Fact sheet: Right from the Start Medicaid, No. 10 (Feb. 2007)

Right from the Start Medicaid
Expanded Medicaid eligibility
for children and pregnant women
Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) for pregnant women pays for medical care for pregnant women, including labor and delivery, for up to 60 days after they give birth. Pregnant women who qualify are entitled to the full-range coverage of Medicaid services. Services covered include doctor visits, prescription drugs, and inpatient and outpatient hospital services.
Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) for children pays for medical care for children age 0 up to 19. These children may qualify at various income levels depending on age, family size and income. Children who qualify are entitled to the full-range of Medicaid covered services. These include doctor visits, health checkups, immunizations, dental and vision care, and prescription drugs.
Program Features The Medicaid application process is uncomplicated and easy to access. In addition to the local county Department of Family and Children Services offices, applications are accepted at various other community locations such as hospitals, health departments, medical centers, schools and churches. Applications are taken at convenient times - prior to, during and after 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours. Car or home ownership does not affect eligibility. Married as well as single pregnant women may qualify for RSM. Children of working parents may also qualify.
Results The program allows children and pregnant women with low or moderate income to have access to health care coverage. The program helps to decrease infant mortality and preventable illnesses. More eligible women may enter prenatal care earlier in their pregnancy. Eligible children are able to receive checkups and preventive care. Those needing medical treatment are more likely to receive it earlier, before their conditions become severe.
Who qualifies Pregnant women may qualify if their monthly income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level limit. A pregnant woman is counted as two people in the calculation of family size. Her husband is also counted, although husbands do not receive RSM coverage. In addition, a woman meeting the income standards, may become eligible within 60 days after giving birth, even if she did not apply during pregnancy or delivery. Infants born to women receiving Medicaid on the day the child is born receive Medicaid until they reach their first birthday.

Right from the Start Medicaid
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200 Percent Federal Poverty Level Income Limits:

Family size 2 3 4 5

Monthly income $2,282 $2,862 $3,442 $4,022

Children up to age 19 may qualify at various income levels depending upon age and family size. Children up to age 1 may qualify if their family income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level limit; age 1 to 5 if their family income is at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level limit; and age 6 to 19 if their family income is at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level limit.
Federal Poverty Level Income Limitations:

Family size
2 3 4 5

100% Ages 6 - 19
Monthly income $1,141
$1,431 $1,721
$2,011

133% Ages 1 - 5 Monthly
income $1,518
$1,904 $2,289
$2,675

185% Ages 0 - 1 Monthly
income $2,111
$2,648 $3,184
$3,721

How to get Right from the Start Medicaid: To apply, contact your local county Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) or the
Right from the Start Medicaid Project office at (770) 603-4788 or toll-free 1-800-809-7276. You may also contact the Powerline at 1-800-822-2539.

Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Communications www.dhr.georgia.gov February 2007

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