Healthcare
Other Government Health Programs
Apart from Medicaid there are several other government programs that your child or your family might be able to apply for. These programs provide financial assistance, health insurance, and early intervention services. Each of these programs have their own eligibility requirements
Social Security Benefits
There are two main programs that provides social security benefits based on disability. First, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and second, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI).
Social Security Benefits for Children
How do I apply for Social Security Benefits for my child?
Find your local Social Security Office
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. In order to qualify for SSI, an individual’s disability, income and resources will be taken into consideration. If your child is under age 18, this will include family income and resources. If your child qualifies for SSI, you will receive a monthly payment from the Social Security office.
More information about Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
What you need to know when you get (SSI)
What you Need to Know about SSI when you turn 18
What is Compassionate Allowance?
Social Security Disability Insurance Income (SSDI)
These benefits are typically paid to individuals who can no longer work due to a disability. But a child can also be eligible for SSDI benefits if their parents were receiving disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Benefits Fact Sheet
SSI Denials and Appeals
If you do not agree with decisions of the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding eligibility or claims, you can appeal. Many appeals can be made without the assistance of an attorney.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).
Find out more about Medicare eligibility, benefits, costs, and the application process
Public Health Programs
PeachCare For Kids
Provides a comprehensive health care program for uninsured children living in Georgia. The health benefits include primary, preventive, specialist, dental care and vision care. PeachCare for Kids also covers hospitalization, emergency room services, prescription medications and mental health care. Each child in the program has a Georgia Families Care Management Organization (CMO) who is responsible for coordinating the child’s care. Apply Here.
Babies Can’t Wait
The federally funded Part C public early intervention program for children under the age of 3 in Georgia. Some of the services provided include speech therapy, physical therapy, nutrition services, etc. Part C early intervention builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members and caregivers to enhance children’s learning and development through everyday learning opportunities.
Childrens Medical Services
Children and youth under the age of 21, who are diagnosed with a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, hearing loss) can apply for this program. Some of the things that CMS may provide or help pay for include medical evaluations, medications, and hearing aides.
CBAY-Community Based Alternatives for Youth
Community Based Alternatives for Youth is a Medicaid waiver- a federal designation allowing states to “waive” certain portions of Medicaid law in order to provide home and community based services to individuals who otherwise require institutional care. CBAY is a funding source to support additional services and supports not covered by the Georgia Medicaid State plan. The purpose of CBAY is to allow youth who meet the requirements to “waive” institutional care at the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) level and be served in the community. Referrals for CBAY must be made through the child/youth’s provider or current Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility.
WIC-Women Infants and Children
This is a nutrition supplement program geared towards new mothers, pregnant women and babies. There are income limits and few other eligibility requirements. Services include providing food coupons to purchase items such as milk, eggs, infant formula, etc.
Need a Ride?
The NET (Non-Emergency Transportation) Program provides transportation to eligible Medicaid members who need access to medical care or services.
Emergency Medical Assistance
Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) is a federally mandated program which provides medical coverage to individuals who meet all requirements for a Medicaid Class of Assistance (COA) except for citizenship requirements, and who have received an emergency medical service.
More Information
Watch a P2P Webinar – Social Security Benefits for Children and Adults with Disabilities
Ticket to Work – The “Ticket to Work” is a Social Security program designed to give recipients of SSI/SSDI greater choices in receiving employment services that may help them go or return to work.