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.

Updated May 2026 — includes the new online portal that launched April 15, 2026

No Income Limits

Unlike regular Medicaid, Katie Beckett eligibility is based only on your child's medical needs, not your family's income.

The new online portalWho qualifiesHow income worksHow to applyHow long it takesIf you are deniedRenewalWhat it coversCompared to other programsFAQs

What is the Katie Beckett Waiver?

The Katie Beckett waiver (officially called TEFRA, or Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) lets children with significant disabilities 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.

Katie Beckett is named after a child from Iowa who lived on a ventilator. Before this rule existed, Medicaid only paid for her care in a hospital, not at her parents' home. In 1982, Congress passed a law called TEFRA that let kids like Katie get Medicaid at home. Georgia's version of this rule is called the TEFRA Children's Medical Assistance Program. People still call it Katie Beckett.

Key Point

Katie Beckett is an eligibility pathway to Medicaid. It is how your child qualifies. Once on Medicaid, you can access services like GAPP nursing care.

The new Katie Beckett online portal

On April 15, 2026, Georgia launched a new online portal for Katie Beckett. You can use it to apply, send your child's medical records, and check your status. You can also message the case worker who handles your file.

The portal lives on the state Medicaid website. If you do not have a computer, you can still apply by phone or at your local DFCS office. Both work the same way as before.

What you can do in the portal

  • Start and submit your Katie Beckett application
  • Upload your child's medical records
  • Check your case status without calling
  • Send a message to your case worker
  • See and download your approval letter when it arrives

The portal is at medicaid.georgia.gov. You can also call the Katie Beckett team at 678-248-7449 if you need help getting started.

Katie Beckett Eligibility Requirements in Georgia

To qualify for the Katie Beckett waiver in Georgia, your child must meet all of the following criteria:

1

Age

Your child must be under 18.

Katie Beckett ends on the 18th birthday. Plan for GAPP (under 21) or adult waivers before that point.

2

Disability

Your child must have a disability as defined by Section 1614 of the Social Security Act.

This is the same definition used for SSI. The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

3

Level of care

Your child must need care at the level a hospital or nursing facility would give.

DCH looks for continuous medical supervision or four or more daily hours of skilled nursing. It also covers care needs an untrained caregiver cannot meet alone.

4

Safe to be home

Your child must be able to be safely cared for at home.

Your home does not need to be a medical setting. A bedroom, a caregiver, and the right equipment usually meet this test.

5

Cost test

Home care must cost less than facility care.

For nearly every child, home care is cheaper than a hospital or nursing home. This test almost always passes.

6

Georgia resident

Your child must live in Georgia.

A Georgia mailing address and parent residency normally meet this rule. Temporary out-of-state hospital stays do not break residency.

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.

Why your family income does not count

Most Medicaid programs look at how much your family earns. Katie Beckett does not. It only looks at your child's own money. For most kids, that amount is zero.

This rule is called deeming. The state deems that only your child's money counts toward the income test, not yours.

A real-world example

Say your family earns $200,000 a year. Your child has no money of their own. Under Katie Beckett, your child passes the income test. The only test left is the medical one.

The same is true at $300,000 or $500,000. Family income does not block Katie Beckett.

What does count as your child's money?

  • Child support paid directly to your child
  • SSI checks your child receives
  • Money in a bank account in your child's name
  • Assets your child inherited from a relative

For most children, none of these apply. So the income limit on Katie Beckett is not the problem most families think it is.

If you were told you make too much for Medicaid

You were told about regular Medicaid. Katie Beckett is the way around that rule for kids with serious medical needs.

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:

Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Spina bifida
Severe autism spectrum disorder
Traumatic brain injury
Ventilator dependence
Tracheostomy care needs
G-tube/feeding tube requirements
Seizure disorders requiring monitoring
Genetic syndromes
Congenital heart defects
Chronic respiratory conditions
Spinal cord injuries
Cancer requiring ongoing treatment
Organ transplant recipients

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

1

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 will get Medicaid automatically through SSI.

2

Gather Medical Documentation

Collect full 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
3

Pick how you want to apply

You can apply three ways. Pick whichever fits your situation.

Online

Use the state portal at medicaid.georgia.gov or apply through gateway.ga.gov.

Fastest if you have the records ready to upload.

By phone

Call the Katie Beckett team at 678-248-7449.

They walk you through what they need.

In person

Visit your local DFCS office. Ask for a Katie Beckett application.

Best if you want help filling out the forms.

Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team

5815 Live Oak Parkway, Suite D-2

Norcross, GA 30093

Phone: 678-248-7449
Fax: 678-248-7459

4

Fill out the three Katie Beckett forms

Three forms from the Department of Community Health make up the Katie Beckett application. Your child's doctor fills out the medical parts.

  • 1

    Pediatric DMA Form

    The main application. Captures your child's diagnosis, treating doctors, and care history.

  • 2

    Medical Necessity Level of Care Statement

    Your child's doctor signs this. It explains why your child needs hospital-level or nursing-facility-level care.

  • 3

    Cost Effectiveness Form

    Shows that caring for your child at home costs less than caring for them in a facility. For nearly every child, this passes easily.

The state has all three forms in English and Spanish. You can ask for them by phone, download them from medicaid.georgia.gov, or pick them up at a DFCS office.

5

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.

6

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:

Timeline

The Katie Beckett application process typically takes 45-90 days in Georgia. Having complete documentation ready can help speed up approval.

How long Katie Beckett takes

Most families wait 45 to 90 days from start to finish. Here is how that time breaks down.

Week 1 to 2 — Application review

The state checks if your application is complete. If something is missing, they will ask for it. Missing forms add weeks to your wait.

Week 3 to 8 — Medical evaluation

A nurse or doctor reviews your child's medical records. They want to see if your child needs the kind of care a hospital or nursing home would give.

Week 9 to 10 — Decision and approval letter

The state mails you a letter with the answer. If approved, your child has Medicaid right away. The approval lasts at least two years.

What speeds up your case

  • A full medical history from your child's main doctor
  • Notes from any specialists who treat your child
  • A current treatment plan
  • Records of daily care your child needs

What slows your case down

  • Missing or old medical records
  • No proof of daily care needs
  • Records that do not match what the doctor wrote
  • No SSI denial letter on file

Once Katie Beckett is approved, you can start the GAPP nursing process. See our GAPP approval timeline for how long GAPP takes after Medicaid is in place.

If you are denied

A denial is not the end. You have the right to ask the state to look at your case again. This is called an appeal.

Most denials come from one of three reasons

  • The state did not see enough medical proof
  • Your child's care needs were not clear in the records
  • The SSI denial letter was missing from your file

You have 30 days to act

From the date on your denial letter, you have 30 days to ask for a fair hearing. A fair hearing is the legal name for an appeal. You can ask by phone or in writing. The state will set a date for the hearing.

What helps on appeal

  • A letter from your child's doctor that spells out daily care needs
  • A log of how many hours of care your child gets each week
  • Records from any new doctor visits since you first applied

If you need help, the Georgia Advocacy Office and Parent to Parent of Georgia are both free. They know how Katie Beckett works and can guide you through the appeal.

For more on common denial reasons, see our guide to GAPP denials. Many of the same rules apply.

Renewing your child's Katie Beckett

Katie Beckett approval lasts at least two years. Some families get a longer approval based on how stable their child's needs are.

About 60 to 90 days before your approval ends, the state sends a renewal notice. Open it right away. The notice tells you what to do.

Renewal is not a full new application

The state wants updated medical records and a fresh medical evaluation. Your child's old approval stays in place while the renewal is being reviewed.

What ends your child's Katie Beckett

  • Missing the renewal window with no answer to the state
  • Your child going back to a hospital or nursing home for a long stay
  • Your child turning 18

If your child is close to 18, start planning for the next program early. GAPP nursing covers kids up to 21. Adult Medicaid waivers like ICWP or COMP may also fit your family.

What does Katie Beckett cover in Georgia?

Once your child is approved for Medicaid through Katie Beckett, they get the full range of Georgia Medicaid benefits. For families with medically fragile kids, this changes everything.

Here's what Katie Beckett Medicaid covers:

Doctor visits and specialists

Pediatricians, neurologists, pulmonologists, and any specialist your child needs. No referral hoops for Medicaid-enrolled providers.

Hospital stays

Inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency room visits, and surgeries.

Prescription medications

Covered prescriptions including specialty medications that private insurance often limits or denies.

Durable medical equipment

Wheelchairs, feeding pumps, oxygen equipment, suction machines, hospital beds, and other equipment your child uses daily.

Therapy services

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy. ABA therapy for autism is also covered with a written diagnosis and a prescription from your child's doctor.

Home nursing through GAPP

RN, LPN, and personal care services in your home. Private insurance rarely covers the hours medically fragile children actually need.

Mental health services

Counseling, psychiatric care, and ongoing behavioral support for kids who need it.

Behavioral health crisis services

Mobile crisis teams and short-term stabilization for kids in a behavioral health emergency. Separate from the routine mental health benefit.

Dental and orthodontia

Cleanings, fillings, and sedation dentistry for kids who cannot sit still. Braces are covered when a dentist writes a medical necessity letter showing why your child needs them.

Medical transportation

Non-emergency rides to and from appointments. One less thing to figure out on appointment days.

Katie Beckett + private insurance

Your child can have both Katie Beckett Medicaid and private insurance at the same time. Medicaid acts as secondary coverage and picks up what your private plan doesn't cover. Start by finding a GAPP provider to get in-home nursing set up.

Katie Beckett compared to other Georgia programs

Georgia has several Medicaid programs that help children with serious needs. Each one does something different. Here is how the four that matter for kids line up.

Katie Beckett (TEFRA)GAPPNOW WaiverCOMP Waiver
What it isA way to get MedicaidA nursing serviceDaily life supportsHeavy daily supports
Who it is forKids with serious medical needsKids who need home nursingKids and adults with IDDKids and adults with severe IDD
Age rangeUnder 18Under 21All agesAll ages
Family income testNoneNone (child must already have Medicaid)NoneNone
How to apply678-248-7449 or gateway.ga.govPick a GAPP provider; they apply for youSign up on the state DD waitlistSign up on the state DD waitlist
You choose the provider?N/AYesYesYes

How Katie Beckett and GAPP work together

Most Georgia families use Katie Beckett to get Medicaid. Then they sign up for GAPP to get home nursing care for their child.

Katie Beckett→Medicaid→GAPP nursing

NOW and COMP are different waivers run by the Georgia DD (Developmental Disabilities) office. They serve kids with mostly cognitive needs, not medical ones. Most families with medically fragile children use Katie Beckett plus GAPP, not the DD waivers.

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.

Find GAPP ProvidersGAPP Approval Guide

Katie Beckett Waiver Georgia: FAQs

What is the Katie Beckett waiver in Georgia?
The Katie Beckett waiver (also called TEFRA) is a Medicaid eligibility pathway in Georgia that allows children with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on their medical condition alone, regardless of family income. This means even families with higher incomes can get Medicaid coverage for their medically fragile child.
What are the Katie Beckett eligibility requirements in Georgia?
To qualify for Katie Beckett in Georgia, your child must be under 18 years old, have a disability or chronic medical condition, require care at an institutional level (hospital or nursing facility), be able to be safely cared for at home, and home care must cost less than institutional care.
Does family income affect Katie Beckett eligibility?
No. Unlike regular Medicaid, Katie Beckett determines eligibility based solely on the child's disability and care needs, not on family income or assets. This is one of the main benefits of the program.
How long does Katie Beckett approval take in Georgia?
The Katie Beckett application process in Georgia typically takes 45-90 days. Having complete medical documentation ready can speed up the process. Recent policy changes now authorize approvals for a minimum of two years.
What is the difference between Katie Beckett and GAPP?
Katie Beckett is a Medicaid eligibility pathway - it gets your child ON Medicaid. GAPP (Georgia Pediatric Program) is a service program that provides in-home nursing care. Many families use Katie Beckett to qualify for Medicaid, then use GAPP for nursing services.
Can my child have both Katie Beckett and GAPP?
Yes! They work together. Katie Beckett gets your child Medicaid coverage, and once on Medicaid, your child can receive GAPP services (in-home nursing and personal care) if medically necessary.
What conditions qualify for Katie Beckett in Georgia?
Qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, severe autism, traumatic brain injury, ventilator dependence, tracheostomy needs, feeding tube requirements, seizure disorders, genetic conditions, and other conditions requiring institutional-level care.
How do I apply for Katie Beckett in Georgia?
Contact the Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team at 678-248-7449. You'll need to gather medical documentation, complete the application, and your child will undergo a medical evaluation to confirm they need institutional-level care.
What if my Katie Beckett application is denied?
You have the right to appeal any denial. Common denial reasons include incomplete documentation or not meeting the institutional level of care requirement. You can request a fair hearing to appeal the decision.
What services does my child get with Katie Beckett Medicaid?
Once approved for Medicaid through Katie Beckett, your child has access to all Medicaid services including doctor visits, hospital care, medications, therapy services, medical equipment, and specialized programs like GAPP for in-home nursing.
What does Katie Beckett Medicaid cover that regular insurance might not?
Katie Beckett Medicaid covers the full range of Georgia Medicaid services: doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and feeding pumps, therapy services (PT, OT, speech), home nursing through GAPP, mental health services, dental, and medical transport. Private insurance rarely covers in-home nursing at the hours medically fragile children need. Katie Beckett Medicaid does.
What are the income limits for Katie Beckett in Georgia?
There are no family income limits for Katie Beckett. Only your child's own money is counted, and most kids have none. A family making $200,000 a year can still qualify if their child meets the medical rules.
How do I apply for Katie Beckett through gateway.ga.gov?
Go to gateway.ga.gov and start a Medicaid application. When asked, mark that the application is for a child with a disability. The system will route your case to the Katie Beckett team.
What is the new Katie Beckett online portal?
Georgia launched a Katie Beckett online portal on April 15, 2026. Families can apply, upload medical records, track status, and message their case worker through the portal. You can access it through medicaid.georgia.gov.
What forms do I need for the Katie Beckett application?
You need three forms from the Department of Community Health. They are the Pediatric DMA form, the Medical Necessity Level of Care Statement, and the Cost Effectiveness Form. Your child's doctor fills out the medical parts. The state can mail you the forms or you can download them from medicaid.georgia.gov.
How do I appeal a Katie Beckett denial in Georgia?
You have 30 days from the date of your denial letter to ask for a fair hearing. Call the Katie Beckett team at 678-248-7449 or send your request in writing. A doctor's letter spelling out your child's daily care needs gives the strongest appeal.
How does Katie Beckett renewal work?
Most approvals last at least two years. About 60 to 90 days before your approval ends, the state sends a renewal notice. You will need updated medical records and a new evaluation, but not a full new application.
What is the deeming waiver and how does it apply to Katie Beckett?
The deeming waiver is the rule that lets Katie Beckett ignore your family income. The state "deems" that only your child's own money counts toward the test. For most kids that is zero, so any family income level can qualify.
Does Katie Beckett cover ABA therapy for autism?
Yes. Once your child has Medicaid through Katie Beckett, ABA therapy is covered. Your child needs a written autism diagnosis and a prescription for ABA from a doctor or psychologist.
Does Katie Beckett cover dental work and braces?
Yes for basic dental care like cleanings, fillings, and sedation dentistry for kids who cannot sit still. Braces are covered when a dentist or orthodontist writes a medical necessity letter showing why your child needs them.
What happens when my child turns 18?
Katie Beckett ends on your child's 18th birthday. GAPP nursing continues until age 21. Before age 18, talk to the Katie Beckett team about adult Medicaid waivers like ICWP or COMP that may fit your family.
Where is the Katie Beckett office in Georgia?
The Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team is at 5815 Live Oak Parkway, Suite D-2, Norcross, GA 30093. The phone number is 678-248-7449.

Official Katie Beckett resources

For the most current eligibility rules and application forms, go directly to the state and federal sources:

To start an application, call the Georgia Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team at 678-248-7449.

Related Resources

GAPP Providers

Find verified providers in Georgia

GAPP Approval Guide

Step-by-step approval process

All Georgia Waivers

Compare GAPP, Katie Beckett & more

GAPP services explained

What RN, LPN, and PCS nurses do

How to apply for GAPP

Steps after Katie Beckett approval

What does GAPP stand for?

Plain-English program guide

Medically fragile children care

Care options for your child

Pediatric home nursing

In-home nursing in Georgia

Get paid as a caregiver

Family members as paid caregivers

Last updated: May 2026 (includes the April 15, 2026 online portal launch)

This information is for education only. It is not legal or medical advice. For official Katie Beckett eligibility information, contact the Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team at 678-248-7449.