What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) and does my child qualify?

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and funded entirely through Georgia Medicaid. It provides skilled in-home nursing and personal care services for children under 21 who have complex medical needs — at absolutely no cost to eligible families.

Who does GAPP serve?

GAPP is designed for children who require a level of medical care that would otherwise require hospitalisation or placement in an institutional setting. This includes children with conditions such as:

• Cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions
• Spina bifida and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Medically complex congenital conditions
• Ventilator dependency and tracheostomy care needs
• Severe developmental disabilities
• Other complex chronic medical conditions requiring skilled nursing

To qualify your child must be under 21, a Georgia resident, enrolled in Georgia Medicaid or eligible through the Katie Beckett Waiver, and have a physician-documented medical need for skilled nursing or personal care at home.

What does GAPP cover?

GAPP covers skilled nursing visits from a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), personal care services, and in some cases respite care for family caregivers. Services are delivered in the home, school or community setting — wherever your child spends their time.

What about parental income?

This is one of the most common misconceptions families have. Parental income does NOT affect GAPP eligibility when applying through the Katie Beckett Waiver pathway. Even families with higher incomes may qualify based on the child's medical needs alone. This surprises many families who assume they won't qualify — and it means thousands of Georgia children who could benefit from GAPP never apply.

How long does approval take?

The GAPP approval process typically takes 30 to 90 days from initial application. Complete documentation — including a detailed physician letter of medical necessity — significantly speeds up the timeline. Working with an experienced GAPP provider who knows the process is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.

How can A Heart for Care help?

We are a certified GAPP provider serving Greater Atlanta, GA. Our team has helped many families successfully navigate the GAPP application process. We work directly with your child's physician to gather the necessary documentation, submit the application and coordinate prior authorisation through Alliant Health Solutions. The process costs you nothing — GAPP is fully funded by Georgia Medicaid.