PeachCare for Kids: Georgia's CHIP program

Last verified: June 2026

What PeachCare for Kids covers and who runs it

PeachCare for Kids is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), the same agency that runs Georgia Medicaid. DCH contracts with Care Management Organizations (CMOs) to deliver services — the same Amerigroup Georgia, Peach State Health Management, WellCare of Georgia, and CareSource Georgia that serve Georgia Medicaid enrollees. Children enrolled in PeachCare receive care through one of these CMOs.

PeachCare provides comprehensive coverage. The benefit package includes:

• Primary care and preventive well-child visits
• Specialist visits with a referral from the primary care provider
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Emergency room and urgent care visits
• Prescription drug coverage through the CMO formulary
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Vision care — routine eye exams and corrective lenses
• Hearing services
• Comprehensive dental care (EPSDT standard for all children under 21)

Note the contrast with adult Georgia Medicaid dental coverage: adults get emergency-only dental. Children in PeachCare receive full dental services under the EPSDT mandate, including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and medically necessary orthodontics.

Who qualifies for PeachCare for Kids

PeachCare covers children ages 0–18 in households with income between the standard Georgia Medicaid threshold and 247% of the Federal Poverty Level. In practice, children in households below approximately 133% FPL are placed in Georgia Medicaid (not PeachCare), and children between 133% and 247% FPL are placed in PeachCare. The same application determines which program applies.

Additional requirements:

• Child must be under age 19
• Georgia resident
• U.S. citizen, national, or eligible immigration status
• Not covered by other comprehensive health insurance (employer-sponsored coverage, marketplace plan, or other Medicaid)
• Household income at or below 247% FPL

Unlike some CHIP programs, Georgia does not impose a waiting period for children who had recent employer-sponsored insurance. A child who recently lost other coverage can apply immediately.

PeachCare premiums and cost sharing

PeachCare charges a monthly premium for children in households above a certain income threshold. The premium structure, per DCH:

Source: Georgia DCH PeachCare for Kids program information, medicaid.georgia.gov. Verify current premiums at medicaid.georgia.gov before enrolling — premium amounts may update.

At $10 per child per month with a $20 family cap, PeachCare premiums are set well below what comparable private insurance costs. Federal CHIP law prohibits premiums that exceed 5% of household income for any family enrolled in CHIP.

How to apply for PeachCare for Kids

Apply through Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov. The single application screens for Georgia Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, SNAP, and other programs. You do not need to specify that you want PeachCare — the system routes your child to the correct program based on income.

You can also apply by phone at 1-877-423-4746 or in person at your county DFCS office. Have your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of household income ready.

After approval, DCH sends enrollment materials and a plan selection notice. You choose one of the four CMOs for your child's coverage, or DCH auto-assigns one. Your child receives a member card from the CMO within a few weeks. For plan comparison help, call the enrollment broker at 1-888-423-6765.

What PeachCare for Kids covers

PeachCare for Kids provides comprehensive coverage through the same four Care Management Organizations (CMOs) that serve Georgia Medicaid enrollees. Benefits are standardized by DCH across all four plans.

• Well-child visits and preventive care — required EPSDT screens at scheduled intervals
• Primary care, specialist, and hospital visits
• Prescription medications
• Dental care — exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions
• Vision care — eye exams and corrective lenses
• Mental health and substance use treatment
• Emergency and urgent care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy (when medically necessary)
• EPSDT mandate — all medically necessary services must be covered for children under 21

Georgia Medicaid vs PeachCare for Kids: how they compare

The practical difference for families is minimal — both programs use the same CMOs and cover the same essential services. Income determines which program applies.

PeachCare for Kids vs CHIP in neighboring states