Jefferies analysts said Indianapolis-based Anthem will likely exit many ACA exchanges, including Georgia, which could have major repercussions for the state, according to Georgia Health News.
Here are six things to know:
1. Anthem is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's parent company. BCBS of Georgia is the only insurer operating in the state exchange in 96 out of the 159 counties.
2. Leading payers including Hopkins, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare and Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna have pulled plans off exchanges in Georgia.
3. Last year, Georgia's insurance department approved a 21.4 percent average premium increase for Blue Cross for 2017. The payer initially requested a 15.1 percent boost, but increased the stakes when Aetna withdrew from the Georgia exchange for 2017.
4. A consultant with Atlanta-based DHG Healthcare told Georgia Health News, "All healthcare is local when decisions at the corporate headquarters of large insurers affect coverage in small towns in Georgia."
5. A Blue Cross of Georgia spokesperson said the companies are assessing the situation and will strive to work with officials on stabilizing the insurance market.
6. Officials within Georgia's insurance department are asking payers to submit their proposed rates for the ACA exchange by May 16, 2017.