified agent.
Do employers need to work with a certified agent?
GAFB strongly recommends that employers work with knowledgeable, licensed agents to evaluate all their options and choose the model and plan that best fits their needs. While not required, working with a certified GAFB agent ensures employers receive expert guidance on CHOICE, SHOP, and other available health benefit models, and helps them make confident decisions for their workforce.
How do employers decide which option is best for their company?
Employers can use GAFB's tools to see how CHOICE compares with other health coverage models you may be considering, including SHOP and traditional group plans. Share your goals and priorities to get a recommended model, or complete some basic company information for a high-level cost comparison.
Can employers combine GAFB resources with their existing broker or HR partner?
Yes. Employers may continue working with their current insurance professionals, if those agents are Georgia‑licensed and complete GAFB certification to assist with CHOICE and GAFB models.
Are tax advantages available through GAFB options?
Yes. Most notably, CHOICE contributions are tax-exempt for employers. SHOP plans may also qualify eligible employers for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, and QSEHRA (a potential future option, not currently available) offers similar tax advantages within IRS limits.
FAQs for Employees
Can employees who live and work in another state still use their employer's CHOICE Arrangement?
Yes. Georgia Access For Business works with a nationwide network of licensed agents, so employees living or working outside Georgia can still get help finding and enrolling in a plan that fits their state. Call (844-424-2472) to be connected with an agent licensed in your state, or search for an agent.
Who can take advantage of an employer's CHOICE arrangement?
Generally, any employee in the class your employer has offered CHOICE to is eligible to enroll, including employees who are Medicare-eligible, though that process works a little differently. Call 844-424-2472 to be connected with an agent who can walk you through your specific situation.
My employer's CHOICE arrangement only covers me. Can my family still get subsidies on Georgia Access?
Possibly. Depending on whether your employer's CHOICE arrangement offer is considered "affordable" for your coverage alone, your family members may still qualify for subsidies on Georgia Access even though you don't. A licensed agent can help you check whether this applies to your situation. Call 844-424-2472 or utilize our agent search tool .
Once I'm enrolled, where do I go if I need help with something specific to my situation?
Once you've set up a CHOICE arrangement, you're not on your own. Step-by-step help is built into your account, covering things like enrollment, family coverage, and situations like enrolling through a different platform. Support is also available anytime at 844-424-2472.
Ready to get started?
Not sure if CHOICE is the right fit? Our decision support tool can help you compare your options, or talk to a licensed agent directly.
Need a different fit? See Other Programs