Georgia Enrollment Lagging As ACA Deadline Looms

March 19--Uninsured Georgians have less than two weeks left to sign up for health insurance through the federal government's exchanges, often called Obamacare. After that, they'll face a fine and have to wait until November.

Approximately 139,300 Georgians have selected a plan through the federally run marketplace, according to recent data from the Department of Health and Human Services. That figure is still only about 40 percent of the total number of Georgians eligible to do so.

February enrollment in the Peach State was down, in line with a national decrease as more Americans wait until the last minute to decide on coverage.

One of five health carriers on Georgia's exchange, Blue Cross Blue Shield reported an enrollment of 25,000 members via the exchanges so far.

"Georgia is certainly not leading as far as the states with federally facilitated exchanges," said Morgan Kendrick, president of BCBS of Georgia. "But we're not at the bottom of it either. We have seen people enrolling."

Kendrick said Tuesday the majority of new enrollees have been an older population, typical of other states as well.

One of the demographics seen as key to the Affordable Care Act's success includes people between the ages of 18-30, who are usually healthier and have been much slower to sign up.

Last month, about 28 percent of the 38,000 new Georgia enrollees were in that age group.

"The good news is that our rates are certainly enough to cover the risk pool," said Kendrick.

As for small group insurance, those businesses with 50 full-time employees or less, Kendrick said that market has gone relatively unchanged. He said Blue Cross has seen few groups signing up on the exchanges, partially because the small group market has more competitors.

Another reason is the deadline for the employer mandate has been pushed by a year, so many businesses have elected to stick with their current coverage.

Some small businesses have complained that the newer plans have higher premiums and reduced benefits, a result of covering a wider pool of individuals.

"Premiums have gone up because of the way you've priced the business," said Kendrick. "You are getting the same money, but you're squeezing how you get it."

Kendrick said now is the time to sign up and really understand what kind of coverage is included.

"People just need to understand what's covered and who the providers are. They need to see how the benefits compare," said Kendrick.

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