Care for Medically Fragile Children in Georgia

A medically fragile child has complex medical needs that require ongoing skilled nursing care. This includes children with tracheostomies, ventilator dependence, feeding tubes, seizure disorders, or other conditions requiring regular medical intervention that goes beyond routine childcare.

Georgia offers several options: GAPP (Georgia Pediatric Program) for in-home skilled nursing, CTCC (Children's Transition Care Centers) for facility-based care, Katie Beckett waiver for Medicaid eligibility, and TEFRA for children who don't qualify for traditional Medicaid. Most families prefer GAPP for home-based care.

Children typically qualify if they require skilled nursing care that goes beyond normal childcare — things like trach care, ventilator management, G-tube feedings, complex medication administration, or continuous monitoring. A physician order documenting medical necessity is required.

Yes. Georgia Medicaid covers GAPP services 100% for eligible children. Even if your family income is too high for traditional Medicaid, programs like Katie Beckett and TEFRA can help your child qualify based on their medical needs alone.

Yes. The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) specifically provides in-home skilled nursing care. This allows children to stay with their families while receiving professional medical care from RNs, LPNs, and personal care aides.

Start by confirming your child has active Georgia Medicaid, then use our directory to find GAPP providers in your county. Look for agencies that offer the services your child needs (RN, LPN, or PCS) and are currently accepting new patients.

GAPP can provide up to 24-hour care for children with the highest medical needs, depending on the prior authorization approval. The number of hours approved depends on the child's documented medical necessity and physician orders.