How to apply for GAPP in Georgia — a step by step guide

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) provides free in-home skilled nursing for medically fragile children under 21 — but many families give up on the application because they don't know where to start. This guide walks you through every step clearly.

Step 1 — Confirm Medicaid eligibility

Your child must be enrolled in Georgia Medicaid or qualify through the Katie Beckett Waiver. If your child is not yet on Medicaid, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or speak with our team — we'll point you in the right direction. Remember: parental income does not disqualify a child when applying through the Katie Beckett pathway.

Step 2 — Choose a GAPP provider

You have the right to choose your own GAPP provider from the list of DCH-certified agencies. Choosing an experienced provider early makes the rest of the process significantly smoother. Your provider will help you gather documents, complete paperwork correctly and coordinate with your child's physician — all at no cost to you.

Step 3 — Get a physician referral

Your child's primary care physician or specialist must write a Letter of Medical Necessity documenting your child's diagnosis, care needs and why in-home skilled nursing is medically required. This letter is one of the most critical parts of the application. Vague or incomplete letters are the number one cause of delays and denials — your provider can advise your physician on what to include.

Step 4 — Submit the application to DCH

The application is submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Health. Your GAPP provider will assist with completing the paperwork correctly. Missing or incorrect information is the most common cause of delays — having an experienced provider handle this step saves significant time.

Step 5 — Prior authorisation through Alliant Health

Alliant Health Solutions reviews the application on behalf of DCH and determines the number of nursing hours authorised. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days. Complete documentation significantly speeds up the timeline. If hours are denied or insufficient your provider can assist with the appeals process.

Step 6 — Care begins

Once authorised your provider assigns a qualified nurse and care begins. Authorisations are reviewed periodically — your provider handles all renewals so you don't have to worry about the paperwork continuing beyond the initial application.

Tips to avoid delays

• Make sure the physician letter is detailed and specific — vague letters are the number one reason applications are delayed or denied
• Gather all medical records supporting your child's diagnosis before starting
• Work with a provider who knows the process well — experience matters enormously here
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information from DCH or Alliant
• Keep copies of everything you submit