Health and Wellness
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was created by the federal government to make medical insurance available to all Americans.
The University System of Georgia’s Consumer Choice HSA plan meets the affordability requirement under the Affordable Care Act. Therefore, in general, University System of Georgia employees who are eligible for health insurance will not be eligible for a tax credit through the Health Insurance Marketplace (or exchanges) created under the Affordable Care Act.
If you are not eligible for health insurance through the University System of Georgia and would like more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, please visit the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace website.
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USG Notice
This notice is provided to all Georgia Tech faculty, staff, students, and temporary employees to provide you with information about the health coverage offered by the USG.
For more information about the UG healthcare plan visit usg.edu/hr/benefits.
Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace is designed to help individuals find health insurance that meets their needs and budget.
Key Points
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With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, there are some important items to remember. Some of the key points to remember have been consolidated in the list below.
- The Affordable Care Act requires all individuals to have health insurance coverage or pay a penalty. Starting with the 2019 plan year, there is no penalty for not having insurance.
- If you are enrolled in healthcare coverage through the USG, you do not need to enroll in coverage through the Marketplace.
- If you are eligible for health care coverage through the USG, you will have the opportunity each year during Open Enrollment to enroll or make changes to your current healthcare coverage. If you enroll or make changes during Open Enrollment your changes are effective January 1st of the following year. If you are not eligible for the USG healthcare plans, you can get information about enrolling in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at the following website: healthcare.gov/families.
- The University System of Georgia’s Consumer Choice HSA plan meets the Affordability Requirement under the Affordable Care Act. Therefore, in general, University System of Georgia/Georgia Tech employees who are eligible for health insurance will not be eligible for a tax credit through the Health Insurance Marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act.
For more information about the USG healthcare plan visit usg.edu/hr/benefits.
Affordable Care Act
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a way for individuals to obtain health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. It makes health insurance coverage available for individuals who currently do not have access to coverage. To use the Health Insurance Marketplace, go to the Health Insurance Marketplace website and fill out an application. After you complete the application, you will see all the health plans available in your area.
When can I enroll in Health Insurance?
Please see the dates and deadlines on the Health Insurance Marketplace website for information on when you can enroll in coverage.
What happens if I don't enroll in Health Insurance?
Since the 2019 plan year, there has been no penalty for not having insurance.
I signed up for health insurance coverage through USG. Do I need to enroll through the Health Insurance Marketplace?
No. If you are enrolled in health insurance coverage through USG, you do not need to enroll in coverage through the marketplace.
What should I do if I am not eligible for health insurance coverage through USG?
If you are not eligible for the USG healthcare plan, you can get information about enrolling in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at the exchange website. Georgia opted not to operate a Health Insurance Marketplace and therefore, individuals in Georgia will utilize the federal marketplace. Or, if you are eligible, you may obtain coverage through your spouse’s health insurance or if you are under age 26, through a parent’s health insurance.
What should I do if I am eligible for health insurance coverage in the USG plan but I am not enrolled?
If you are eligible for health care coverage through the USG, you will have the opportunity each year during Open Enrollment to enroll or make changes to your current healthcare coverage. If you enroll or make changes during Open Enrollment your changes are effective January 1 of the following year.
I am enrolled in health insurance coverage through my spouse’s employer. Do I need to enroll in the USG coverage also?
No. The Affordable Care Act only requires that you have health insurance coverage. The law does not require that you obtain health insurance coverage through your employer. For instance, you may obtain coverage through your spouse’s employer or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If I enroll in health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, will I be able to receive a tax credit or subsidy?
If you are eligible for the USG healthcare plan, generally you will not receive a subsidy if you enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace instead of the USG plan. This is because USG offers a plan that meets the definition of Affordable under the law.
Coverage is considered “affordable” if employee contributions for employee-only coverage do not exceed a certain percentage of an employee’s household income (9.78% in 2020 and 9.83% in 2021); because our coverage meets the Affordable definition under the law, employees eligible for USG healthcare coverage generally will not be eligible for a subsidy if they enroll in coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Where can I learn more about the Affordable Care Act?
If you have more questions about the Affordable Care Act or the Health Insurance Marketplace, below are some links where you can find information: