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Georgia Access Help at The Band Room, Inc.

Free and unbiased health coverage support for our creative community

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The Band Room, Inc. is a Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization (CDO) with Georgia Access, the State of Georgia’s health insurance marketplace. As a CDO, we are officially authorized to help you understand your health coverage options, complete your application, and determine whether you qualify for financial assistance.

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We are a community-focused organization that supports musicians, creatives, gig workers, and families. We know the challenges that come with irregular income and unpredictable schedules. Our goal is to make the health coverage process simple, clear, and supportive.

What Is a CDO and Why It Matters

A Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization is an organization that has been approved by Georgia Access to train and oversee Certified Application Counselors. CDOs are responsible for making sure counselors understand program rules, maintain confidentiality, and provide fair and unbiased guidance.

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The Band Room, Inc. participates in Georgia Access on a voluntary basis. We do not receive payment from Georgia Access or from insurance companies. That independence ensures that our only commitment is to you and your household.

What Our Certified Application Counselors Can Help You With

Our counselors provide free, private, one-on-one support. We stay with you through the entire process and help you understand your choices.

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We Can Help You

  • Explore health and dental coverage options through Georgia Access

  • Understand the differences between premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and provider networks

  • Complete an application for coverage

  • See whether you qualify for financial help such as premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions

  • Review your eligibility results and explain any notices you receive

  • Navigate Special Enrollment Periods when you experience a Qualifying Life Event such as losing coverage, moving, or having a change in your household

  • Receive referrals to Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, Georgia Pathways, and other programs

What We Cannot Do

  • We cannot tell you which specific plan to choose

  • We cannot sell insurance

  • We cannot receive payment from any insurance company

  • We cannot favor one insurer over another

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Our sole responsibility is to help you understand your options so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Who We Serve

We support all Georgia residents who want help understanding their coverage options. We have a special focus on people who face barriers to care or who work in nontraditional fields.

We serve:

  • Uninsured and underinsured residents

  • Musicians, artists, producers, engineers, and other creative workers

  • Gig workers and freelancers

  • People experiencing job loss or income changes

  • First-time insurance shoppers

  • People living in rural communities

  • Residents who need language assistance or accommodations

  • Families with children who may be eligible for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids

  • Adults who are navigating multiple coverage programs for the first time

If you live in Georgia and you have questions about health coverage, we are here to help.

Nondiscrimination and Accessibility

The Band Room, Inc. follows all federal and state nondiscrimination laws, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

We do not discriminate on the basis of:

  • Race

  • Color

  • National origin

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

  • Gender identity

  • Age

  • Disability

We are committed to accessibility. We provide:

  • Language assistance and interpreters when needed

  • Translated materials

  • Plain language explanations instead of technical jargon

  • Large print documents when requested

  • Accessible locations for in-person support

  • Coordination with support people or caregivers when helpful

Georgia Access does not offer Medicare plans. If you are Medicare eligible, we will refer you to the correct official resources.

How We Understand Your Needs

We complete a Needs Assessment as part of our service. This helps us understand your situation clearly so we can provide the best support.

We look at:

  • Your household size

  • Approximate yearly income

  • Whether you file taxes

  • Whether you have recently experienced a life change such as losing coverage or moving

  • Whether you or your family members may qualify for Medicaid or PeachCare

  • Your language or accessibility needs

  • Whether you need help understanding letters or notices

  • Your comfort level with online tools

  • Your ability to attend in-person appointments or whether virtual help works best

We know that many creative professionals and gig workers have nontraditional income patterns. We work with what is true for you, not what outdated forms assume.

First Step: Complete Our Needs Assessment

To begin, we invite you to fill out our Needs Assessment. This allows us to prepare for your appointment and tailor our support.

The form helps us:

  • Understand your household

  • Determine what coverage types you may qualify for

  • Identify potential financial assistance

  • See whether you experienced a qualifying event

  • Learn how we can accommodate your language and accessibility needs

Once we receive your form, a Certified Application Counselor will contact you to schedule a phone appointment, a virtual meeting, or an in-person session when available.

TAKE THE SURVEY

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