While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory.
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The Georgia state CHIP program is called the Georgia PeachCare for Kids. It is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). For more information about the Georgia PeachCare for Kids, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in Georgia for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for the Georgia PeachCare for Kids, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the PeachCare for Kids primary line at 1 (877) 427-3224 or review the Georgia Program Benefits and Cost page here.
To qualify for CHIP in Georgia, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on Georgia’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
Depending on your gross household income, the premium may be $11 to $36 per month per child covered by the Georgia PeachCare for Kids in your household or $16 to $72 per month for two or more children living in the same household.
When your child receives covered medical services, your copay will be $0.50 to $12.50 but usually less than $3.
However, there are no premiums or copays for children:
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in Georgia, visit the Georgia Program Benefits and Cost page here. Or call the PeachCare for Kids primary line at 1 (877) 427-3224.
Before applying for the Georgia PeachCare for Kids, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through the Georgia Gateway benefit portal here.
To apply for CHIP in person, click here to find your nearest Georgia DCH Office location.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call 1 (877) 427-3224 or 1 (877) 432-4746.
To apply for CHIP by mail, fill out the Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs found here and send it to the following address:
Division of Family and Children Services
Customer Contact Center
P.O. Box 4190
Albany, GA 31706
For a copy of the Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs in Spanish, click here.
*Georgia uses the same application for multiple benefit and self-reliance programs. Be sure to mark the correct program you are applying for in your application.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP within1 to 2 weeks of applying. This timeline may be extended if the Department of Community Health requires more information from you to process your application.
If approved for CHIP, you will be sent a Georgia Health Insurance Identification Card within 1 week of your eligibility determination letter.
For more information about what happens after you apply for the Georgia PeachCare for Kids, you can contact the PeachCare for Kids primary at 1 (877) 427-3224.
If you do not agree with the Georgia Department of Community Health’s decision to deny you CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal within 30 days of when you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
You can file your appeal by mail or by fax to the Health Insurance Marketplace.
To send your appeal by fax, fill out the appeal form here and dial 1 (877) 369-0130.
To send your appeal by mail, complete the appeal form and send it to the following address:
Health Insurance Marketplace
Attn: Appeals
465 Industrial Blvd.
London, KY 40750-0061
After submitting your appeal, you will receive a decision by mail or email within 30 days.
If you have any further questions regarding the appeals process, you can contact the Marketplace Appeals Center at 1 (855) 231-1751. Or, you can contact the Georgia PeachCare for Kids primary at 1 (877) 423-4746.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the Department of Community Health at 1 (877) 423-4746.
If you have any further questions about the Georgia PeachCare for Kids or CHIP, call the PeachCare for Kids primary Center at 1 (877) 427-3224.
You can also contact your local Georgia Department of Community Health office for assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For additional inquiries, you can email the Georgia Department of Community Health here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
