PeachCare provides qualifying children under age 19 with comprehensive health coverage.
While most Americans understand that health insurance is important to ensuring quality and affordable healthcare, millions remain uninsured throughout America, 3 million of which live in Georgia according to a 2009 Families USA report. That represents one in every three people in the state's population that does not have access to affordable healthcare without the threat of high medical bills and possible bankruptcy. Fortunately, programs available through the Georgia State Insurance Commission and provisions in the 2010 federal health reform bill are making it easier than ever for residents to find health coverage.
About
The Georgia State Insurance Commission regulates health insurance in the state, ensuring fair health insurance practices and quality coverage options for all residents. The commission makes certain that the contracts and relationships between insurers and policy-holders run smoothly. If you have a complaint against a health insurer, you may file a formal complaint with the Consumer Services Division of the Insurance Commission, at which time the commission will investigate the complaint and attempt to find a fair solution to the problem. The Consumer Services Division is located in Atlanta, but you can contact the department by phone at 404-656-2070.
Public Health Plans
Certain Georgia residents qualify for public health insurance through the state and federal government. Individuals and families with disabilities, terminal illnesses and from low-income households may qualify for Medicaid, which pays for 100 percent of medical expenses from participating health providers. Eligibility varies according to household size, income, assets and medical need. For example, as of 2011, a family of four with a household income of less than $500 per month qualifies for Medicaid, whereas a pregnant woman in the same size family can qualify for pregnancy Medicaid with an income as high as $3,725 per month, or 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Similarly, PeachCare is Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program that offers comprehensive health coverage to children from households with incomes to high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford comprehensive private health insurance. PeachCare is available for children in families with incomes equal to or less than 235 percent of the federal poverty level.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Unlike many states, Georgia does not offer its residents a state-sponsored preexisting condition health insurance pool. Instead, Georgia residents who cannot find health insurance due to a medical condition must seek assistance through the federal preexisting condition insurance pool, or PCIP. To qualify, you must have been denied insurance because of your health condition and have been uninsured for at least six months prior to applying for coverage through the federal PCIP.
Health Reform and Georgia
In 2010, the federal government enacted The Affordable Care Act, a major health reform bill that will overhaul the American healthcare system by the year 2014. The law affects Georgia significantly, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that 700,000 Georgia residents may become eligible for free or low-cost public health insurance than were enrolled prior to passing the law. Additionally, residents of the state, like all other American citizens, will not be denied health insurance due to a pre-existing condition as of January 1, 2014. This will eliminate the need for participation in the federal PCIP. Additionally, the law will require all citizens to carry health insurance or else pay a tax penalty to offset the costs associated with providing health care to the uninsured.
Tags: health insurance, Georgia residents, health coverage, health insurance, Insurance Commission, 2010 federal, affordable healthcare
