Georgia spent more than seven billion dollars on Medicaid in 2009.
Medicaid, along with Medicare, were created in 1965. The plans were funded by both the federal government and the states, but the states each designed their own programs following federal regulations. Medicaid programs in one state may differ in significant ways from those in another, although the basic premise, to help provide medical services to low-income families and needy individuals, remains the same. The majority of Medicaid users nationwide are children, but Georgia does offer more than one Medicaid program for adults and whole families.
Eligibility for Adults
Besides children, the disabled, the blind, pregnant women and the elderly may be able to enroll in Georgia Medicaid. Adults cannot exceed a certain monthly income level; however, can still enroll in the program. The specific amount which applies to you is determined by the current federal poverty level, your age, the size of your family and your health. You must also be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and a current resident of the state of Georgia. You can pick up an application at any office of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services or download one from the DFCS website. Once completed, you can return your application to a DFCS office in person or by mail, fax, telephone or email.
Georgia Families
PeachCare for Kids is Georgia's child-only Medicaid plan, but Georgia Families provides services for both PeachCare for Kids and standard Medicaid. As soon as you know you are eligible for either, you must enroll in Georgia Families. The program requires you to choose a primary care physician and a specific health plan, which is offered in your area. Certain members of Medicaid do not have to choose a Georgia Families plan, however. In 2011, these include people on hospice care, seniors who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare and those who need special medical care or who live in an institution.
Planning for Healthy Babies
Planning for Healthy Babies, P4HB, is a program to help mothers who had children born with low birth weight and very low birth weight. Medicaid members who have given birth to a baby weighing less than three pounds, five ounces are eligible for P4HB's Resource Mother services, which provides support and information about healthy lifestyles, nutrition and parenting. Mothers who already receive Medicaid benefits are not eligible for P4HB's family planning services, however.
SOURCE
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment, SOURCE, is a Georgia Medicaid program that helps elderly and disabled users to receive care in their own homes and through community services rather than through nursing home or institutional care. SOURCE develops personal care plans for participants with input from family members and other caregivers, as well as professional staff. Along with arranging for core medical and living needs, SOURCE may also help with meal delivery, emergency response services, assisted living care and extended home health.
Tags: Georgia Families, birth weight, eligible P4HB, enroll Georgia, Georgia Medicaid, Healthy Babies
