March 11 PeachCare Cut-Off Letters Hit Mailboxes

Below is the text from the letter sent by DCH commissioner Rhonda Medows, informing current PeachCare enrollees of the freeze on new enrollment after March 11.  The began hitting parents' mailboxes the week of Feb. 26.

It was with a heavy heart that I announced we will stop accepting new applications to enroll in the PeachCare for Kids (PCK) program effective March 11, 2007. This freeze will then be in effect until further notice.
 
While we are no longer accepting new enrollees, I am writing to you as parents and guardians of children already enrolled in PCK to inform you that you should not be alarmed by this notification. This is NOT a notice announcing that the program is ending. As long as PCK has money to operate your children will receive care under the terms of their current enrollment.
 
As a parent, I understand the importance of providing quality health care to your children, and I have notified providers that the enrollment freeze does not impact the health care service of current PCK members. Providers will continue to render health care services to current PCK members.
 
However, if you are required to pay a PCK premium, it is crucial that you make your monthly payment on time or your children's coverage will be at risk. After March 11, 2007, any family whose participation in the program is cancelled for failure to pay premiums will no longer be re-enrolled during the period.
 
PCK, Georgia's State Children’s Health Insurance Program, is a partnership between the state and federal government to provide comprehensive health care program for uninsured children living in Georgia. The state has committed its share of the fund; however, the program as a $131 million federal funding shortfall for Federal Fiscal Year 2007.
 
We continue to work with members of Congress, the members of our State Legislature and the Governor's office to resolve the funding needs of this very important program.