Welfare Info

Georgia PeachCare for Kids

In 1997, Congress created Title XXI of the Social Security Act to provide health care for the growing number of uninsured children in the United States. This legislation provided states with the opportunity to create programs to increase access to af...

What is Georgia PeachCare for Kids?

In 1997, Congress created Title XXI of the Social Security Act to provide health care for the growing number of uninsured children in the United States. This legislation provided states with the opportunity to create programs to increase access to affordable health insurance. In Georgia, this program is PeachCare for Kids.

PeachCare for Kids began covering children in 1999, providing comprehensive health care to children through the age of 18 who do not qualify for Medicaid and live in households with incomes at or below 235 percent of the Federal poverty level.

PeachCare for Kids health benefits include: care from a doctor when your child is sick; preventive services such as immunizations and regular check-ups; specialist care; dental care; vision care, including vision screenings and eyeglasses; hospitalization; emergency room services; prescription medications; and mental health care. Each child in the program has a Georgia Better Health Care primary care provider who coordinates the child's care.

There is no cost to families for children under age 5. Starting at age 6, premiums are $10 per child. For two or more children, your premium will be either $15 or $20, depending on your household income. Once you complete the application, information about paying your premium and the amount will be provided to you.

In addition to being a Georgia resident, children must be U.S. citizens or a qualified alien in order to receive benefits under the PeachCare for Kids program. Legal immigrants who arrived in the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996 must have lived in the U.S. for five years to be eligible. Some exceptions to the citizenship requirements do exist so work with the PeachCare for Kids program staff to determine whether you or your children are eligible.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Georgia, under 19 years of age or be a primary care giver with a child under the age of 19, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), and a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident.

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $28,341
2 $38,164
3 $47,987
4 $57,810
5 $67,633
6 $77,456
7 $87,279
8 $97,102

*For households with more than eight people, add $9,823 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

 

Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

 

Application Details

What is the application process for Georgia PeachCare for Kids?

You may apply online on the PeachCare for Kids website.

Or, you can download and print an application and instructions by clicking on the link above, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and clicking on "Download English Application".

For assistance with your application, or to apply by phone, call 1-877-GA-PEACH (1-877-427-3224).

Contact Info

1-877-427-3224