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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCiting finances, PeachCare closes door on new enrollments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia’s program that provides health insurance to children of families of the working poor will accept no new enrollees starting March 11, the commissioner of the Department of Community Health said Thursday.
Dr. Rhonda Medows blamed funding problems, including an impasse in Washington over Congress’ failure to renew funding for insurance for children of the working poor, including 273,000 in Georgia.
“I don’t care how they get it,” she said. “I need them to show me the money. Show me the money. I need them to quit with the blame and the rhetoric and show me solve resolve. I need the money. This is a crisis. I hate to use that word, but it’s appropriate.”
She said the department has enough money to “get into the first couple of weeks of March” unless families stop paying premiums or there’s a scramble by people now to go to doctors before the program shuts down, which is possible.
She said in a statement that “it is difficult for hard-working parents to try to provide health care for their children. We continue to wait for an act of Congress to occur so that we can provide care for the children currently enrolled in the program through October 2007.”
Georgia participates in the federal State Children’s Health Insurance Program as a partner with the federal government. The state has reserved its share of funds needed, but the program has a $131 million federal funding shortfall for the current fiscal year.
Department of Community Health officials have said funds will run out at some point in March unless Congress acts, or the General Assembly passes legislation that would provide a temporary infusion of funds.
Medows said a public notice has been filed to “cease the allowance of new members to the PCK (PeachCare for Kids) program.”
Effective March 11, she said, “Only those currently enrolled in the PCK program may continue to receive services via the state.”
She said parents and guardians of children now enrolled “should not be alarmed by this notification” and that she is hopeful Congress will meet its obligation to fund the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is also called SCHIP.
In a related development, She said she fears that “with today’s announcement we may see a rush of people trying to get enrolled. We may see people who in the past have forgotten to pay premiums pay it to keep from getting dropped off, and we may see a rush of people trying to get treatment in fear that this program won’t be around.”
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By juustine
February 8, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
One of the reasons Peach Care is experiencing problems is the lack of courage on the part of the legislature to make WalMart provide insurance for its employees children. One of the simpliest things to do is to require WalMart reimburse the government for monies spent on its employee’s children. It is a disgrace that other retailers such as Target, Lowes and Costco provide affordable insurance but the biggest company in the world des not.
By juustine
February 8, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
One of the reasons Peach Care is experiencing problems is the lack of courage on the part of the legislature to make WalMart provide insurance for its employees children. One of the simpliest things to do is to require WalMart reimburse the government for monies spent on its employee’s children. It is a disgrace that other retailers such as Target, Lowes and Costco provide affordable insurance but the biggest company in the world des not.
By Nate
February 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
This is yet another reason why it is so important that everyone votes. It is so sad to see where the priorities are with this current government and yet again our children will suffer and have to bare the brunt of this unnecessary mess this government has caused.
By Rick
February 8, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Juustine, with all due respect, you cannot force WalMart to provide insurance to its’ employees dependents. This is a free market - if people working for WalMart don’t like the benefits, why don’t they go to work for Target, Lowe’s, etc.?? Companies like WalMart react to market pressures (such as a labor shortage) - if their’ employees begin leaving in droves, they’ll change their policy. If not, why would they change?
By fullawg
February 8, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
No matter what the finger pointers are saying about who to blame I simply find it embarrassing that the Great State of Georgia nor the federal government can find a way to help the medical needs of children.
By CA
February 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
All illegals should have already been removed from the damn program. Our tax dollars at work once again supporting others and having to neglect our own.
By Tom
February 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
How did the government “cause this mess”? Since when has it EVER been the responsibility of government, or even business, to provide insurance to individuals? The few times in my life I wasn’t lucky enough to have employer-provided insurance, I made darn sure I got it, and paid for it, on my own. Nowadays, however, most people would rather spend to have cell phones, internet, cable, and 60” plasma televisions, then scream because they aren’t insured. The problem today is not so much “government” (actually, it’s too MUCH “government”), but rather individuals deciding they should no longer be responsible for themselves to have to put first things first.
By mjd
February 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
It is a shame when we can build Iraq for billions of dollars but can’t provide health insurance for our own children. The US goverment prioirities are very confused, but put the blame on the people that elected the leadership that we have. I hope their kids have insurance.
By Trey
February 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Juustine, I don’t agree with your position but even if it would be the right thing to do, I don’t think you can blame the state legislature. When Maryland passed a law like what you are advocating, the federal courts threw it out because federal law prohibits states from making such requirements of companies.
By Here's a Thought
February 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
If you can not support yourself and children…don’t have kids. Why should the rest of us pay for others kids?
By Tracy
February 8, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
CA I hope that your statement is not true. Am I living in the sand? Are their illegals on Peachcare? So, what your telling me is that my child may go uninsured while someone from another counrty, who is here illegally, is insured? What is the USA coming to?
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Millions of dollars are being spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens and now we can’t even support our own poor. American goverment really needs to get it together.
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Yes Tracy, I work at a hospital and everyday we provide Medicaid for illegal aliens and their American born babies….
By michele
February 8, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
I know people that work with my husband that have their kids on Peachcare because the insurance is free for them at their job, but they have to pay out the nose for dependants and they choose to take advantage of the state instead. Maybe there should be a hotline to report these people and see how much money is saved when their kids are kicked off Peachcare and only the ones that truly need it get it.
By Something to say
February 8, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
First ‘d like to say that between Tom and Here’s a Thought, I don’t know why of the 2 of you are more ignorant. When you have to chose between feeding your children and purchasing healthcare on your own because your job doesn’t carry it, shouldn’t be an option. I hope a pray this if you have children you NEVER get into a situation where you would have to chose one or the other. Anyway, it is very disappointing that the president can find it possible to ask for a few more million dollars in the budget to go to another country but not want to put it back here in the U.S. for healthcare.
By TheOne
February 8, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Bush and all of his cronies are the reaons for this!!!!! Our government is a scam!!!! DOWN WITH BUSH!!!! DOWN WITH BUSH!!!!! DOWN WITH BUSH!!!!
By michele
February 8, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Ms Get It Together-
How are illegals getting Medicaid? You now have to prove you are a citizen or are here legally. When I had Medicaid secondary for pregnant women-due to a LARGE deductible w/my primary ins.- I had to give them a copy of my birth certificate to prove I was born here. The forms also said a Social Security number is not proof that you are “legal”. These new laws were passed by Congress in July 06.
By One
February 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
And send these daayyyummm illegals home!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
By Think
February 8, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Like Ms. Get It Together, I also work at a hospital where we provide services to illegal aliens and their children, as well as the uninsured. It is a huge financial burden.
I agree with “mjd”, we can spend BILLIONS on a war that we cannot and will not win, but we can’t provide basic healthcare services for children of parents who work.
Some American citizens need to quit worrying about getting richer and take care of our own who are at the mercy of the system.
God forbid if it was your family member.
By Fraud detector
February 8, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
How about policing the applicataions? I have two clients who have decent taxable incomes ($75K and higher) and they have their children on Peach Care. When they applied the application was taken over the phone and they were not required to provide any documentation. Since very little of their income was from wages they were deemed eligible. Try calling to report the fraud and see how far you get. Just more snouts in the public trough. How did I find out about it? They were all too willing to brag about it. Needless to say I fired these clients immediately.
By Who Knew
February 8, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Here’s a thought, It’s all good to say, if you can’t afford health care for your children, then don’t have them. But what if you already have them, and you loose your job (which provided health care for your family). That’s when Peach Care would come in cover Health Care for your child, at least. It seems that won’t be an option for Georgian’s anymore.
By Marcus
February 8, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Why is it the goverments, or an employers responsibility to take care of you. Take on some personal responsibility and take care of yourself. Liberals and Democrats love to through the “children will suffer” line. Does anyone really expect to raise a family by working at Wal Mart? If the government steps in and makes Wal Mart pay for Health Insurance, how do you think they will pay for this? By raising prices. Companies pass along costs to the consumer. Just like taxes, Companies don’t pay taxes, the consumers who purchase products from Companies pay the taxes.
By Brian
February 8, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Anyone who says it is not the government’s responsibility has been brainwashed by the political right for too long. Why do we pay taxes if not to support programs which benefit Americans. Pres. Bush claims to be a Christian. Well W, what would Jesus do, spend an extra billion in Iraq or help fund a healthcare program for children? Quit letting political affiliations and short-sighted radio jockeys cloud your ability to reason. You have a say on where your tax money is spent. I live in Alpharetta and I am going to watch how Tom Rice votes. And for you really hard-headed folks who are not smart enough to think for yourselves, know this, poor kids have poor parents. Poor parents can’t take off work to look after sick kids. That means their sick kid is going to school to be around your kid!
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Michelle.this is my job, this is what I do everyday, illegals come to the hospital and get EMA emergency medicaid assistance, you do NOT have to prove that you are here legally, you simply have to provide income verification (which you can doctor up easily)….
By Lisa
February 8, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
I have worked with the state Medicaid programs for 20 years and PeachCare since it’s inception. State policies prevent any illegals from receiving PeachCare.Every child on PeachCare (and Medicaid too) must provide proof of citizenship. You can check out the Medicaid Policy Manual on-line at http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us/ and read the policies for yourself.
As Ms. Get It Together posted, yes Medicaid can be provided to illegals in some circumstances. It is called Emergency Medical Treatment (EMA)and can only be used for emergency services that are life-threatening. (Ex. no coverage for a broken arm but a heart attack would be covered.) The Medicaid coverage is only for that service, it doesn’t continue. Now, children born to illegal moms are citizens so they do get Medicaid coverage.
I’d love to see the AJC report on the surplus of PeachCare money that the State had and how the Feds took that away. When PeachCare began, Georgia (through careful planning and limited spending) had about $60 million extra PeachCare funds. The state wanted to save it and invest in future programs or open up the program to adults but the Feds took it back and redistributed it to states that had not managed their progranms as carefully. I think we should get that back!
I do agree that people should be responsible for their own coverage; however, a child doesn’t ask to be born and just because that child had parents who were unable to plan and care for their family doesn’t mean that child should suffer. How is that child to become a productive, contributing member of society without good health?
We could provide services if someone looked at the contracts signed for PeachCare and cut the fluff out of private companies who are supposed to service PeachCare and who really make a mess out of it! The program should be salvaged but the waste should be eliminated from the administrative level that runs PeachCare.
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Marcus: God forbid that those of us who have jobs may get laid off one day and have to participate in one of the programs (food stamps/medicaid) that we have paid into our entire lives (those of us who have worked). I have seen hard working Americans get into an unexpected accident and because of their previous income cannot get any help with medical bills. If we pay taxes to support our country then YES when we are down on our luck, our country should have programs to help us. If you lose your job tommorrow, Ihope that you have other means of getting health insurance because your unemployment amount will disqualify you.
By dlb
February 8, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
I feel it isnt fair. I am a single working parent of two kids. I pay a monthly payment. I know for a fact of some parents who are on medicaid, not working, not trying to work, and getting food stamps and the whole nine yards. I do understand that some really need the help. But, there are some who are abusing the services. So I do pray that we will be able to keep our children on Peach Care in the near future. Could they go up a few more dollars a month on the premium?
By Karin
February 8, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
ILLEGALS IMIGRANTS CAN NOT HAVE MEDICAID OR PECHCARE FOR KIDS.TO ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM,THEY ASK FOR BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND SSN.
By Republican Christian
February 8, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Jesus would not refuse aid to people just because they crossed some imaginary line. We share this world. Supposedly 80% of the world worships a God. I can tell by reading all your posts that there are a lot of “one-hour a week Christians” out there. What a bunch of hypocrites! 40% of Americans live below the poverty line. 90% of Mexico lives in poverty. These proud people from Mexico are only doing what we would do to protect our families. Why fly all the way to Iraq to help people when we have people coming to us. I think it is cheaper to help them here.
By Esquire
February 8, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
almost $300 billion for Iraq, which many say will eventually reach over a trillion dollars. You’d think our so called Gov’t could allocate $1 billion per state of this money for healthcare of children. This is the Republican Revolution at it’s finest. They are first in line to use cheap immigrant labor, and then also the first to accuse them of our budget problems. The rest of the country has figured out the Republican scam. Georgia, as usual, is bringing up the rear. But what the hell…at least ya’ll have a President who you’d like to share a beer with. The children of this state deserve better from our Gov’t, and during the next elections, they deserve better from their parents.
By i've been there
February 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
it is truly interesting that all of you who are discussing this topic,probably don’t have any children or you are not a participate with the peachcare plan. well i am. I am a working mother, in healthcare. i do pay a monthly premium for my children on this program. i, myself do not have insurance through my company, it is a small business owned by americans. i looked into getting insurance for myself which is about $230 a month for myself, with children it is about $500 monthly, i pay for my office visit when i go to the doctor about $75-135 an office visit. This program helps those who want to help themselves. I do have a problem with our government getting into debt to help other countries and i have a problem with those who are on the peachcare program illegally. insurance is expensive no matter how you look at it. all those who are in power to come up with a solution, seem to me has never been in this situation, so how can they come up with a plan to help me and my children you have to walk in the person’s shoes. there has to be a solution.
By SHARON
February 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
WE ARE IN AMERICA NO CHILD NO MATTER WHERE THEY COME FROM SHOULD NOT GO WITHOUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WHEN NEEDED. JESUS SEES NO COLOR OR RACE. HE SAYS WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER. HE DOESN’T SAY WE SHOULD JUST LOVE OUR OWN.
By John
February 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why we can’t have healthcare for the illegals and for the working poor. If they didn’t pays CEO’s so much money then cos like WalMart and HD could pay for the insurance. BTW..most of your homes and roads are built by these illegals who you dont want to be insured. They even have illegals cleaning the Governors home!
By Wayne Buckwheat
February 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Go figure. This state can pay a soon to be dead charlie norwood a full salary, but can’t help the state’s kids who belong to poor families. This is exactly why I do NOT pay state taxes anymore & never will. Bottom line is whatever revenue the state generates, it owes that & more back to the citizens of georgia. I suggest purdue & all state politicians begin working for no salary. That is EXACTLY, to date, what they are worth.
By Your Conscience
February 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to recognize a few of the truly ignorant posters. If you aren’t sure who you are, just see below: juustine CA TOM Here’s a Thought Tracy Ms. Get it Together One
By DaveWithFacts
February 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
michele,
Children of people working for private employers are eligible for PeachCare if their parents meet the income requirements. It doesn’t matter whether or not there is insurance available through the parents’ job.
Ms. Get It together,
PeachCare/Medicaid is legally available to American-born children, no matter what the legal status of their parents.
Other people, assess your moral stand. Do we want children living among us to go without healthcare, for whatever reason?
By CA
February 8, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Karin, do you have any BRAIN at all?
By michele
February 8, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Ms. Get It together
Sarcasm onsarcasm off<
and oh yeah another law was passed that stated children born to illegals no longer get automatic coverage under Medicaid when they are born. The NEW law states that the parents have to apply for Medicaid and provide PROOF that the child is a citizen.
The hospital you work at must not complying with FEDERAL LAW.
By think before talk
February 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
CA and get it together, Indocumented inmigrants (not ilegals) does not have acces to peachcare, for godsake… they are only allow to it if their kids were born here… get yor facts straight before said anything dumb…
By Ellen
February 8, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
People blame Wal-mart and other businesses for not providing healthcare, but they are not the problem.
The Atlanta Business Journal had a great article on PeachCare in its first paper of the year. The article stats pointed out that the bulk of the children on Peachcare parents are self-employed; then Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Publix, McDonald’s and other companies - all less than 1% of the total number.
Politicians have people blaming businesses. The real solution would be National Healthcare plan for every America. It only makes sense since it cost to be born and it cost to be buried. We might as well have a National Healthcare plan to pay for the cost to live.
By michele
February 8, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Lisa-
The Emergency Medical Treatment Act states that the hospital has to provide medical care to you if you are in labor or have an emergency and they can’t turn you away if you can’t pay. It states nothing about Medicaid automatically (or any other insurance) covering the costs of the treatment.
By reverende
February 8, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
**It is a shame and a disgrace that PeachCare has lost its funding. We can fund a war that is not ours to fight, but we can not find money to for healthcare for underprivileged and deserving children. America has once again done a grave injustice against the marginalized and disenfranchised in Georgia and throughout the United States.
By michele
February 8, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
DaveWithFacts
Peachcare is for kids that that either don’t have insurance or their parent(s) jobs only cover insurance for the employee and NOT the family. They also have to meet income requirements.
By michele
February 8, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
davewithfacts-
straight from the Peachcare website
Your child may be ineligible if:
By Patrick Farley
February 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
One of the few things Georgia can be proud of is Peachcare. Now our state government has decided that they will no longer fund it. Anyone who looks at the numbers can tell you that for the last 7 years our state government has been reducing funds for the helpless, Mentally retarded, mentally ill, children, and old people. They do not vote and apparently not enough people who vote care for them either.
By History Buff
February 8, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
No, I don’t want children living here to go without insurance. But I’m tired of financially carrying the poor, huddled masses (legal or not) when it takes everything I have to take care of my own. So what is the answer?
We have to pay taxes - they fund so many public works and financial aid programs that we take for granted and without those programs, we couldn’t live the way we’re accustomed to. I say, make the world pay! If they won’t provide a decent quality of life, let’s reawaken Manifest Destiny and strike down those who would threaten a good way of life for citizens of the Western Hemipshere!!
God Bless James Polk! Long live the only remaining Superpower (well, at least in our minds, we are)!!!!
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
DaveWithFacts and Think before Talk
So it should be okay to foot the bill for the illegal mothers that are having the children?…For EMERGENCY MEDICAID idiots….for pregnancy Emergency Medicaid you do NOT have to be legal you just have to show proof of income….
By lynnister
February 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Hellooooo Americans! It is NOT the job of the government, federal OR state, to take care of our children. The reason PeachCare is bust is the same reason that most taxpayer sponsored hand-outs don’t work: abuse of the system. I had a neighbor with a son on PeachCare. They lived in a $150,000 house. She drove a brand new Suburban-about a $40,000 vehicle. And he drove a brand new F-150. They also bought 2 brand new Polaris 4-wheelers. Yeah, sounds like working poor to me. My husband is self-employed and we pay about $400 a month for our own health insurance which has a $5000 deductible, $200 deductible for prescriptions, and basically covers zilch! We don’t drive new cars, we don’t eat out. We make the sacrifices necessary to take care of our OWN family. To depend on the government is ignorant!
By Brian
February 8, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Governor Perdue, Peachcare and the Hope Scholarship should have the same eligibility requirements. Poor people cannot afford healthcare. Rich people can afford college. Bush has got you looking like a wimp, your people need you. It’s time to step up
By catlady
February 8, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I know of quite a few kids on Peachcare whose parents find a way to game the system. There needs to be way more documentation required before taxpayers foot the bill.
And what is up with $44000 income for a family of 4 not being able to afford health ins? Maybe the reason we have run out of money is because we have such a high limit on family income? Do other states cover up to 235% of the poverty level income like we do? To me, $44000 sounds pretty middle class. Priorities should be straightened.
By Focus
February 8, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Michelle-
I commend your facts that you and others have research regarding the PeachCare program. But I also want everyone to keep in mind that those qualifications need to be more in force. There are many people out here who receive Medicaid and PeachCare but do not meet the requirements. I feel the state should care more in targeting that issue to make sure the program insures the children that are really in need of their coverage because their parents actually cannot afford coverage elsewhere and are hard class workers.
To all others who are commenting on here, lets keep in mind that we are all discussing this topic because we are here to find solutions to resolve the lack in funding for children insurance coverage. We are talking about children. Let’s focus on that at hand and help find resolution.
By Allan
February 8, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with lynnister. I am unaware of any place in the Constitution which gives the Federal government the power to provide health care insurance. The Constitution is very specific on what powers the Federal government has. It then states that all other powers are reserved for the State government. National Healthcare is a step towards Socialism and history has shown that Socialism never works.
By mark
February 8, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Guess what working Republicans… your revered President Bush is sending your jobs to China, India and South America; he’s sending your tax dollars to Iraq; and he’s making sure his rich friends get all the tax breaks and get even richer…if you voted for George Bush and now can’t get your kids to the doctor because Peach Care is gone, you have no one to blame but yourselves. If Bush and his henchmen’s scare tactics about family values (which he has none of) and gay marriage worked on you, then Ha Ha! You get what you deserve. I just feel sorry for your kids that you were stupid enough to be conned into voting against your own interests.
By Allan loves Neal
February 8, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Allan, Canada provides a national healthcare system for its citizens. They aren’t Socialists. Get informed or get off this post. Ignorant people like you are part of the problem. Turn your computer off, climb in your SUV, turn-on Neal Boortz and he’ll tell you how to think. BTW - I like Brian’s Hope Scholarship idea.
By Impala
February 8, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
I do not think the income amount is a issue here.
A family of 4 - $44,000 is really not alot at all, I mean if that have to insure everyone in that household alone…I mean really think about how much that would be per month with the high premium insurance rates now n’ days. That’s a easy $600 per month, and let’s remember childcare coverage, food on the table, a roof over the family of 4. $44000 per year isnt much at all when you add all that up, trust me.
I was a single parent with one child living in a small one bedroom making $22,000 a year, yes just $22, 000 a year feeding myself and my 3 year old. You know what, Medicaid removed my child from their health insurance stating that I make too much money and I was paying $125 a week in childcare. So I thank God everyday that PeachCare became available to me at that time. I was paying taxes like everyone else and a hardworker at my job working fulltime.
And I know that alot of people feel like nobody should be responsible to pay taxes for someone who cannot afford insurance for their children, but many are hardworking just as I was who was a little unfortunate. I feel like it is my duty, if I am paying taxes to help someone elses child be healthy then so be it. I rather see our money go there, to help children, than tax money on fighting with Iraq.
I feel like the government should focus more on why health insurance is soo costly. Why are hospitals/doctors allowed to charge whatever amounts they choose? Is that why insurance premiums have risen to its ultimate high over the years? Where is a solution to that?
By fulldawg
February 8, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Always money for guns for defense, never money for the defenseless.
By Anonymous
February 8, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
I AGREE! USE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP TO FUND PEACHCARE!
By lynnister
February 8, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Allan Loves Neal-Ask those people in Canada how much they like their healthcare system. I know some people up there and the system is HORRIBLE. If anyone thinks the healthcare here is bad, just wait until socialized medicine takes hold! Oh, and all Canadians aren’t socialists, just their government is!
By Mark
February 8, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Of course, part of this equation is this idea in America now that you can have as many children as you want and THEN decide how to pay for their food, insurance, clothes, etc. If you can’t, then you just go on the dole. That somehow having kids is a right, not a responsibility. Before all this big government handout business, people had children AFTER they knew they could afford them. If you made a mistake and got knocked up, you got married to the baby’s father at the end of a gun. If you were married and had too many kids you couldn’t afford, you got a second job or farmed some of them out to be raised by relatives with more money. Sounds kind of harsh, but that system worked in human civilization for thousands of years. We opened up a flood gate with all these hand out programs and now almost everyone has their hand out. If you can’t afford to feed, clothes, house and insure a kid, you shouldn’t be having one. I firmly believe people will do what you pay them to do (either directly or indirectly). If you take away the responsiblity for raising kids with all these hand outs, then people will have children irresponsibly. Of course, it’s easy to talk about this in theory, but it breaks my heart when I see little kids suffering for no other crime than being born to stupid parents.
By Luther
February 8, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Guess what Mark… no one who votes Republican has kids on Peachcare. Do you understand what Peachcare is?
By Tammy
February 8, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Just a thought to ponder….what did people do BEFORE PeachCare came along? The Govenment should not be in the Health Insurance business. Call 1-800-Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
By Allan
February 8, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I did not say that Canada had a socialist government. They are practicing socialism for their health care, however. Socialism is defined as “any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods”. This is what is happening with Canada’s health care. There is no reason to resort to name calling if you do not agree with my opinion. Are you not capable of having a discussion without becoming inflammatory?
By SKC
February 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
I truely believe the problem is not with Peach Care but with the insured themselves. I used to work in the emergency room, and I can say with experience that many of the insured use the hospital as a doctors office. The hospital is not a doctors office but we treat everything from a common cold to ear infections. These kids are not emergencies and with a dose of medicine could and should have made a trip to the local doctors office.
Bringing sick children to the hospital instead of the doctors office tripples the cost of that visit at the least. Until they refuse to pay for non-emergency hospital visits and make the insured pay for these, the problems condinue. Hospitals are for emergencies. Not every day achs and pains. Get real. Fix this problem and the system will fix itself.
By lynnister loves Neal
February 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
I think we all can agree that lynnister and Allan are in the same cult. They met in a chat room for the politically retarded and Neal Boortz worshipers.
By MA
February 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
If the government can require businesses to pay a minimum wage, provide lunch breaks, provide rest areas and restrooms, and maintain a safe working environment (OSHA) then the government can require Walmart to OFFER health insurance to its employees. Then those employees who CHOOSE not to pay for the insurance do not get to enroll their children in PeachCare. Simple.
By Impala
February 8, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
SKC- why I so agree with you there! I know this woman who has Medicaid and anytime her child gets sick, she takes her child straight to emergency, never doctor’s visit. And when I ask her, she simple tells me that “she has it, and is going to use it however”.
Real sad I thought when she said that because she is tripling the cost just to bring because her child has a simple cold or flu when she just should of taken her child to doctor visit like parents who do pay premiums each month on health coverage do. Real sad, got to get it together I tell you.
By CA
February 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
All I can say is…
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO to Tom.
By Ms. Get It together
February 8, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Well said Mark!
By lynnister
February 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
To Lynnister and/or Allan loves Neal: Sorry to disappoint you but I don’t listen to Neal Boortz. I’ve heard him and he crawls my nerves with his rudeness. I am perfectly capable of thinking for myself.
By TLW
February 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Are we Socialists now? Folks getting PeachCare should be audited for any luxuries or unnecessary expenses such as cable TV, cell phones, Internet, etc. If “they” have any of these, take them off the program. Better yet, why should I pay for folks who have made bad life choices?
By Waters
February 8, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
I like these clips. Folks blaming the government for their stupid mistakes. Think they can afford a family on minimum wage. Want everybody to pay higher taxes for their problems.
By Mark
February 8, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Luther, I do know what Peach Care is and there are plenty of working poor with kids on Peach Care who were conned into voting Republican because Bush and his cronies thumped the bible constantly (while lying to America, giving kick backs and no-bid Iraq war contracts to their rich friends, propositioning pages, taking bribes, etc., etc., etc.) The Republican party co-opted God and religion to get people to vote for them and now those people are paying for it. Wake up, America… the Republican party does not care about you or America… they care about winning elections and making themselves richer and they’ll say and do anything to accomplish those goals. You just have to dig a little and look past the Bibles they all hold to see how twisted, bigotted and evil these people are. This is just one more example. You put them in office now they don’t care if your kid dies because you can’t afford to see a doctor.
By shaking my head
February 8, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
I wholeheartedly agree with Brian. And to think our government sent 12 billion dollars in cash…in cash (nevermind the lunacy in that) to iraq and now they “don’t know where it went.” Yeah right. They know exactly where that money went and we all know exactly where it should have gone! For those of you that voted those crooks in office, you have no one to blame for this mess but yourselves!
There’s more misusing of tax payer dollars going on than this. I just read an article today about how Georgia is misusing all that tobacco settlement money the state gets. It’s definitely not going to what it was intended for.
By Riiiiight...
February 8, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Good idea…use Scholarship money for healthcare….like the state of GA isn’t dumb enough already
By Riiiight
February 8, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Everybody keeps blaming the GOP, but aren’t the Dems in office now and the ones not voting on the budget? I forgot…there’s always SOMEBODY ELSE to blame
By Lisa
February 8, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
To Michele:
You are confused on the two programs. Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) is a category for Medicaid where Medicaid agrees to reimburse that provider (hospital/physician) for treating life-threatening emergencies on illegal patients who meet the income/residency requirements.
The program you are referring to, The Emergency Medical Treatment Act, is a law stating that any hospital that receives public funding cannot turn away a person who needs assistance based on that person’s status/condition/ability to pay. It does not provide funding for those services. In the event that you arrive at a hospital and cannot pay and are not covered by insurance - the hospital must treat you. Later, the financial patient services can try and help you apply for EMA or the Indigent Care program. If you cannot get coverage under one of those, you can be sent to bad debt or the hospital can write off your bill.
The program and the law have very similar names but are different items.
To Everyone: Over the years, the requirements to verify information for state services (Medicaid, Food Stamps etc.) have changed. Less than 10 years ago a face-to-face interview was required with original documents for identity and income. About 5 years ago, you could apply by mail and only had to mail in a signed application. We took the applicant’s statement for income. As of the last two years, everyone receiving benefits must prove, with original documents, their citizenship and their income. If we could keep stiffer requirements on verification we could end a lot of fraud.
By Hopeful
February 8, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Can we talk about a solution?
I like the idea of raising the premium. I think those of us, who care about the Peachcare program should write our state senator and our US Senate rep voicing our concern.
Once upon a time I believed that all parents should be able to afford to care for their children. My husband and I our taxpaying middle class people with degrees. Then my heart was damaged during labor. Five years of heart failure therapy can drain a rich man’s funds. I pray no one experiences that. I thank Georgia that our daughter’s healthcare hadn’t suffered, while I recover.
Let’s fight to save Peachcare.
By DJ
February 8, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
I’d just like to comment on the fact that illegal aliens are not eligible for Peachcare….
When I applied for peachcare for my daughter, I filled out the application on-line. I was not required to submit proof of anything, with the exception of a phone number for my employer.
There is no way to know whether illegals are receiving this service or not. Unless they re-assess their application methods, I’m sure it will continue.
By Lynn
February 8, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
I believe that are government is handling everything completely wrong. If our government would stop giving money away to every illegal immigrant that steps on our sand we are pretty soon going to say good bye to the US as we know it. We give these people everything and not enough to it’s own people. There are thousand of illegal immigrates wondering around slipping through the cracks and living a hell of alot better life than many Americans. And no this is just not Mexicans, it is every kind of origin you can think of. I have no problems with them being here, but I do have a problem with the ones who take advantage of our system and refuse to become citizens and keep having their children here so our government gets hearted and doesn’t force citizenship upon them. I think that all illegal immigrants need to have a no choice option. They pay and become citizens and live here with thier children and pay taxes like all the rest of us, or give their children up for adoption and go home, or last and finally decision take your children and leave or live behind bars until you make the decision they want, When they decide, they need to be escorted to their destination and make sure it is completely followed through. Yes they are the ones working doing all the work, so the employer who hires them needs to punished too. I would say a hefty fine and some jail time. These illegal immigrants are taking job oppurtunities away from the legal immigrants and the Americans who deserve them. Once we fix this problem the economy everywhere will begin to improve, because everyone is here legally and doing thier part to make it work. That also means more tax money to cover the children and families who can not afford health insurance and the government can bring the country the assistants it needs. (Better Schools and education also)
By Brian
February 8, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
TLW - I guess to you being poor is the result of “poor life choices”. WOW!! If we were all as smart as you we’d all be rich. Riiiight - The GOP is to blame because they are the one’s that yanked the funding and they are the one’s wanting to spend our tax money in Iraq. Waters - “blaming the government for their stupid mistakes”. What mistakes are you refering to? *You three seem to have all the answers. Just a few words of advice though. You see God loves to teach humility to those who take his blessings for granted. You three sound like you are well over due. You think you are in control financially, God laughs at jokers like you. I hope he’s listening.
By Lots To Say
February 8, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
It saddens me to read some of the comments posted here. True the government is funding a sensesly war but it is also true that there are tons of people here in Georgia that work hard everyday maybe even 2 jobs just to pay rent and buy grocery. I for one work everyday and I have insurance for myself and my child but it takes a huge chunk out of my check that I am glad to pay, you have to understand that there are people less fortunate and that maybe these people once was employed and was laid off and needs the government assistance to which in a few months they wont be able to receive.
Think about it like this what if all the money you have worked hard for and all the money the federal government has taken out in Medicaid/Medicare and when you retire and apply for benifits there is no money for you. Where will you be then? Will you still look down on the less fortunate? Count your BLESSINGS.
Oh for the person/people that say if you can’t afford to get your kids insurance dont have them. Watch what you say because GOD has a way of making you eat your words and you and your family could someday be in the same prediciment.
Thanks for reading Lots to say…………
By Jeanine Bartlett
February 9, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
How can anyone who believes in everything that has made this country strong think that the answer is for the government to tell any private business (Walmart or the Mom and Pop down the street) what they MUST do for their employees. No one held a gun to Walmart employees heads and made them go to work there. Perhaps waiting to have children until you can afford to care for them would be a good place to start.
By Keebler
February 9, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
How about revamping the way people are qualified for Peachcare? Currently, anyone can sign up for Peachcare, no matter what your income. Yes, there are set limits, but they are not verified. I personally know families that make 50K or more, work for companies that offer insurance, and they refuse to enroll their children. Instead they enroll themselves and their wives, and use Peachcare for their children. If income and insurance availability were verified, then those children who truly need help would receive it and those who are trying to cheat the system would be forced to own up to their responsibilities. I provide insurance for my children and did even when I worked for Walmart.
By Justathought
February 15, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have Peachcare for Kids, I’m saying we should have better screening. The other day on talk radio, I heard a guy admit that he is “required” to carry insurance on his child, but his ex-wife doesn’t want to pay deductibles and have to fool with paperwork, so she got their child Peachcare. That should not happen!!!