Depending on your organization’s structure, industry classification, and membership affiliations, you may be eligible to participate in other employer-sponsored benefit arrangements. GAFB does not administer or endorse these programs; however, in the interest of transparency and informed decision making, we provide the following overview of alternative benefit options that may warrant consideration.
Commercial Group Coverage
Many employers opt to offer standard or customized plan coverage through a commercial group coverage plan. A number of different medical issuers offer this type of coverage in Georgia. This coverage will be off-exchange and it is likely that it will be built specifically to fit your organization. If you are an employer not working with an agent, Georgia Access highly recommends that you work with a licensed experienced agent to evaluate your options. Georgia Access can help you find a certified, licensed agent to navigate the options. If interested, please contact us at 844-GA-ICHRA.
Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs)
MEWAs allow multiple, often smaller, employers to pool resources and offer shared health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and disability, to their employees. MEWAs are governed by ERISA and state regulations.
To learn more, visit:
- Investopedia’s overview: “Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA)”
- Legal rundown: “What Is a MEWA?”
Association Health Plans (AHPs)
AHPs are group health plans provided by trade or industry associations that allow small businesses, or self-employed individuals, to join collectively. These plans gain advantages from operating as a larger group, such as accessing large-group insurance pricing and negotiating power.
To learn more, visit:
- HealthcareInsider: “What Are Association Health Plans? Pros and Cons”
- DOL compliance guide: “ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS”
Georgia Chamber Health Plans
Available exclusively to members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated local chambers, these plans offer structured health coverage for small and mid-sized businesses through Anthem BCBS.
To learn more, visit:
- Official portal: Georgia Chamber SMART Health Plans
Farm Bureau Group Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau Health Plans serves employer groups (often through state Farm Bureau affiliates) with a variety of benefit options.
Note: In certain states, these plans are not regulated as traditional insurance and may not guarantee federal/state protections.
To learn more, visit:
- Employer benefits info: https://www.gfb.org/join/healthcare
- GAO report on Farm Bureau alternatives: GAO-23-106034
Other Employer-sponsored Benefit Alternatives
- Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs): Faith-based arrangements where members share medical expenses. These are not insurance and typically lack regulatory oversight and standard consumer protections.
- Fixed Indemnity Plans: Provide set-dollar reimbursements for specific services (e.g., hospital stays) but are not comprehensive health insurance.
Self-employed Georgians
You can enroll in health insurance coverage on Georgia Access if you are a freelancer, consultant, independent contractor, or other self-employed worker. You may be eligible for financial assistance depending on your income.
- Complete a Georgia Access application within the Georgia Access consumer portal or with an agent, insurance company, or web broker to see how much financial assistance you may be eligible for.