Georgia PeachCare for Kids

Georgia PeachCare provides health insurance for children in low-income households.

Unfortunately, with the modern status of the American economy many parents struggle to provide suitable and adequate health insurance coverage for their children. In the State of Georgia, the PeachCare for Kids program exists to address this problem for low-income families. There are specific eligibility requirements and a number of forms to fill out, and the waiting period before benefits start can take several months.

Eligibility

PeachCare for Kids accepts children under the age of 18 who cannot qualify for Medicaid and have household incomes equal to or below 235 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants must also show that they are either United States citizens, legal residents, or refugees residing in Georgia. Only children that are currently uninsured qualify for PeachCare. Children of state employees cannot receive coverage under PeachCare due to Federal regulations that determine funding for the program. This includes full-time public school system employees and members of the Board of Regents. Part-time and temporary employees are exempt from this exclusion because they aren’t eligible for the health benefit plan for state workers.

Proof of Identity

All applicants will be required to provide proof of identity to qualify for the PeachCare program. When you submit your application include either a government issued identification card , a school record that has date and place of birth and names of parents for children under the age of 16, a current driver’s license, or a daycare/nursery school record with date and place of birth recorded. Send copies of these documents with the family account number written on each page.

Proof of Citizenship

Additionally, to provide proof of citizenship, include either a United States Passport, a Certification of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Any of these documents suffice on their own for proof of both citizenship and identity. If these documents are unavailable to you or are not in your possession, present two of the following documents with your application. Use either a United States Birth Certificate or a Certification of Report of Birth. If you were born outside of the United States and the American Territories a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America or a Certification of Birth Abroad work as appropriate substitutions.

Additionally a United States Citizen Identification Card or an American Indian Card can serve to establish United States citizenship. If you are unable to provide one of those documents you may use a Final Adoption Decree, an extract of a hospital record printed on a hospital letterhead, or an insurance record showing an American place of birth that was dated at least five years prior to the initial application date.

Income Verification

Income Verification: All applicants must submit income verification as well. On new applications, proof of income needs to be included. Forms are available online to be printed, completed, and then faxed or mailed. Provide only the most current information on the forms. Proof of money earned or received by anyone in the household must be included in the form of either one month of pay stubs for weekly and bi-weekly pay, or two sequential semi-monthly or monthly pay stubs.

For those who receive Supplemental Security Income, send a copy of your most recent award letter. If you receive an unemployment check, provide four sequential week’s worth of pay stubs or the award letter. Workman's Compensation and disability benefits require a letter from the insurance company stating the total amount and the dates when received, with a verifiable contact name and number.

For income from contributions, have the provider write a letter that states the amounts received with dates supplying their name and contact information. Income from child support requires a written statement from the parent who gives you money with their name, address, and contact number, or court papers stating the amount received and how often you receive it.

Benefits

PeachCare for Kids gives children access to medical care from doctors as well as specialists. Dental coverage is also included along with vision, covering the fees for regular screenings and glasses. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations are included in the plan, and so are all prescription medications and mental health services.

References

• PeachCare for Kids: Information