Small businesses in Chattooga County that have struggled with the cost or complexity of providing employee health insurance now have another option through a new state program.

The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire has launched Georgia Access For Business, a program allowing employers to contribute a fixed amount toward employees’ individual health insurance rather than purchasing one traditional group health plan for the entire workforce.

Under the program’s new CHOICE Arrangement, an employer determines how much it will contribute toward eligible health coverage. The contribution is tax-free, and employees then select their own ACA-compliant individual health insurance plan.

That could be particularly useful for smaller employers that want to offer health benefits but have found traditional group insurance difficult to afford or administer.

Georgia Access says there is no minimum or maximum employer contribution required, and the program can be used by businesses of any size, including employers that have never previously offered health insurance benefits. Funds are paid directly toward the employee’s selected insurance coverage rather than requiring employees to submit reimbursement paperwork.

Employees also have more choice than under a traditional arrangement where an employer selects a single plan for everyone. Under CHOICE, employees select an eligible individual plan that fits their own needs. Georgia Access says an employee can retain the individual plan even after leaving the employer.

The state says the program is designed to give businesses greater predictability over health-benefit expenses because the employer determines its contribution rather than being tied directly to increases in a traditional group premium.

Georgia Access recommends that employers work with a knowledgeable licensed insurance agent when deciding whether the new arrangement or another health-benefit option is appropriate for their business.

Georgia Access For Business is available now. Business owners seeking additional information or assistance can contact Georgia Access For Business at 844-424-2472, Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM Eastern Time.