ATLANTA - An extra $1.6 billion over the next five years could be on the way for the state's PeachCare program, bringing with it an economic boost for Georgians, a consumer health-care advocacy group said Tuesday.

More than 306,000 children in Georgia are without health care, and the "vast majority" of those would qualify for PeachCare if Congress approves $50 million in new funding for the Georgia program and similar ones across the nation, said Ron Pollack, the executive director of Families USA, a nonpartisan organization that supports higher government spending on health care.

Congress still must reauthorize PeachCare's federal counterpart, which expires in October.

The benefits of the new federal money would go beyond the children who could be covered, Mr. Pollack said.

"It would also have a very helpful impact on the state's economy," he said.

According to the report, the federal money could increase business activity by $720.6 million and raise wages by $262.1 million. It could also create 7,521 jobs.

There are obstacles to bringing in the federal money, Families USA said. Facing a cash crunch in the fiscal year that ends June 30, the state Board of Community Health voted in March to freeze PeachCare enrollment. The freeze remains in effect, meaning that the 306,000 children couldn't be added to PeachCare now even if the federal legislation were to pass.

"If the state continues to do that, then it won't be able to take advantage of this influx of very substantial dollars," Mr. Pollack said.

The state would have to find the matching funds to get the $1.6 billion. With the current federal matching rate of $2.76 for every dollar the state spends, Georgia's share would be more than $500 million.

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee could vote on the funding as soon as Thursday, Mr. Pollack said.