PeachCare for Kids is Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covering more than 325,000 Georgia children in 2026. The program fills the gap between Georgia Medicaid (which covers children in families below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level) and private insurance. If your child is under 19 and your family earns too much for Medicaid but cannot afford employer coverage, PeachCare for Kids provides comprehensive health, dental, and vision care at little to no cost.
Georgia is not a Medicaid expansion state, so low-income adults between 19 and 64 face a significant coverage gap. But children are protected: PeachCare for Kids covers uninsured Georgia children in families earning between 134% and 247% FPL, with applications accepted year-round at Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov). This page covers the 2026 eligibility rules, the income limit table by household size, how to apply, what documents you need, and why applications get denied.
Direct Answer: Does My Child Qualify for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia?
Yes, if your child is under 19, lives in Georgia, is currently uninsured, and your 2026 household income is at or below 247% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, that is $81,510 per year. PeachCare for Kids is Georgia's CHIP program and covers children from birth through the last day of the month of their 19th birthday. Applications are accepted year-round at Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov) with no enrollment window.
PeachCare for Kids Income Limits by Household Size (Georgia 2026)
Georgia PeachCare for Kids uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules to calculate household income. The 2026 income limit is 247% of the Federal Poverty Level. Georgia also applies a 5% income disregard, which effectively means a family earning slightly above the published limit may still qualify after the disregard is applied. The table in this section shows the annual and monthly income limits for household sizes 1 through 8, plus each additional person, based on the official 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines published January 2026.
What counts as income under MAGI: wages, salaries, tips, net self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, alimony, and rental income. What does NOT count: child support received, gifts, inheritances, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veteran's benefits, and most worker's compensation payments. Only the income of people in the child's household who are required to file a federal tax return is counted.
Georgia CHIP vs Medicaid: Which Program Covers Your Child?
Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids serve different income bands for children. Georgia Medicaid covers infants under 1 year old up to 205% FPL, children ages 1-5 up to 149% FPL, and children ages 6-18 up to 133% FPL. PeachCare for Kids fills the gap from 134% FPL up to 247% FPL for children of all ages from birth through 18. When you apply through Georgia Gateway, the system screens for both programs at the same time and places your child in the correct one automatically.
Georgia is one of 10 states that have NOT expanded Medicaid for adults under the ACA. Adults ages 19-64 who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid categories (pregnant, disabled, parenting a child, or very low-income parent) fall into the ACA coverage gap: their income may be too high for traditional Medicaid but too low to receive ACA marketplace premium tax credits (which start at 100% FPL in expansion states, but in Georgia's non-expansion status, adults below 100% FPL receive no federal assistance). This gap affects adults only, not children enrolled in PeachCare.
Georgia CHIP vs Medicaid coverage by child age and income band 2026| Child Age Group | Program | Income Limit (FPL) | 2026 Annual Limit (Family of 4) |
|---|
| Infants (under age 1) | Georgia Medicaid | Up to 205% FPL | $67,650/year |
| Children ages 1-5 | Georgia Medicaid | Up to 149% FPL | $49,170/year |
| Children ages 6-18 | Georgia Medicaid | Up to 133% FPL | $43,890/year |
| Children birth through 18 | PeachCare for Kids (CHIP) | 134% to 247% FPL | Up to $81,510/year |
| Adults ages 19-64 (non-expansion) | No expansion Medicaid available | Coverage gap exists | Marketplace plan if income above 100% FPL |
Georgia is a non-expansion Medicaid state. Adults in families below 100% FPL may not qualify for marketplace subsidies. Contact Georgia DFCS at 1-877-423-4746 or visit medicaid.gov for current guidance on adult eligibility.
Source: Georgia Department of Community Health, CMS CHIP and Medicaid eligibility data 2026, KFF State Health Facts
How to Apply for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia (2026)
Georgia PeachCare applications are accepted year-round through three channels: online at Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov), by phone at 1-877-423-4746, or in person at a local DFCS office. The online channel at Georgia Gateway is the fastest option. The system screens for both Medicaid and PeachCare simultaneously, so you do not need to know in advance which program your child falls under.
Georgia must make an eligibility determination within 45 days of receiving a complete PeachCare application. If your application is incomplete, the state will send a notice listing what is missing. Respond within the stated deadline (usually 10 to 15 days) to avoid the application being closed. Once approved, PeachCare provides 12 months of continuous eligibility: your child keeps coverage for a full year even if household income rises during that period, per federal law effective January 1, 2024.
Documents Needed to Apply for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia
Georgia DFCS will verify eligibility electronically where possible, but most applicants need to provide supporting documents. Having the following items ready before you start your Georgia Gateway application speeds up processing and reduces the chance of a denial or delay. The Georgia Access Contact Center (888-687-1503, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM ET) can answer questions about specific document requirements.
- Child's proof of age and identity: birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration document (green card, refugee document)
- Social Security number (SSN) for the child and each applying parent or guardian; if no SSN, an Immigration Document Number
- Proof of Georgia residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or official document showing a Georgia address dated within the past 90 days
- Income verification from the past 4 weeks: pay stubs, employer letter, W-2, 1099 form, or most recent federal tax return; self-employed individuals need a profit-and-loss statement or bank records
- Current insurance information if the child has any existing health coverage (policy number and effective dates), to confirm the child is uninsured or that prior coverage has ended
- Immigration status documents for non-citizen family members (green card, I-94 arrival record, Employment Authorization Document); a parent's undocumented status does NOT disqualify a citizen or lawfully present child
Is Georgia a Medicaid Expansion State? What That Means for Your Family
Georgia has NOT expanded Medicaid under the ACA as of 2026. Georgia is one of 10 remaining non-expansion states (along with Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). This means low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who do not fit a traditional Medicaid category face a coverage gap. In Georgia, adults below 100% FPL do not qualify for ACA marketplace premium tax credits (which require income above 100% FPL) and do not qualify for expanded Medicaid, leaving many uninsured.
Georgia's non-expansion status does NOT affect PeachCare for Kids. The CHIP program for children operates under separate federal rules and is fully funded. Children in Georgia are protected by federal CHIP law regardless of whether the state has expanded Medicaid for adults. If you are a parent in the coverage gap, contact a Georgia navigator or certified application counselor for help identifying any available options. The Georgia Access Contact Center at 888-687-1503 can provide a referral.
Common Reasons PeachCare for Kids Applications Are Denied in Georgia
Georgia DFCS may deny or close a PeachCare for Kids application for several reasons. Understanding these in advance reduces the chance of a denial and helps you respond quickly if one occurs. All denials come with a written notice that includes the specific reason and instructions for how to appeal.
- Income above 247% FPL: the most common reason. If 2026 annual income exceeds $81,510 for a family of four (or the applicable limit for your household size), PeachCare is not available. Check whether your child qualifies for a marketplace plan with a premium tax credit at healthcare.gov.
- Child already has creditable health coverage: PeachCare is a last-resort program for uninsured children. Employer-sponsored coverage, marketplace plans, or other public insurance disqualify the child. An exception applies when prior coverage ended in the last 90 days.
- Incomplete documentation or failure to respond to a DFCS request: if Georgia cannot verify income, residency, or identity within the required window, the application is closed. Respond to all requests from DFCS within the stated deadline.
- Child is 19 or older: PeachCare covers children through the last day of the month of their 19th birthday. A 19-year-old does not qualify. Explore college student health plans or marketplace plans at healthcare.gov.
- Non-Georgia residency: the child and household must reside in Georgia. A child who lives primarily in another state, even if the parent works in Georgia, may not qualify.
How to Appeal a PeachCare for Kids Denial in Georgia
Georgia PeachCare applicants and enrollees have the right to appeal any denial, termination, or reduction of benefits. The denial notice from Georgia DFCS will state the specific reason for the denial and the deadline to appeal, which is typically 30 days from the date of the notice. To appeal, submit a written request to the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) or call DFCS at 1-877-423-4746 to request a hearing.
During the appeal process, Georgia must continue benefits if the child was already enrolled and the appeal was requested within the required timeframe. At the hearing, you may present documents, call witnesses, and have a representative (attorney or advocate) assist you. Georgia Legal Aid (georgialegalaid.org) provides free legal help for CHIP appeals to eligible low-income families. After the hearing, OSAH issues a written decision, which can be appealed further to the Superior Court if needed.
What PeachCare for Kids Covers in Georgia
PeachCare for Kids is a comprehensive health insurance program. Georgia delivers PeachCare benefits through managed care organizations (MCOs), which provide a provider network, member services, and care coordination. Covered services include preventive and well-child visits, immunizations, primary care and sick visits, specialist referrals, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health and behavioral health services, substance use treatment, dental care (cleanings, fillings, and extractions), vision care (exams and eyeglasses), and hearing services.
Monthly premiums for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia range from $11 to a family maximum of $72 per month in 2026, based on household income. Children under age 6 are exempt from premiums. Foster children and American Indian and Alaska Native children also pay no premiums or co-payments. Families who do not pay the required premium lose coverage, so setting up automatic payment through the managed care plan is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia for a family of 4 in 2026?
The 2026 income limit for PeachCare for Kids (Georgia CHIP) for a family of four is $81,510 per year (247% of the Federal Poverty Level). Monthly, that is $6,793. Children in families with income above this limit do not qualify for PeachCare. If your family income is between $43,890 and $81,510 per year (133% to 247% FPL), your school-age child likely qualifies. Apply at gateway.ga.gov.
What counts as income for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia?
PeachCare uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules. Income that counts includes: wages, salaries, tips, net self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, alimony received, and rental income. Income that does NOT count: child support received, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), gifts and inheritances, veteran's benefits, and most worker's compensation. Only income from household members who are required to file a federal tax return is included.
What documents do I need to apply for PeachCare for Kids in Georgia?
You need: (1) proof of the child's age and identity (birth certificate or passport), (2) Social Security numbers for the child and each applying parent, (3) proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), (4) income verification from the past 4 weeks (pay stubs, W-2, or tax return), and (5) information about any existing health insurance. Immigration documents are needed for non-citizen family members, but a parent's undocumented status does not disqualify a citizen child.
What happens if my PeachCare for Kids application is denied?
You have the right to appeal any denial. The denial notice will state the specific reason and your appeal deadline, typically 30 days from the notice date. Submit a written appeal request to Georgia DFCS (1-877-423-4746) or request a state administrative hearing through the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH). If the child was enrolled and the denial is for continued coverage, benefits may continue during the appeal. Georgia Legal Aid (georgialegalaid.org) provides free legal assistance for appeals.
Can my child get PeachCare for Kids if we have employer health insurance?
No, generally not. PeachCare for Kids is for uninsured children. If your child is currently enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance, a marketplace plan, or any other comprehensive health insurance, the child does not qualify. An exception applies if that coverage recently ended (within the past 90 days). Dental-only or vision-only plans do not count as disqualifying coverage, so a child with only dental insurance would still be eligible.
How long does PeachCare for Kids take to process in Georgia?
Georgia must make an eligibility determination within 45 days of receiving a complete PeachCare application. If your application is missing documents, the clock pauses until you provide them. Online applications through Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov) that are complete and electronically verified can sometimes be approved faster. Once approved, PeachCare provides 12 months of continuous eligibility.
Is Georgia a Medicaid expansion state, and how does that affect PeachCare?
No, Georgia has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA as of 2026. Georgia is one of 10 non-expansion states. This means low-income adults ages 19-64 face a significant coverage gap. However, the non-expansion status does NOT affect PeachCare for Kids. CHIP operates under separate federal rules, and Georgia children up to 247% FPL are fully covered through PeachCare regardless of the state's Medicaid expansion status.
How much does PeachCare for Kids cost in Georgia in 2026?
PeachCare for Kids premiums in Georgia range from $11 to a family maximum of $72 per month in 2026, based on a sliding scale tied to household income. Children under age 6 pay no premium. Foster children and American Indian and Alaska Native children are exempt from premiums and co-payments. Premiums are due 30 days before the first day of the benefit month. Failure to pay results in loss of coverage.
