Why was the one-month waiting period policy put in place?
The new one-month waiting period policy was developed as a part of the department’s FY2006 budget submission. After consideration by the Governor and the Legislature, the final decision was given to the department to best determine how to meet the budget targets. Many other states have had lockout policies for late payments since the beginning of their programs. The policy is to address the growing administrative expense involved with reinstating children in the PeachCare for Kids™ program each month when their families fail to pay their premium on time. It is important for children to have ongoing access to healthcare and if the premium is paid on time, all enrolled children will continue to receive health coverage. Also, the state will be able to enroll more eligible children.
