Rising health insurance costs force 1 million Georgians to make difficult decisions

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Insurance Premiums Rising for Georgians

More than a million residents in Georgia are dealing with higher insurance premiums now that federal assistance has officially come to an end. Families are beginning to notice the impacts.

For years, the federal government has supported the Affordable Care Act to ensure healthcare costs remain manageable. However, this subsidy wasn’t extended last year as part of the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Some individuals express concerns that the absence of these subsidies could make it impossible for them to afford insurance premiums or, quite frankly, manage daily living expenses.

Teresa Acosta, a self-employed caterer, shares her struggles. “These are like heat lamps that I use, um, like hot food spreads that I do,” she explains. Her previous life is now condensed into boxes and trash cans, overwhelmed by climbing medical expenses.

“Combining my passion with a career that my family supported changed everything for me, and then it was all taken away,” Acosta reflects.

She’s actively seeking a full-time job that provides health insurance, as the expired Affordable Care Act subsidies leave her unable to handle the premiums. “My interest rate has increased by 620%, more than seven times what I paid back in 2025,” she adds in distress.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, around 1.4 million Georgians will see rising costs in healthcare without the subsidies. Experts worry that thousands could lose their health insurance altogether because of increasing prices.

“Georgia’s premiums have surged nearly 200 percent. The numbers we’re seeing are staggering,” comments Whitney Griggs from Georgians for a Healthy Future.

For Acosta, health insurance isn’t just important; it’s essential. Her youngest son, Bauer, has type 1 diabetes and requires necessary medical care. “I’m very anxious and don’t know how I’m going to welcome the new year,” she admits.

As 2026 approaches, Acosta continues her search for a job that will help secure her family’s health, hoping for a shift in the situation soon. “I know I’m not the only one going through this, but I feel so alone,” she expresses.

It’s estimated that around 200,000 individuals chose not to re-enroll in health insurance. It’s uncertain how many have managed to find alternative coverage.