As of 2010, prior to any sweeping changes created by President Obama's health care reform package, Georgia offers a sliding scale of health options for children for families of low and modest incomes. How much a parent pays in premiums is dependent upon how much a parent earns. In some cases, there are stiff criteria for eligibility.
Peachcare for Kids
Peachcare is the result of the Social Security Act's Title XXI. Launched in 1999, it covers kids through the age of 18 and has a relatively broad and uncomplicated level of eligibility. It covers children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. Parents' incomes must be at or below 235 percent of the federal poverty level and children must be able to prove United States citizenship. They must be currently uninsured and parents must not have the option of state insurance if they are employed by the State of Georgia. Premiums are free for children under six-years-old. For older children, they range from $10 to $70 per month in 2010 depending upon the number of children covered in a household, and no deductibles or co-pays apply.
Medicaid
If parents apply for Peachcare but their income is low enough to qualify for Medicaid instead, Peachcare will automatically divert the application to the Department of Family and Children Services for coverage. Low-income Medicaid is available through Aid to Families of Dependent Children in each Georgia county, but income eligibility is extremely low: only $6,000 a year for a family of four, $4,272 a year for a parent and child as of 2009. Right From The Start Medicaid covers infants up to one-year-old at higher income thresholds--$40,800 a year for a family of four. For children one- through five-years-old, the income limit drops to $29,238 per year for a family of four. Children ages six through 19 are covered up to an income of $22,056 for a family of four.
Children's Medical Services
This program covers children and young adults with certain health conditions up to the age of 21. All children who qualify for Medicaid or Peachcare are also eligible for CMS coverage if they suffer from a medical condition that is covered. CMS is funded by the federal government and is provided to families with incomes from 150 to 236 percent of the federal poverty level.
Private Insurance Policies
Aetna offers a PPO plan for Georgia children at $28 per month for a single child. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield policy premiums range from $29 to $42 per month for one child. Coventry One covers children in Georgia for premiums in the $43 range for one child.
Health Resources and Services Administration
If children don't qualify for Medicaid or when paying any premiums on a monthly basis is impossible, Georgia also offers hundreds of clinics for the uninsured through the Health Resources and Services Administration. Medical care is offered on a sliding payment scale depending upon a parent's income.
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