What Is GAPP? The Georgia Pediatric Program Explained
What Is GAPP?
GAPP — the Georgia Pediatric Program — is a Georgia Medicaid program run by the Department of Community Health. It provides at-home skilled nursing and personal care services to medically fragile children under the age of 21, at no cost to the family. If your child needs ongoing medical care at home, GAPP may cover the nursing hours your family is already wishing for — so your child can be cared for safely at home instead of in a facility.
Who Qualifies for GAPP?
A child may qualify for GAPP when all of the following are true:
- Under 21 years old — GAPP is a pediatric program; eligibility ends at age 21.
- Enrolled in Georgia Medicaid — the child must have active Georgia Medicaid, or qualify for it through the Katie Beckett waiver described below.
- Medically fragile with a skilled need — the child has a medical condition that requires skilled nursing care or personal care services, documented by their doctor.
- Physician-ordered services — a physician must order the home care services as medically necessary.
If you're not sure whether your child's diagnosis counts, call us — this is the exact question we answer every day, and we'll tell you honestly where your family stands.
What Does GAPP Cover?
GAPP covers two kinds of in-home care, and many children receive both under one plan of care.
Skilled nursing (RN/LPN) — licensed nurses who handle the medical side of your child's care at home: tracheostomy and ventilator support, G-tube and NG-tube feedings, seizure monitoring, oxygen monitoring, wound care, and medication administration.
Personal care services — trained caregivers who help with the activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility, and toileting. Personal care hours are built around your child's plan of care, so the help shows up when your family actually needs it.
Both service types are provided in your home, and both are covered at no cost to your family.
Can a Parent Get Paid Through GAPP?
Yes. Through GAPP's Family Caregiver Option, an eligible parent can be hired, trained, and paid to provide their child's personal care hours. No nursing license is required — the agency provides the training, handles payroll and Medicaid billing, and stays responsible for compliance. Many of the families we serve choose this option because the person who knows their child best is already in the home.
What About Income? Does My Family Earn Too Much?
GAPP eligibility is based on medical necessity, not household income. A child who is medically eligible can qualify for Georgia Medicaid regardless of how much the family earns, through the Katie Beckett waiver (also called the Deeming waiver). This waiver 'deems' eligibility based on the child's medical needs rather than the parents' income — which means many middle-income families are surprised to learn their child qualifies. If your child doesn't have Medicaid yet, this waiver is usually the path, and we help families through it.
How to Apply for GAPP
Applications go through a Medicaid-approved GAPP nursing agency — like Recovery Path Healthcare. Here's how it works with us:
- Reach out. Fill out our intake form or call (404) 514-8711. We'll ask a few questions about your child and your current situation.
- We build the packet. We verify eligibility, work with your child's doctor to get the physician's orders, and assemble the complete GAPP application for you.
- Care begins after authorization. Once the state authorizes services, we match your child with nurses and caregivers and set the schedule.
You don't have to figure out the paperwork alone — handling the packet and the prior authorization is literally what we do.
GAPP Frequently Asked Questions
How much does GAPP cost families? Nothing. GAPP is a Georgia Medicaid program, so covered skilled nursing and personal care services come at no cost to the family. There are no copays for GAPP services.
How long does GAPP approval take? It varies from case to case depending on the completeness of the application and the state's review. A complete packet — with the physician's orders and supporting records in order — moves fastest. We assemble the packet for you and follow up with the state so nothing stalls.
Can I choose or switch my GAPP provider? Yes. Families have the right to choose their GAPP provider, and you can switch agencies if your current one isn't meeting your child's needs. If you're with another agency now, we can take it from there.
Does my child need a Medicaid ID before applying? In most cases the child must be enrolled in Georgia Medicaid for services to be authorized. If your child isn't enrolled yet, the Katie Beckett waiver may establish eligibility based on medical need regardless of family income — ask us and we'll walk you through it.
Does GAPP cover care at school? GAPP is a home-based program — it covers skilled nursing and personal care in the home. Nursing support during school hours is handled through separate school-based arrangements, not through GAPP.
What happens when my child turns 21? GAPP eligibility ends at age 21. Before that birthday, families transition to adult home-care programs. We help our families plan that transition early so there is no gap in care.