GAFB FAQs

Georgia Access For Business is a new offering from Georgia Access that empowers employers of all sizes to offer health benefits to their employees through innovative purchasing models, including Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and the established on-exchange Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

GAFB enables certified agents and employers to explore SHOP, and ICHRAs (a defined‑contribution reimbursement model), and compare those with off‑exchange commercial group plan offerings they may have already identified. If an agent / employer finds an ICHRA or SHOP solution would be a best fit, GAFB can assist moving forward.  The goal is to find the best model to align coverage solutions with each employer’s budget, benefits goals, and compliance needs.

A certification process will be available for agents who wish to work with Georgia Access For Business. This will include completing required training on SHOP, ICHRA, and other emerging models. The training is free, and Georgia resident agents will receive CPE credit for completing it. Training will be available in the Georgia Access Learning Management System no later than August 2026. Georgia Access certification and Georgia Access For Business Certification will be separate, and an agent can be certified in either or both.

GAFB requires agents to be certified because the program includes newer purchasing models like ICHRA that demand additional training to ensure employers receive accurate and comprehensive support.  We want to ensure that agents that offer GAFB as an option to employers have a minimum knowledge of the basics of both ICHRAs and GAFB. The Learning Management System will also include additional, optional learning materials and tools and our Client Relations Team will offer no-cost support to agents who want to learn more.

GAFB provides direct support to agents, including assistance with client questions, ICHRA model guidance, comparative cost analyses, and implementation tools for both employers and employees. Support is provided through materials on the Georgia Access Learning Management System and through our Client Relations team, who work directly with agents as they evaluate ICHRA possibilities for their clients. Both channels are provided free of cost to agents. If you are an agent or an employer who would like to learn more, please CONTACT 844-GA-ICHRA or via email at agents-GAFB@georgiaaccess.ga.gov.

GAFB will include a “Find a Certified Group Agent” search tool that allows employers to locate certified agents. This tool will not be available until September 2026 after our certification course has launched. This will allow agents time to complete certification and qualify to be in the “Find a Certified Group Agent” tool. If employers are interested in being connected with an experienced, certified agent in advance of September, they can call 844-GA-ICHRA and GAFB will share a list of experienced agents who have already been working with the program.

Georgia Access For Business is a new offering from Georgia Access that empowers employers of all sizes to offer health benefits to their employees through innovative purchasing models, including Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and the established on-exchange Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

GAFB enables employers and certified agents to explore SHOP and ICHRAs, a defined‑contribution reimbursement model, and compare these options with off‑exchange commercial group plan offerings they may have already identified. If an agent / employer finds an ICHRA or SHOP solution would be a best fit, GAFB can assist with next steps. The goal is to find the best model to align coverage solutions with each employer’s budget, benefits goals, and compliance needs.

Employers can explore:

• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)
• Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRA), a potential option, not currently available.

ICHRAs allow employers to contribute tax‑exempt funds for employees to purchase individual health insurance through Georgia Access. This model offers simplicity and flexibility, letting employers contribute flat amounts or vary contributions by age, location, or other factors. In addition, the model allows employees to choose the plan that works best for them, and the ability to retain that plan, even if they leave their current job.

SHOP offers Georgia Access‑certified small group plans for businesses with up to 50 employees. Eligible employers may also qualify for the federal Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for up to two consecutive years.

Employers must:

• Have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Have up to 50 full‑time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Offer coverage to all full-time employees
• Enroll at least 70% of eligible full-time employees
• Have a worksite or office in Georgia

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 assist employers in identifying a knowledgeable agent if they want help – please call 844-GA-ICHRA.  GAFB also provides guidance on benefit options, comparisons between coverage models, and support to both employers and certified agents.  Additionally, GAFB will share tools for your organization to help get employees ready if you opt for an ICHRA or SHOP model.

GAFB will provide a “Find a Certified Group Agent” search tool that allows employers to locate certified agents. This tool will not be available until September 2026, a short time after our certification course has launched, to allow agents time to complete certification and qualify to be in the “Find a Certified Group Agent” tool.  If employers are interested in being connected with an experienced, certified agent in advance of September, they can call 844-GA-ICHRA and GAFB will share a list of experienced agents who have already been working with the program.

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 ICHRAs, SHOP, and other available benefit models, and helps them make confident decisions for their workforce.

Employers can compare ICHRA, SHOP, and traditional group coverage to determine what best fits their budget, level of flexibility, and employee needs. GAFB has an easy online tool that will allow employers or agents to share their goals / objectives for their coverage and see which model best aligns with these goals.  Alternatively, employers / agents can get a high-level cost comparison between different types of coverage through completing some basic information about their company profiles. Both Decision Support possibilities can be found here (Employer Decision Support link to be live 6/1).

Yes. Employers may continue working with their current insurance professionals, if those agents are Georgia‑licensed and complete GAFB certification to assist with ICHRA and GAFB models.

Yes.

• ICHRA contributions are tax-exempt.
• SHOP plans may qualify eligible employers for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
• QSEHRA contributions also offer tax advantages within IRS limits, although QSEHRAs are not currently available through GAFB at this time.