Bill > HB258

This bill establishes the PeachCare for Adults Program, a new health coverage initiative for low-income adults aged 18-64 with incomes at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. The program will be implemented no later than January 1, 2027, after the Georgia Board of Community Health submits necessary federal waiver requests by January 1, 2026. It will provide comprehensive healthcare coverage similar to Medicaid, including essential health benefits, vaccinations, and mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Enrollment will be free for those at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, with modest premiums for those above that threshold, and critically, no work requirements will be imposed. The program will use existing Medicaid providers and reimbursement rates, with potential for rate increases. The Department of Community Health will administer the program, publish annual reports, and may contract with other agencies for administrative services. The bill requires cooperation from state agencies and allows for income verification through the state revenue commissioner, with strict confidentiality protections for applicants' tax information. The goal is to expand affordable health coverage to a vulnerable population of working-age adults who currently lack health insurance.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69871