Extension would maintain current status of PeachCare through March '09

ATLANTA - Georgia officials say the state's PeachCare health insurance program for children will get the assurances needed by parents and providers under a temporary extension approved by the U.S. House.

The House voted Wednesday for an extension to maintain current participation through March 2009. Officials say that with adequate funding, it should prevent the state from having to cut families from PeachCare.

But Rhonda Medows, head of Georgia's Department of Community Health, cautioned that the state doesn't know precisely how much money the bill provides to address a projected shortfall in PeachCare's budget next year.

The extension was part of legislation that also gave physicians a 0.5 percent rate increase when they treat the elderly and disabled in Medicare.

Democratic lawmakers had supported a 35 billion dollar expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. President Bush vetoed two bills that would have provided the additional money.