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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USState will plug PeachCare gap with Medicaid
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday that he and the Republican leadership in the General Assembly have come up with a “temporary” fix for the PeachCare health crisis.
Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson said in a joint statement that they will keep the PeachCare program from going broke by temporarily using state funds earmarked for Medicaid, which is aimed at paying medical bills for the poor.
PeachCare enrollments were frozen as of Monday, and state officials have said repeatedly that Georgia’s funds for the insurance program — which serves about 280,000 children of the working poor — would run out at the end of March.
Legislators in Georgia and 13 other states are hoping Congress will appropriate money to cover the shortfall in the federal-state healthcare programs for children.
“This would not move children into the Medicaid program; it would simply change state law to allow Georgia to borrow state funds already slated to be used to pay for Medicaid to cover PeachCare costs in this interim period,” the statement said.
The Repupblican leadership said any Medicaid funds used for PeachCare would be repaid to the state when Congress approves a fix to the federal-state State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The statement came one day after House Democrats, reacting to what they called a “lack of leadership” by Republicans, called for Medicaid funds to be shifted to PeachCare.
Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) called that a “simple option” that would ease the anxiety of the thousands of families who’ve heard repeatedly that funds are running out for their insurance.
Last week the U.S. House Appropriations Committee said the House version of a supplemental appropriations bill would include an additional $735 million to meet shortfalls in the SCHIP program.
“Congress recent action gives me confidence that using these funds as a stopgap is appropriate to meet the needs of our children,” Perdue said. “This will allow us to keep this important program intact while we wait for our federal partners to finish their work in Washington.”
Perdue has repeatedly bugged Congress to act to fix the shortfall. He said Tuesday that his plan would change the wording in an amended general appropriations act in three places to allow Medicaid funds to be used to temporarily meet the costs of the PeachCare program.
Permalink | Comments (66) | Categories: Health Care
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Rena Brooks
March 13, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
HOW DOES MOVING THE FUNDS AFFECT MEDICAID?
By Dasingle
March 13, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
IS ANYONE SUPRISED? NO POLITICIAN IN HIS RIGHT MIND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIND MONEY TO FUND THIS INIATIVE. WHAT TYPE OF LEGACY WOULD THAT LEAVE? THE REAL ISSUE HERE IS AS GUNG-HO OF A REPUBLICAN STATE THAT GA IS YOUR BOY IN THE WHITE HOUSE TURNED HIS BACK ON YOU IN A TIME OF NEED. HE DOES NOT NEED YOUR SUPPORT ANYMORE SO HE IS PUTTING THE PARTY IN THIS STATE OUT TO PASTURE,AS WITH ALL OTHER REPUBLICANS WHO STRONGLY SUPPORTED HIM(CAN YOU SAY SCOOTER LIBBY)AND NEEDE HIS SUPPORT. TYPICAL REPUBLICAN BEHVAIOR.
By June Jackson
March 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Our confidence in Governor Sonny Purdue has once again been affirmed. He definitely has a heart for the children of Georgia, especially those who cannot fend for themselves for whatever reason.
By Dr. Deneta
March 13, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
It is my understanding that Medicaid funds are allocated differently than PeachCare funds and are not in danger of running out. So it is logical to “borrow from Peter to pay Paul”. I must correct a common mis-conception of Peach Care: is not a program just for the “working poor” as the article states above. Healthcare costs are so expensive that many middle class families also must use PeachCare to insure their children. It is ofen their only affordable option. PeachCare is one of the few things Georgia does right. I am glad that our legislators have found a way to continue this program.
By Tammy
March 13, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
No, Dasingle, I’m not surprised that people in this nation continue to rely on government handouts. The middle class back is about to break. Then who will pay for PeachCare?
By Jmarsh
March 13, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Keep on taking from Peter to pay Paul, and eventually Peter will wise up and move to Texas.
To be clear, the panic about “health insurance” is completely misplaced. You don’t want health insurance, you want health care when needed or desired. Try feeding your kids something other than Sugar-O and Pizza, make sure they brush their teeth and exercise, and you’ll only need to use health “insurance” for what it’s really for: catastrophic events. The doctor is not warranted when your child has a temperature of 101 or just has a snotty nose.
By Augustan
March 13, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Does this make sense? Most of the state’s tax revenue goes to fund education and health insurance (i.e. PeachCare). I am married with no children but yet my husband and I pay more taxes than people with children.
By jla
March 13, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
I find it ridiculous and absurd that Congress continues to fund the never ending war in Iraq, but can’t find any money to support the children of Georgia.
By Rita Haggerty
March 13, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
This has always been a fight with the Federal government—Congress in particular. Since Georgia had a $500 million surplus last year according to Gov. Perdue, the state has always had the capicity to cover the shortfall in funds. Let’s urge our entire Congressional delegation to help move this funding process through the House and Senate and finally have our federal legislators accomplish something to truly help people who need some help.
By Julia
March 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
NOthing ever is in danger of running out until they start dipping into it. With all the taxes and lottery money Georgia has they can’t come up with anohter way except once again taking money that’s out there for the present and future elderly? What is happening to all the state taxes and lottery money here in Georgia? Don’t say the roads, they are so raggedy in some neighborhoods until you go our of your way to get where you’re going to avoid them so, just what is happening to the money here in Georgia?
By Julia
March 13, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
NOthing ever is in danger of running out until they start dipping into it. With all the taxes and lottery money Georgia has they can’t come up with anohter way except once again taking money that’s out there for the present and future elderly? What is happening to all the state taxes and lottery money here in Georgia? Don’t say the roads, they are so raggedy in some neighborhoods until you go out of your way to get where you’re going to avoid them so, just what is happening to the money here in Georgia that should be used for these things?
By Atico
March 13, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Nothing is fair. However the government at all levels should take care of the most vunerable FIRST: The young and the elderly. Enough said. Now all you complainers that pay taxes and/or have political agendas go back to work and do what is right.
By Mad
March 13, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
As a state employee I think not only is it crazy that Congress isnt helping Georgia. I also think its ridiculous that alot of the single mothers that work for the State CANT GET PEACHCARE!!! Why cause of Congress. I think the people of Georgia would be surprised at the number of STATE EMPLOYEES go without insurance to make ends meet.
Now on top of not getting peach care for our kids and having to pay a ridiculous amount for insurance (for me and my daughter I pay 284.00 a month!!!!) Now Georgia taxpayers have to foot the bill.
THERE GOES OUR PITFUL RAISES !!!!!
By tam
March 13, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t see anything wrong with peachcare, it helps with the middle class people. I for one have it, and it is NOT because i am POOR! it is because i am middle class and “realistically” can’t afford my work insurance for the kids, if had to pay the $300.00 bi weekly that it would cost to insure them, then i sure couldn’t feed them! Then what? i make too much for foodstamps! but not enough to feed them?? So honestly i have no other choice!
By JPC
March 13, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Why is the state trying all kinds of ways to get the elderly cut out of Medicaid to save money and then have enough to bail out Peachcare?
By Nancy Saltmarsh
March 13, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Health care is a human right. Until we stop accepting it as a free-market privilege to be purchased or not depending on personal economic resources, we will never be a truly civilized society. These children deserve good preventive medical care to stave off crises that bring them to the emergency room—but so do their parents. People ought to stop being so terrified of the words “universal health care”.
By JustMe
March 13, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Get a clue, everyone!
Peach Care is for children, yes. But it is for children whose families cannot pay for health care. This includes illegal immigrints.
So, Peach Care in GA basically tells all of those illegals from Mexico to come on in to GA and we will take care of your children.
Why do the politicans like this? Well, big business (especially the carpet mills in Dalton) thrive on cheap labor (read illegals). The big business needs those people to continue making profits for the very wealthy in GA.
So, of course, our politicans will do whatever is needed to ensure the continuing Peach Care.
In the meantime, who pays for Peach Care? The dwindling middle class, legal, working folks in the State.
Rah, rah for GA and our republican politicans, right?
By catlady
March 13, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Let’s quit calling Peachcare for the “working poor”. $48,000 is in no way poor. There are priorities.
The system is very suspect. We all know cheaters on this.
How did we arrive at 235%? Why that number?
Why do Peachcare kids get so much and the other kids, such as those funded through state health employees care plans, get so little?
By Ann
March 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
This 900 pound gorilla we carry on our backs (i.e., government) keeps gaining weight every day. Once the government “finds” money, it keeps going back to that same ole well. What did people do before social security, medicare/medicaid, welfare, peach care, etc. Look out for themselves? Plan for their own future? God Forbid!!!
By Stephanie
March 13, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
It is easy for people to point the finger at Peachcare recipients and blame them for needs assistance. Most of thos people are the ones cheating the system in other ways. But no one is complaining. I am a single mother with a decent job. Affordable comprehensive Private label Health coverage does not exist anymore. With the premiums that are being charged by employers at the end of the day, as the other writer noted: how will we provide for our children. Next those same people will blame the single mothers for being single mothers and then tell them that they should have used better judgement when being impregnated by someone. That attitude won’t be humbled until their husbands leave them or their company folds or whatever it takes for uppity, self-righteous people to realize that not everyone is bilking the system. Some people are taking advantage of an opportunity that has been offered to them by the state of GA to insure their children completely without a scare of lapses and denied coverage. My neice has a congenital heart defect that has required several hours of surgery that my sister could never afford on her own. Her husband didn’t abandon her, he was killed in the Iraqi war that is sucking the country dry. But, I guess she’s just a low-life bottom dweller too? Right? Never judge a book by it’s cover.
By KITTEN
March 13, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
i work in the healthcare field in a billing department. When peachcare and medicaid payments come in, they come in together on one page, all on one Explanation of Benefits, listing a bunch of patients. I personally think the money has always come from the same pot. JMO.
By Tracey
March 13, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
I AM OUTRAGED AT THE USE OF THE WORDS POOR CHILDREN
Peachare is designed as a resource for those who are working class Georgians with children to care for who CANNOT afford their personal insurance options. My company insurance, to cover my family, is $1158 per month! Since I bring home only $3100 per month as it is, I can assure you that I cannot afford a health care premium of $1158.
That leaves roughly $2000 left. House note, car note, daycare…..and that money is gone! What about utilities? What about food? Clothing?
Until we can control the outrageous costs of healthcare and medications, this delimma will not go away.
And medical care is not just needed for stuffy noses. You can prepare your children by teaching them good eating habits and exercise, but no one lives in a bubble. If this poster hasn’t noticed, strep throat and the flu are running rampant in Atlanta right now. Strep is DANGEROUS and CONTAGIOUS. Without proper diagnosis by a doctor and medical treatment, it can be fatal to some.
Just last evening two of my kids were diagnosed with strep - along with about 10% of the kids in Atlanta. I was very blessed to be able to take them to the doctor because they have PeachCare. This program has saved lives. Now let’s save this program - for all Georgia children.
By Tracey
March 13, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
In response to Ann’s post above,
Before Peachcare and Medicaid, people DIED! When a simple medication or procedure could have saved their life.
Have a heart.
By grandma
March 13, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
When my son was awarded custody of my granddaughter last summer, I purchased a health insurance policy for her. I called PeachCare to make sure she was removed from the program so that no one could continue to receive benefits in her name. The PeachCare employee thought I was crazy to remove her from the program! After a lengthy argument with him over tax-payers expense and welfare being the same thing - I gave up. As far as I know, she’s still in the system.
By Greg
March 13, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
What does this whole issue really say abouth Georgia’s Gov. Sonny Perdue and Republican led government?
If they had children’s interest in mind, would they not have already enacted legislation on thier own to ensure these childrens health?
If the money was subsidizing businesses such as freight rail line maintenance, would it have been approved?
If in the end, these children lacking insurance coverage go to Emergency Rooms, the cost will be shared primarily amongst the middle class through increased health insurance rates and higher taxes to cover indigent care; will the Republican leadership be concerned or motivated to do something?
I’d like to hear from the Republican leadership!
It’s a little late in the game to be saying that Gov. Perdue and the Republican leadership has come up with a plan that is only a temporary patch.
The childrens peachcare is still unresolved and Gov. Perdue and the Republic House leadership continue to sit on their hands.
If Gov. Sonny Perdue and Republican Leadership were to really do something for children, they would put legislation in place to fund peachcare permanently or until if(big IF)federal funding comes through.
Gregor
By Peachcare Wins
March 13, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Please note Peachcare is not only for the poor, but those who are in between jobs by no choice of their own and those where their employer pulled the plug or just don’t provide insurance for various reasons. My Peachcare family member pays a monthly premium based on income, so it is not free. It is a blessing knowing that my tax dollars go toward something worthwhile as the kids of Georgia are our priority. We all probably know someone who benefits from Peachcare.
By catlady
March 13, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Tracy, I have a hard time with the idea that a person can have a “house note” and a “car note” and still get taxpayer-paid benefits. If you can afford a house and a car, it would seem like expenses for your children (however you work them out) should be paid before things you would like, such as a house and a newer car. Many live in small apartments and drive old beat up cars instead of expecting taxpayers to pay for things for their children. Sometimes you choose a job based on the benefits available, even if the pay is less. But Peachcare’s income limits preclude folks from having to make that decision. This is not a personal attack on you, but a general observation on wants vs needs.
By Stephanie
March 13, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
BTW. Peachcare is obviously not coming out of the taxpayers pockets, hence the situation that we are in today.
By SouthGaDog
March 13, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Why is it the Governments job to carry your medical costs? If you can not afford to pay for your children do not have them. And if paying for health care gets in the way of your car note maybe you need a cheaper car and house… The governments willingness to take our money for others mistakes is nothing more than extortion. Kids are not mistakes but maybe people should wait to have them until they can pay for them.
By tmartinsmith
March 13, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Great. Perdue gets credit for solving a crisis he caused. Bravo. clap. clap. clap.
By grandma
March 13, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Stephanie, PeachCare funds are not generated through charity. Where do you think the money comes from? Were you being fesicious? PeachCare is welfare for children.
By djb
March 13, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
I PAY FOR MY CHILDREN TO HAVE PEACHCARE AND I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH THREE CHILDREN AND HAVE NO OTHER MEANS TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MY CHILDREN. WHY CAN’T SOME OF THE POLITICIANS TAKE PAY CUTS, CORRY LESS ABOUT ROAD IMPROVEMENT, BECAUSE I THINK THE CHILDREN OF GEORGIA ARE FAR MORE IMPORTANT. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WORK FOR THE STATE AND MOAN AND WHINE ABOUT YOUR JOB. TRY DOING YOUR JOB WITH OUT ALL THE BENEFITS THE STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE, SUCH AS PAID VACATIONS, SICK LEAVE, ETC. AND JOIN THE REAL WORKING FORCE WHERE THERE ARE NO BENEFITS. THE ILLEGAL ALIENS ARE ONLY LINING THE WEALTHY’S POCKETS. SO THE WEALTHY PEOPLE WILL MAKE SURE THEIR ILLEGAL EMPLOYEES ARE ABLE TO TAKE FROM OUR GEORGIA CHILDREN. THIS NEED TO STOP. ILLEGALS ALSO SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE FROM OUR ELDERLY EITHER.
By Nikke
March 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Catlady, I have a hard time digesting your observation of “wants vs. needs”. You should not ASSUME that everyone chooses to be in the situations that they are in. Three years ago my family and I purchased a house after renting for three years. We looked at it as an investment and a huge tax break. Luckily we don’t have car notes but our vehicles are older and if either one of the vehicles dies today or tomorrow I will have to have a car note because my husband and I need my car to get to the job that is sustaining us. I too have a kid on Peachcare and I myself am on Medicaid because I recently found out that my husband and I are expecting our second child. Did I choose to have my son on Peachcare or myself on Medicaid, not at all. But I was laid off from a very reputable Fortune 500 company, where I paid insurance premiums, last year and I absolutely had no choice. So should I sell my house and move my family to an apartment to pay for medical insurance? You have got to be kidding me!
By keith
March 13, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Peachcare is just Medicaid with a premium. I agree that most people see the real culprit as health care costs. Better off dead.
By Ann
March 13, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
PeachCare is the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which falls under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like other programs under the Social Security Act, such as Medicare and Medicaid, it is subsidized by the taxpayers.
By Ralph
March 13, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
So Nikke doesn’t want to sell her house and move to an apartment in order to pay her own way. She would rather ask me and all her neighbors to pay for her healthcare so she can have a nice house, ‘nice investment’, ‘tax break’…etc.
By DT
March 13, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Catlady I think that you are an idiot and half of you other people are idiots too. The main concern about the Peachcare situation should be the children. I don’t care if they are black, white, Hispanic, green, or blue all kids deserve to have a healthy life and that is what Peachcare provides. All of you concerned because you think that people are getting over, need to go somewhere and really take a look at what’s going on around you. I am so sorry because everyone could not be well off like you, people have situations in their life that they have no control over. The last time I checked no one is perfect and the only person that can pass judgment is the man above. So, if Tracy has a house note (roof over her kid’s heads) a car note (a descent car that she doesn’t have to worry about breaking down when her kids are in the car) and her kids are on Peachcare that is her business. You do not know what else this lady has going on in her life, so shut your mouth and take a look in the mirror. Because all of that finger pointing you are doing three more are pointing back at you.
Lets think about the kids and not what you are spending as a taxpayer. Because half of the money you spend on taxes you have no idea where it is going anyway. And don’t forget every parent that is getting Peachcare pays taxes too and also pay a monthly premium when their child turns six.
Thank you, A mother who’s kids are on Peachcare.
By Joy
March 13, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
It saddens me to see how selfish and self centered some people are on this board. I work and like others on this post I can’t afford to pay for my children’s healthcare. Health insurance is not cheap. Not only the premiums but the co-pays and the cost of medicine is out of control. My husband lost his job months ago and has been unable to find a new job and Peachcare has been a blessing to us. I pay taxes like everyone else so I am also contributing toward the program that I use.
By Annonymous man
March 13, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
I long for the day when I’m making enough not to be on Peachcare, Medicare, and WIC. I get bothered when Kroger and other stores dont want to take their cards for discounts since the state is paying. I argue that my little tax dollars I do put in pays for it an as a citizen I think it is bet that those on the system not only try to save it money when they are on it but strive to get off of it. I’m regularly working small jobs and finishing a degree so I can get off of it. I get iritated when people tell me how I should strive to do better because I might get get kicked out of the system. This is for a catch not for a support sytem.
Maybe we need the state to pass a law that requires those on WIC to use discount cards at stores. The stores should not see WIC as a way do deny discounts issued to you when you buy the other groceries.
By Nikke
March 13, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Ralph, I’m not asking YOU to pay my way, but as a working citizen I’ve paid many a ways before me and now I’m dealing with a job loss due to this screwed up economy and I’m asking for a break until I can get on my feet again. Is that too much to ask? I didn’t ask you to donate a kidney.
By Annonymous
March 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
If it is taking two incomes to make it then you are over spending to keep up with the Jones. I make enough for my wife to stay home with our three kids. We live modestly while I work towards a better job that will give us more.
By catlady
March 13, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
When I finished my PhD program I was not making anthing near $48,000 per year, so I could not afford a house note, a car note, or a house for investment. I had to pay the way for my 3 kids as a single parent. It just seems like some folks think that if their situation changes (job loss, divorce, pregnancy, etc) they should not have to change their lifestyle. I would argue that when you cannot afford something (even temporarily) you give it up, rather than expecting others to pay for it. When my old car broke down, I had to pay for another old car. I did not expect someone to take care of my children’s needs so I could afford to take on a note for something I thought I HAD to have.
We see evidence of folks’ entitlement mentality all around us. I am NOT commenting on the lifestory of any person on this blog, but making general comments. May God have mercy on all of us, but He expects us all to pull our weight and live with the consequences, intended and unintended, of our actions (or, in the case of job loss, the actions of others). IMHO. We “enable” people and business to live in part off our taxes by not expecting that they take care of their own needs before any extras. You can have sympathy for the plight of the truly poor. What is killing us financially and morally is the idea that we all “deserve” this or that.
By catlady
March 13, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Someone explain this to me: is it the money Perdue is using of Medicaid, or is he switching children onto Medicaid. If it is switching children, why wasn’t this already done, if they are eligible based on income? Is Medicaid less generous, or with fewer accepting doctors, than Peachcare? In other words, is Peachcare care better?
By StateWorker
March 13, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Psst, illegal aliens’ US citizen sons and daughters are all either eligible for medicaid or Peachcare. And I mean ALL of their US offsprings. How can someone illegally here in the US be eligible for a legal job with benefits. This is why the pot is drained. WAKE UP!!! Most of these funds aren’t used for parents that are US citizens. Why doesn’t the state give those statistics?
By lvlyjade
March 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
DT and Nikke,
There is absolutley no way that you can reason with any of the biased people in this post. Obviously they have never had to struggle and have unforeseen circumstances. I hope that one day when their comfy life gets taken from them they will re-vist this post. Catlady, How dare you be so judgemental. Maybe your parents should have waited to have you and we would not have to deal with people like you in our society. Kharma is not nice when it comes back around and, believe me, it will come back around. Everyone needs help at one point or another, remember you will get old one day and will need supplemental health insurance to help you out.
By Ralph
March 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
News for Nikke: The economy is booming! Who told you the economy was screwed up? Ivlyjade, it sounds to me like Catlady has seen her share of struggle as have most of us. Those of us who got through our struggles without asking for a handout are less sympathetic to those who can’t.
By catlady
March 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Yes, I have struggled. I have had times I did not know how I was going to feed and care for my family. I had to postpone (sometimes forever) a lot of things I would have liked. It was due to decisions I made in my life, and some bad things that happened to me that I did not ask for or anticipate. So I have been there. Where I am coming from is that you should first sacrifice the things you think you HAVE to have before asking others to pay for you. You don’t HAVe to buy a house, you don’t HAVE to have a car so new it has to be financed. I began by asking why the $48,000 as a cap? A family living on $4000 a month (before taxes) should be able to get by leading a MODEST lifestyle. I am not griping about the poor at all.
BTW, my parents did wait 7 years after marriage to have me, to a time they were more financially able. They stayed in school, got their education, and stuck out some real hard times when they did not have 2 nickels to rub together. All they had was self-respect, and the determination to work very very hard at whatever they had to do to support their family. And they were fortunate: when they lost their jobs they took another job of any kind to support us while they looked for something better. And, of course, they did live in a time where their leaders had not sold us so far down the river.
I don’t think it is judgemental to expect people with the wherewithal to support themselves and their families before expecting others to.
By lvlyjade
March 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Catlady,
Who paid for your PhD? Are you telling us that you were a single mother of 3 with no help (not even from family) That you reared your children on your own and went to school? That not once did you need to ask for help? Or was it all given to you? Did you put your children through daycare, provide health insurance, feed and clothe them, put a roof over their head, paid all of your bills and maintained all of your repairs with absolutley no help at all? Not even a hand-out from a family member or friend? You are so full of it.
By Stephanie
March 13, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Catlady and Grandma have lost it and ar the most insensitive people I have ever “seen”. The lady didn’t say that she had to have the car, but the less problems you have, the less you’ll have to spend on them which assists you in maintaining a manageable lifestyle. Grandma, your son doesn’t seem very independent if you are purchasing insurance for your granddaughter. Maybe if we could all depend on our parents to bail us out as your son can then we wouldn’t need Peachcare for Kids.
By grandma
March 13, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
I’ll agree with you Steph. My son is a college student and is VERY dependant. More dependant than I’d care for him to be. But, I’m sure the rest of the taxpayers in Georgia would rather he depend on me than to ask them to foot the bill. If Catlady got help with her PHD from her parents, that’s not welfare. You can’t compare PeachCare to family.
By Ann
March 13, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
It’s very obvious which posts are by those who depend on the police powers of government to forcibly take money from productive, income earning individuals.
Health care and health insurance are not a “right”. The only rights you are guaranteed is the right to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”…and it doesn’t say at someone else’s expense.
By artie
March 13, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
People need to be more responsible…if you CAN’T afford to have kids, DON’T have them!!!!!
By Nikke
March 13, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Ann, to insinuate that parents who rely on Peachcare to keep their kids healthy, are non-productive and non-income earning individuals is ridiculous. If you didn’t know there are some of us that pay premiums for Peachcare just as you would on any other insurance plan. What’s your point? Did Peachcare deny your application or did you miss the deadline before the cut off happened?
Some of you seem so bitter about Peachcare helping those people that need it. Would you rather sick or unhealthy kids be at school with your silver spoon fed kids/grandkids because their parents can’t afford healthcare for them? If we keep our children healthy in the long run it’s beneficial for all us. Some of you need to examine the whole picture before judging…how shallow thinking.
By lvlyjade
March 13, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Ann,
Who gives you the right to judge anyone? Who are you and what makes you so perfect?
Being a single mother of 4, working a full-time job and rearing all 3 of my kids with no help, peachcare is the only benefit that I receive from the state.
Now, are you going to tell me that my divorce from a man who apparently after 6 years decided that he did not want to be a man justifies the comments that you are making in this posts?
Grandma,
Receiving any form of help is a benefit that is not paid for regardless of who it is from. If no help was available the circumstances would be the same for her.
It is the same thing if you are not paying for it!!!!
You are very ignorant and God forbid that you need help one day. I hope that you meet a person as selfish as you are!!!
By patrice
March 13, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
It’s funny when a low class family whom really needs help from the government can’t never receive it. I applied for peachcare for my oldest daughter and I got turn down. Now, you are froze the accounts so, noone can reaply for the insurance. I’m a part-time employee whom can’t afford health insurance within the company which I work for. Something, got to get better for the lower income families.
By Crystal
March 13, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
As a low-income family, I am grateful the money will be there the next time my son or daughter breaks his/her arm. I sure couldn’t afford the ER, the cast, the specialty clinic, all the follow-up visits and everything else that comes w/ broken limbs or any other catastophic event. I would, however, like to encourage everyone who has any opinion about this issue, that it’s in God’s hands anyway and He has, once again, answered my prayers regarding health insurance for my children with this interim funding. My husband and I go without coverage; I sure don’t want my kids to suffer.
By grandma
March 13, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
No, Ivlyjade, it’s NOT the same thing. When your family offers to help you, it’s called a gift. When the government helps you, people were forced to give you their money and they had no choice. Let’s not get confused.
My granddaughter WAS on PeachCare until custody was determined and we relieved you and the rest of Georgia of that burden. My problem was with the mentality of the PeachCare employee who was encouraging me to keep her on this ‘welfare’ simply because it was possible. I hope this employee’s job is one that is cut when the fat gets trimmed.
By catlady
March 13, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
FYI, I took out loans (which I will be paying for until I am very old and very grey). The university covered most of my tuition because I was a very good student. My parents believed “you made your bed, you lie in it”. I paid for our food, I worked, I paid for my kids’ care (the baby was 3 when I started), clothed them, paid for our apartment and utilities. I drove a 10 year old car (a newer one would have been more convenient, but I could not AFFORD it). We did a lot of “without”, including no cable TV (could not AFFORD it). Lots of things I would have liked to do, but I made the decisions I made so I paid the price. My children had no health insurance; I prayed a lot. All their medical care came out of my pocket. I would have qualified for foodstamps and probably Medicaid, but since our situation was as a result of my choices, it did not seem right to abuse the taxpayers for my choices. My exhusband occasionally paid part of the $60 per week total he was supposed to pay—about 1/3 of the time. There was no Child Support Recovery then unless you were on welfare, and I sure could not afford a lawyer.
Lots of folks were good to me: they encouraged me, cheered me up, occasionally invited us to their homes to eat. Our church paid part of a week’s camp for the older kids; they worked for the rest. I did without many things so my older daughter could have a few stylish clothes for high school. I took public transportation to the University, although it was not convenient. We went to the public library and checked out videos occasionally, read a lot, took walks, and played board games. Three times 4 twenty dollar bills appeared in my mailbox. I never found out who did it.
We were very, very fortunate. No sainthood there.
I expected my kids to work hard in school, and they had volunteer work they had to do for no pay, in addition to odd jobs like lawn mowing and babysitting. We went to church.
Your basic, no-frills life, I guess, but that of a very fortunate woman.
By Amy
March 13, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
I have just read some of these posts and are floored at some of the comments.I have a 9yr old son who is severe asthmatic and suffers from ADHD. If I had to foot the bill for his medicine we would starve to death. His medicine for 1 month is about a $1000 with no insurance. The company I work for doesn’t have the best insurance plan especially if you plan on getting sick.The copays for his monthly meds would drop to $500 but then you add in $30-$50 for office visits and GOD forbid I have to take him to the hospital $200 for ER copay. I am a single mother just trying to make it and if it wasn’t for Peachcare my son would probably be dead from an asthma attack. I want the best care for my son and until I can find a job that pays me enough to pay for the insurance and the copays on his medicine he will stay on Peachcare. By the why for all of you complaining about the taxpayers money being used. I pay my taxes too. Oh and for those who have no kids. complaining. GET BENT!!!! Your momma should have thought about not bringing a jerk such as yourself into the world YOU INSENSITIVE JERKS!!!!!!!!
By Ann
March 13, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Nikke and Ivlyjade,
I, too, was a divorced mother and my kids had a “deadbeat” dad who would not pay child support. One of my kids has chronic asthma and another has diabetes. I worked at a job making just above the minimum wage. I worked two jobs until my youngest was through school. I never once asked the government (taxpayers) to pay for anything and my family could not afford to help me. I sacrificed everything but food on the table (althought sometimes that food was only a bowl of beans and sliced bread) and a roof over our heads ( and that sometimes was a low rent- rat infested apartment).
So, I know poor…I just never thought it was someone else’s responsibility to pay for my kids. I brought them into this world and I had to be the one accountable.
By Stephanie
March 13, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
One thing is clear, we all may need Peachcare after going back and forth on the internet all day about this. I hope you guys have a wonderful evening. I’m going to keep the Peachcare and you guys can continue to stand on your soap box until your large heads cause them to fall over and then you’ll need som help like I do.
By Diane
March 14, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
Does it not surprise you about our goverment.There never seems to be enough money for the american dream.Not only are the children suffering.But families are losing their homes and vehicles.People are going to bed hungry due to loss of work.When will the american people wake up and realize we are furnishing money for a president to play war games.He started it to be a typical gung-ho texan/listening to his greed to be a peace maker and it back-fired.We as americans are suffering/but he is living well off his oil wells.It appauls me when i see the bumper stickers saying…..God Bless America.Why would God Bless a country who has kicked him out.Thank God he will look after the children.they are becoming a breed left behind.Georgia has a ..D…in education.???? uneducated teachers and crooked politicians.
By Crystal
March 14, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Healthcare prices are outragous. I had my daughter almost 7 years ago. I paid $300 out of pocket to have her (Doctor, Hospital, and her doctor). A few months ago I had my youngest son. It cost more than 3000 out of pocket. I work for the same company. I also pay more a month for my premiums. My husbands has a 1000 deductable to meet before his insurance will pay anything. My husband and I work opposite shifts to take care of our children. I homeschool and we drive plain vehicles. Our mortgage is less than the cost of a two bedroom appartment. We found a foreclosed home. We are on peachcare. We work very hard. We cant afford the healthcare prices. We could 7 years ago but they are increasing every year. We are blessed to have peachcare. We also eat very healthy. I make our bread and we plant a garden to help with our food. They do not eat candy or any junkfood. I even breastfeed my baby. I do not take my children to the doctor very much. But, a baby has to go to the doctor frequently for checkups. It would cost us over 100 per visit with our insurance. My children dont go to the doctor enough to benefit after the deductable is met. Because it is 1000 per year per person. There are people who need peachcare that are not out there looking for a handout.
By catlady
March 14, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Perhaps the solution is to open Peachcare to every legal Georgia child, regardless of parent income. Wealthy parents might pay $200 a month (a good deal, considering all that is included!) If it is important for one child it is important for all children! Have the stipulation that there has to be strict oversight of parent claims of income (for example, a parent with a Hummer would need to pay full price, such as $200, because obviously they have money they choose to allot in that way. A parent spending over a certain amount for housing would be presumed to be able to pay more, etc). Of course, those without children would not like including more kids, but at least it would attack the perceived unfairness of those who have “other priorities” besides paying for their children’s needs. Parents with great insurance could opt out, but most businesses would “pull a Walmart” and stop providing coverage for children, since the burden could be shifted to the taxpayers of the state.
By Denise
March 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
My heart is really grieving for Catlady and all of her get-along friends. Just in case you guys didn’t know, it may be me today that is going through a rough time in life but tomorrow will come and it could very well be you. You should thank God that all your bills are paid, you don’t have to borrow from anyone to make ends meet, you have a roof over your head, you never had to wonder if you and your children will eat that day or not, and that when you woke up this morning the re-po man didn’t take your vehicle last night. Don’t laugh because I promise you that you want have the last laugh. I didn’t ask to be laid off my job. Things happen and we can’t change them, we have to learn how to make due with what we have and know that things will get better. I want you and your cold-hearted, evil-minded friends to know that I do serve an Awesome God who’s going to undo everything that is wrong and make it RIGHT. And since you guys have it going on why don’t you bless someone who is less fortunate than you instead of putting your mouth on them - (believe it or not, you are putting a curse on you and your family when you do that).
By TEE
March 18, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
TO NIKKE AND EVERYONE WHO THINKS LIKE HER,
DID YOUR PARENTS PLAN TO HAVE YOU? DID THEY GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANTED? I DON’T THINK SO!STOP JUDGING PEOPLE AND TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT YOUR LIFE AND ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO LIVE A LIFE THEY CAN BARLY AFFORD! DON’T FORGET WE ALL PAY TAXES!