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.