HHS Approves Georgia Plan to Increase CHIP Eligibility to 235% FPL, Up From 200%

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced June 4 the approval of two changes to Georgia's separate, non-Medicaid CHIP program, PeachCare for Kids, that the state expects will increase enrollment by 24,000 children. The approval will expand PeachCare eligibility to include children in families with incomes up to 235% of the federal poverty level, or an annual income of $41,478 for a family of four. Currently, only children in families with incomes up to 200% FPL, or annual earnings of $35,300 for a family of four, are eligible. The second approved change will "streamlin[e] the state's eligibility renewal process to make it easier for families to remain covered by the program," according to an HHS release, though it provides no further details on this change. Thompson said, "President Bush and his administration will work closely with states to ensure flexibility at the local level to get health insurance to children who need it" (HHS release, 6/4).