Getting Health Insurance Through the Government
Many individuals and families receive health insurance coverage through government programs. There are three main government health insurance programs in the U.S.:
- Medicaid;
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); or
- Medicare.
You may be eligible for one of these programs depending on your income, age, health condition and other factors.
In this article:
What is Medicaid and how do I sign up?
Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Coverage will look different across states, but there are some services that every state must cover.
Every state in the U.S. is required to cover these health services under Medicaid*
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- Physician services
- Laboratory and x-ray services
- Home health services
*People with Medicaid may have to pay a small co-payment for some services, but covered services are usually paid 100% by Medicaid.
How to sign up for Medicaid
Eligibility requirements are different across states. Visit the Georgia Medicaid website to see if you are eligible in the state of Georgia.
What is Georgia Pathways to CoverageTM?
Georgia Pathways to CoverageTM is a Medicaid program designed to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income adults who don’t qualify for traditional Medicaid. To be eligible you must work, attend school, volunteer or complete another qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.
What is Medicare and how do I sign up?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those 65 and older, or children with end stage renal disease. Medicare does not provide plans for families, only individuals, and eligible recipients can choose how they want to receive their Medicare coverage based on their needs and budget. Costs and coverage can change, so it’s important to review and compare different plans each year.
How to sign up for Medicare
Visit Medicare.gov to see if you are eligible for Medicare. If you're able to receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B.
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a government program that provides health coverage to uninsured kids. It is for families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford an individual plan. In Georgia, this is offered through PeachCare for Kids®.
Every state in the U.S. is required to cover these health services under CHIP
- Doctor visits
- Immunizations
- Prescriptions
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hospital care
- Laboratory and x-ray services
- Emergency services
- Behavioral health services
How to sign up for PeachCare for Kids®
Like Medicaid, each state has different rules about who qualifies for CHIP. Visit the PeachCare for Kids® website to find out if your child is eligible.
What other options are there for health insurance?
If you are not eligible for government-assisted healthcare, there are other options available. Learn more about the different ways to get health insurance in Georgia.
Download a printable version of the 3 ways to get health insurance in Georgia.
