Frequently Asked Questions
What is PeachCare for Kids®?
PeachCare for Kids® is a comprehensive health care program for uninsured children living in Georgia. The health benefits include:
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Each child in the program is enrolled in a Care Management Organization (CMO) and has a primary care provider, who coordinates the child's care.
The three CMOs have toll-free numbers and websites available for health care providers to find out more about enrolling with Georgia Families:
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Amerigroup Community Care |
Peach State Health Plan |
WellCare |
Who is eligible for PeachCare for Kids®?
Many children in Georgia under the age of 19 who don't have insurance are eligible for PeachCare for Kids®. These children are in families with incomes less than or equal to 235 percent of the federal poverty limit -- about $52,000 for a family of four.
How much does it cost?
Premiums are required for children ages 6 and older. The cost per month for PeachCare for Kids® coverage is $10 to $35 for one child and a maximum of $70 for two or more children living in the same household. Premiums are due the first day of the month prior to the month of coverage. For example, premiums for coverage in February are due on January 1.
What are the benefits?
The plan pays for preventive services and acute medical care, vision and dental care.
How many children are covered by PeachCare for Kids®?
As of September 2011, there were approximately 203,000 eligible children enrolled.
How did PeachCare for Kids® start?
In 1997, Congress established a new state Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to expand coverage to children in low income families. States could choose to expand the Medicaid program, use an established private health insurance plan or put together a combination of both.
In 1998, the Georgia General Assembly created a program that is separate from Medicaid yet still administered by the Medicaid Division of DCH.
The Federal legislation that created the SCHIP program allotted almost $4.3 billion a year up to the year 2001. The Federal/State match is about 75 percent federal funds and 25 percent state funds - a larger federal share than "regular" Medicaid allows.
SCHIP was reauthorized in 2009 as part of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA).
How do I apply?
You can download an english application/spanish application, or call 1-877-GAPEACH (1-877-427-3224) for more information.
Please go to www.PeachCare.org for more information on PeachCare for Kids®.