Georgians will pay lower premiums for health insurance than originally expected when the Affordable Care Act takes effect in January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported Wednesday.

The average premium for the lowest cost “bronze” plan in Georgia will be $265 per year, according to state-by-state figures released by the agency. The average annual Georgia premium rises to $304 for the lowest cost “silver” plan and $317 for the second-lowest cost silver plan.

“We are excited to see that rates in the marketplace are even lower than originally projected,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a prepared statement. “In the past, consumers were too often denied or priced out of quality health-insurance options.”

Speaking in Atlanta last month, Sebelius defended Obamacare from attacks by Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, who warned the law would significantly drive up health insurance premiums in the Peach State.

Government chart of Georgia costs here.