Georgia
Open enrollment begins in Georgia amid uncertainty over ACA tax credits
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Open enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace is now underway for more than a million Georgians, but this year comes with added uncertainty.
The tax credits that help make coverage affordable may not be extended, leaving many residents unsure about their health care costs.
64-year-old Gareth Finley currently qualifies for a monthly premium tax credit under the ACA, which helps keep her insurance within reach.
But this week, Finley was stunned to see her monthly premium had doubled. Her $1,200-per-month tax credit may or may not continue, a decision now in the hands of Congress.
“I think the U.S. has amazing health care, but the financing system for it is just kind of bizarre and broken,” Finley said.
According to Georgians for a Healthy Future, nearly 1.5 million Georgians rely on ACA tax credits. 93% of those enrolled in the marketplace depend on the subsidies to keep coverage affordable.
Finley expressed concern about the broader impact of rising costs on hospitals and rural communities.
“When hospitals can’t afford sustaining emergency rooms, they’ll end up closing — especially in rural areas like where I live,” she said.
The debate over ACA tax credits has become central in the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats stress the urgency of extending the subsidies.
Senator Jon Ossoff said in a statement, “Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a bill to fund the Federal government and prevent massive increases in health insurance premiums. More than 20 million Americans will see their health insurance premiums double next year without Congressional action, while President Trump continues to refuse to work on a solution.”
Republicans argue the pandemic-era subsidies were intended to be temporary and that continuing them could benefit higher-income households.
However, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has signaled willingness to negotiate with Democrats on a new healthcare plan, posting that she is “absolutely disgusted” that insurance premiums could double if the credits expire.
Finley said the credits are essential.
“I can’t see our country sustaining our health care system and economy without it,” she said.
Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Experts warn that if Congress does not act before the end of the year, thousands of Georgia families could lose coverage or face unaffordable premiums early next year.
Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.
PERRY, Ga. (WALB) — The Georgia National Fair announced ticket pricing changes for 2026 in a Facebook post.
Children ages 3-10 will now require a $5 admission ticket.
Adult tickets purchased with cash at the entry gate will cost $20, excluding discounted admission days. Adults paying with a card at the gate will pay $15.
All online transactions will include a processing fee.
Discounted admission days will be $10 for everyone. Seniors 60 and up are $10 every day.
For more ticket information and fair dates, visit https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/getconnected/pricing.
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Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.
GEORGIA, Ga. (WALB) — A new bill introduced to the Georgia Senate could create a constitutional amendment to restrict voting to legal U.S. citizens.
The bill, Senate Resolution 4EX says, “No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people.”
If passed, Georgians will vote on the constitutional amendment in the November election.
Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger said “I have been calling on the legislature for years to pass this amendment to the state constitution. I am glad to see the legislature finally act to ensure only American citizens are voting in our elections.”
According to Raffensperger, Georgia was the first state in the nation to conduct citizen verification of voter rolls. Since 2022, Raffensperger’s office conducted two citizenship audits of Georgia’s voter rolls.
SR 4EX Text
“Casting a vote is one of the most important elements of American citizenship. Any illegal vote dilutes the value of a citizen’s lawfully cast ballot. U.S. Citizens should decide Georgia elections. Period. I urge the legislature to pass this important legislation.”
The state uses information from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to identify people who are non-citizens. This data is based on documents provided to DDS, through its REAL ID drivers licenses or state identification cards.
That information is also ran through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify an individual’s citizenship status.
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To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.
Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.
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