Katie Beckett Waiver in Georgia
The Katie Beckett waiver helps children with disabilities qualify for Medicaid regardless of family income. Learn if your child qualifies and how to apply.
No Income Limits
Unlike regular Medicaid, Katie Beckett eligibility is based only on your child's medical needs — not your family's income.
What is the Katie Beckett Waiver?
The Katie Beckett waiver (officially known as TEFRA — Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) is a Medicaid eligibility option that allows children with significant disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on their own medical condition, regardless of their parents' income.
Named after Katie Beckett, a child who was ventilator-dependent and could only receive Medicaid coverage while in the hospital, this program was created to allow medically fragile children to receive care at home while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits.
In Georgia, the Katie Beckett program is administered by the Department of Community Health and provides a pathway for families who might not otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to income to get coverage for their child with disabilities.
Key Point
Katie Beckett is an eligibility pathway to Medicaid — it's how your child qualifies. Once on Medicaid, you can access services like GAPP nursing care.
Katie Beckett Eligibility Requirements in Georgia
To qualify for the Katie Beckett waiver in Georgia, your child must meet all of the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Child must be under 18 years old
Disability Requirement
Child must have a disability as defined by Section 1614 of the Social Security Act
Level of Care
Child must require care at an institutional level (hospital, nursing facility, or ICF)
Home Care Appropriate
Child must be able to be safely and appropriately cared for at home
Cost Effective
Home care must cost less than institutional care (this is almost always the case)
Georgia Resident
Child must be a resident of Georgia
Important Note
Family income and assets are NOT considered for Katie Beckett eligibility. Your income does not disqualify your child if they meet the medical criteria.
Conditions That May Qualify for Katie Beckett
The following conditions commonly qualify for Katie Beckett in Georgia. Eligibility is based on level of care needed, not specific diagnoses:
This is not an exhaustive list. Any condition requiring institutional-level care may qualify. Contact the Katie Beckett team if you're unsure about your child's eligibility.
How to Apply for Katie Beckett in Georgia
Apply for SSI First (Required)
You must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and receive a denial before applying for Katie Beckett. This establishes that your child doesn't qualify for Medicaid through SSI.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for SSI. If approved for SSI, you don't need Katie Beckett — you'll automatically get Medicaid.
Gather Medical Documentation
Collect comprehensive medical records including:
- Diagnosis documentation from physicians
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Current treatment plans
- Therapy evaluations (PT, OT, speech)
- Documentation of daily care needs
- Any nursing or personal care requirements
Contact the Katie Beckett Team
Reach out to Georgia's Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team:
Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team
5815 Live Oak Parkway, Suite D-2
Norcross, GA 30093
Phone: 678-248-7449
Fax: 678-248-7459
Complete the Application
Submit the Katie Beckett application along with your SSI denial letter and all medical documentation. The team will review your application and may request additional information.
Medical Level of Care Evaluation
Your child will be evaluated to confirm they require care at an institutional level. This evaluation determines if home care is appropriate and cost-effective compared to facility care.
Approval & Next Steps
Once approved, your child will have Medicaid coverage. Approvals are now authorized for a minimum of two years. You can then access services including:
- Doctor visits and specialists
- Medications
- Medical equipment
- Therapy services
- GAPP in-home nursing services
Timeline
The Katie Beckett application process typically takes 45-90 days in Georgia. Having complete documentation ready can help speed up approval.
Katie Beckett vs GAPP: What's the Difference?
Many families confuse Katie Beckett and GAPP, but they serve different purposes and often work together:
| Katie Beckett | GAPP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Medicaid eligibility pathway | Service delivery program |
| Purpose | Gets your child ON Medicaid | Provides in-home nursing care |
| Income limits | No family income limit | Must have Medicaid first |
| Age limit | Under 18 | Under 21 |
| Services | Access to all Medicaid services | RN, LPN, and PCS in-home care |
| Choose provider? | N/A | Yes - you choose your provider |
How They Work Together
Many Georgia families use Katie Beckett to qualify for Medicaid, then enroll in GAPP to receive in-home nursing care for their medically fragile child.
Approved for Katie Beckett? Find a GAPP Provider
Once your child has Medicaid through Katie Beckett, you can access GAPP nursing services. Search our directory of verified GAPP providers in Georgia.
Katie Beckett Waiver Georgia: FAQs
What is the Katie Beckett waiver in Georgia?
What are the Katie Beckett eligibility requirements in Georgia?
Does family income affect Katie Beckett eligibility?
How long does Katie Beckett approval take in Georgia?
What is the difference between Katie Beckett and GAPP?
Can my child have both Katie Beckett and GAPP?
What conditions qualify for Katie Beckett in Georgia?
How do I apply for Katie Beckett in Georgia?
What if my Katie Beckett application is denied?
What services does my child get with Katie Beckett Medicaid?
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. For official Katie Beckett eligibility information, contact Georgia's Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team at 678-248-7449.