Georgia offers two overlapping programs to cover children who need health insurance: traditional Medicaid for lower-income families, and PeachCare for Kids (Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP) for families who earn too much for Medicaid but still cannot afford private coverage. Together, these programs cover children from birth through age 18, with income limits reaching up to 247% of the Federal Poverty Level. If your child is uninsured, there is a good chance they qualify for one of these two programs at no or very low cost.
Who Can Get Georgia Medicaid for Children?
Children and teenagers qualify for Georgia Medicaid if their household income falls below a threshold that varies by the child's age. Georgia uses the MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) methodology, meaning the income you report on your federal tax return is what counts. There are no asset tests for children's Medicaid in Georgia.
To qualify, a child must:
- Be age 18 or younger (eligible until their 19th birthday)
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant
- Be a Georgia resident
- Have household income at or below the limit for their age group
Georgia Medicaid Income Limits for Children (2026)
Income limits for children vary based on age. Younger children qualify at higher FPL percentages.
Traditional Medicaid by Age Group
| Age Group | Income Limit (% FPL) | Monthly Limit (Family of 3) |
|---|
| Under 1 year old | 210% FPL | approximately $3,693 |
| Ages 1 to 5 | 154% FPL | approximately $2,710 |
| Ages 6 to 18 | 138% FPL | approximately $2,428 |
Children who qualify under traditional Medicaid pay no premiums and have little to no cost-sharing.
PeachCare for Kids (CHIP) Income Limits
PeachCare for Kids covers children whose family income is too high for Medicaid but still falls within the CHIP range. Georgia applies a 5% income disregard, so the effective limit is approximately 252% FPL.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $3,100 | $37,200 |
| 2 | $4,208 | $50,496 |
| 3 | $5,315 | $63,780 |
| 4 | $6,422 | $77,064 |
| 5 | $7,530 | $90,348 |
| Each additional | +$1,108/month | +$13,284/year |
These limits are based on 247% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families applying through Georgia Gateway are automatically assessed for both Medicaid and PeachCare in a single application.
Medicaid vs. PeachCare: What Is the Difference?
Both programs provide comprehensive health coverage for children, but there are two key differences: cost and the income bracket they serve.
| Feature | Georgia Medicaid | PeachCare for Kids |
|---|
| Income Range | Up to 138-210% FPL (by age) | 138-252% FPL |
| Monthly Premiums | None | $0 to $35 (sliding scale; none for children under 6) |
| Copays | Generally none | $0.50 to $12.50 depending on service |
| Dental Coverage | Full (EPSDT) | Full |
| Vision Coverage | Full (EPSDT) | Full with eyeglasses |
| Application Process | Same application (Georgia Gateway) | Same application (Georgia Gateway) |
Children under age 6, children in foster care, and American Indian and Alaska Native children enrolled in PeachCare pay no premiums and no copays.
The 5% cap rule: families cannot be required to pay more than 5% of annual household income in combined premiums and copays across all enrolled children. Once that threshold is reached, remaining costs are waived for the rest of the year.
What Services Are Covered?
Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids both provide comprehensive coverage for children, including:
Medical care:
- Preventive well-child visits and immunizations
- Sick visits to primary care doctors
- Specialist referrals
- Emergency room and hospitalization
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and behavioral health services
Dental care (EPSDT for Medicaid, included for PeachCare):
- Routine cleanings and exams
- X-rays and fillings
- Sealants and fluoride treatments
- Medically necessary orthodontia
Vision care:
- Eye exams
- Prescription eyeglasses (PeachCare includes glasses)
Under federal EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) rules, Georgia Medicaid must cover any medically necessary service for a child under age 21, even if that service is not typically covered for adults. This is one of the strongest protections in the entire Medicaid program.
Express Lane Eligibility: Automatic Enrollment
Georgia participates in Express Lane Eligibility (ELE), which allows the state to use data from other benefit programs to automatically enroll children. If your child already receives benefits from any of these programs, they may be enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare without a separate application:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF (cash assistance)
- WIC
- CAPS (childcare assistance)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
If your family already participates in one of these programs, check whether your child was automatically enrolled. You can verify enrollment at gateway.ga.gov or by calling 877-423-4746.
How to Apply for Georgia Medicaid for Children
There are three ways to apply. All three routes use the same eligibility determination process, and a single application covers both Medicaid and PeachCare simultaneously.
Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)
- Go to gateway.ga.gov and create an account using your email address.
- Log in and select "Apply for Benefits."
- Choose "Medical Assistance" as a program.
- Complete the application for each child in your household. You will enter household size, income, and information about each child.
- Upload or mail supporting documents (see list below).
- Submit. You will receive a confirmation number.
- Georgia has up to 45 days to process your application. Most decisions come faster.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call the Georgia DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. A representative will complete the application with you over the phone.
Option 3: Apply in Person
Visit your local county Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. Find your nearest office at dfcs.georgia.gov or by calling the number above.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these items before starting your application to avoid delays:
- Proof of identity for each child (birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or similar)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- If applicable: proof of pregnancy, disability, or foster care status
You do not need to have every document ready before starting. You can submit the application and provide documents within a follow-up period.
Checking Application Status and Renewing Coverage
After applying, you can check the status of your application at gateway.ga.gov or by calling 877-423-4746.
Once approved, your child's Medicaid or PeachCare coverage must be renewed annually. Georgia will send a renewal notice to your mailing address. It is important to respond on time to avoid a gap in coverage. You can also update your information or renew online through Georgia Gateway at any time.
If your income or household size changes during the year, report the change through your Georgia Gateway account. A decrease in income could qualify your child for Medicaid instead of PeachCare, eliminating any premiums.
Check Eligibility First
Not sure which program fits your child? Run a free screening at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to see which Georgia programs your family likely qualifies for based on your household size and income. The screener covers Medicaid, PeachCare, SNAP, WIC, and other Georgia programs in one step.
You can also browse all Georgia assistance programs at BenefitsUSA.org/states/georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Georgia Medicaid for children in 2026?
The limit depends on the child's age. Children under age 1 qualify up to 210% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children ages 1 to 5 qualify up to 154% FPL. Children ages 6 to 18 qualify up to 138% FPL. If your income is above those limits, PeachCare for Kids covers children up to approximately 252% FPL after the 5% income disregard.
What is PeachCare for Kids?
PeachCare for Kids is Georgia's CHIP program. It provides comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision, and prescriptions, for children in families that earn too much for traditional Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Premiums range from $0 to about $35 per month on a sliding scale based on income.
Does Georgia Medicaid cover dental and vision for children?
Yes. Children on Medicaid receive full dental and vision coverage under the federal EPSDT benefit, which requires states to cover any medically necessary service for children under 21. PeachCare also covers dental and vision, including prescription eyeglasses.
How long does it take to get approved for Georgia Medicaid for children?
Georgia has up to 45 days to process a standard Medicaid application. Many decisions are made sooner. Children who are already enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or TANF may be automatically enrolled through Express Lane Eligibility without waiting at all.
My child has no insurance right now. Can they get coverage retroactively?
Georgia Medicaid for newborns works differently. When a mother on Medicaid gives birth, the newborn is automatically enrolled in Medicaid for the first year without a separate application. For other children, coverage generally begins on the first day of the month of application or approval. There is no automatic retroactive coverage for older children.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for Georgia Medicaid for my child?
The child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant to receive benefits. Parents do not need to have lawful immigration status to apply on behalf of their citizen children. The state application asks only for the child's citizenship and immigration status, not the parent's.
What if my child has coverage through my job but it costs too much?
If the cost of adding your child to employer-sponsored insurance is considered unaffordable (generally above 5% of household income), your child may still qualify for Medicaid or PeachCare. Georgia does not automatically disqualify children because employer coverage is available. Affordability is taken into account.
How do I renew my child's Medicaid or PeachCare coverage?
Georgia sends renewal notices by mail each year before your child's coverage expires. You can also renew online at gateway.ga.gov or by calling 877-423-4746. Make sure your mailing address in the Georgia Gateway system is current so you receive renewal notices on time.
