Understanding the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)

GAPP provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care services for medically fragile children under 21 in Georgia. Learn what the program covers, who qualifies, and how to get started.

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What is the Georgia Pediatric Program?

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid waiver program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). It provides in-home skilled nursing care and personal care services for children with complex medical needs who would otherwise require hospitalization or institutional care.

Unlike regular Medicaid home health benefits, GAPP is specifically designed for medically fragile children who need ongoing skilled nursing care in their home. The program allows families to keep their children at home while receiving the medical care they need.

Key Point: GAPP is not insurance — it's a Medicaid service program. You must have Georgia Medicaid coverage to access GAPP services.

Who Qualifies for GAPP?

To qualify for the Georgia Pediatric Program, your child must meet all of the following criteria:

Age Requirement

Must be under 21 years old at the time of application

Active Georgia Medicaid

Must have current Georgia Medicaid coverage (regular Medicaid, Katie Beckett, or another pathway)

Medical Necessity

A physician must certify that your child requires skilled nursing care that can be safely provided at home

Home-Based Care

Your child must be medically stable enough to receive care safely at home rather than in a hospital or facility

View detailed eligibility requirements

Common conditions that qualify for GAPP

GAPP eligibility depends on medical necessity, not diagnosis. That said, these conditions commonly qualify because they require skilled nursing care at home.

Tracheostomy dependence
Ventilator dependence
G-tube / feeding tube
Seizure disorders requiring monitoring
Cerebral palsy with nursing needs
Spinal muscular atrophy
Congenital heart defects
Chronic respiratory conditions (BPD)
TBI requiring skilled nursing
Sickle cell disease with complications

Not sure if your child qualifies? Use our free screener.

What Services Does GAPP Cover?

The Georgia Pediatric Program covers three main types of in-home care services:

RN Nursing Care

Skilled nursing by Registered Nurses for complex medical needs.

  • • Tracheostomy care
  • • Ventilator management
  • • IV medications
  • • Complex assessments

LPN Services

Licensed Practical Nurse care under RN supervision.

  • • Medication administration
  • • G-tube feedings
  • • Basic wound care
  • • Vital signs monitoring

Personal Care (PCS)

Daily living assistance and supervision.

  • • Bathing and hygiene
  • • Feeding assistance
  • • Mobility support
  • • Safety supervision

How to Get Started with GAPP

1

Get a Physician's Order

Your child's doctor must document medical necessity and write orders for in-home skilled nursing care. This typically includes diagnosis, required services, and recommended hours.

2

Ensure Medicaid Coverage

You must have active Georgia Medicaid. If your child doesn't qualify for regular Medicaid due to family income, explore the Katie Beckett pathway.

3

Choose a GAPP Provider

Select a Medicaid-enrolled home health agency that serves your county. The provider will help coordinate the prior authorization process.

4

Complete Prior Authorization

Your provider submits documentation to Medicaid for approval. Once authorized, services can begin. The process typically takes 30-90 days.

View detailed approval timeline

What to expect after approval

Once your child is approved for GAPP, here is what day-to-day life looks like:

  • Your provider sends nurses on a schedule you agree on. You and the agency work out what hours and days fit your family.
  • You can change the schedule if it's not working. Talk to your provider about adjusting shifts, adding weekend hours, or changing nurses.
  • Hours get reviewed every 6-12 months. Medicaid reauthorizes your child's hours based on updated medical records. Your provider handles most of the paperwork.
  • You can switch providers any time. If you're not happy with your agency, you have every right to move to a different one. Learn how in our guide to switching GAPP providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GAPP stand for?
GAPP stands for Georgia Pediatric Program. It is a Medicaid waiver program that provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care services for medically fragile children under 21 years old in Georgia.
Is GAPP free?
GAPP services are covered by Georgia Medicaid at no cost to eligible families. Your child must have active Georgia Medicaid coverage and meet medical necessity criteria. There are no copays or out-of-pocket costs for approved services.
How many hours does GAPP cover?
GAPP can cover up to 24 hours of skilled nursing care per day, depending on your child's medical needs. Hours are determined by medical necessity and approved through the prior authorization process. Most families receive between 8-16 hours per day.
Can I choose my own GAPP provider?
Yes. You have the right to choose any Medicaid-enrolled GAPP provider in Georgia. You can switch providers at any time if you're not satisfied with your current agency. Our directory helps you compare providers by county, services, and availability.
What's the difference between GAPP and Katie Beckett?
Katie Beckett (also called TEFRA) is a Medicaid eligibility pathway that allows children with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on their own income/assets, not their parents'. GAPP is a service program that provides the actual nursing care. Many families use Katie Beckett to get Medicaid, then GAPP for services.
How long does GAPP approval take?
The GAPP approval process typically takes 30-90 days from initial application. This includes physician documentation, Medicaid enrollment (if not already enrolled), medical necessity determination, and prior authorization. Having complete documentation speeds up approval.
Is the Georgia Pediatric Program the same as GAPP?
Yes. GAPP stands for Georgia Pediatric Program. You may also hear it called "the pediatric waiver" or "GAPP waiver." They all refer to the same Medicaid program that provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care services for children under 21 with complex medical needs.

Find a GAPP Provider

Search our directory of 624 GAPP providers across Georgia. Filter by county, services, and availability to find the right agency for your family.

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Related Resources

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Search all providers by county

GAPP Approval Guide

Step-by-step application process

Katie Beckett Waiver

Alternative Medicaid eligibility

GAPP services explained

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How to apply for GAPP

Documents, steps, and timeline

GAPP vs CCSP

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Become a GAPP provider

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Plain-English guide to the program

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