No Cost Services offered by GAPP for Medically Fragile Children

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid program that provides services to medically fragile children under the age of 21 in need of skilled nursing care and personal care support in their homes and in the community. Services are approved based on the child’s medical needs, and families who are eligible for Medicaid can apply for GAPP at any time.

Unlike waiver programs, GAPP has no waiting list and allows for immediate care once approval is received. GAPP covers both skilled nursing (such as G-tube care or trach management) and personal care (such as bathing, grooming, and feeding support).

To qualify, your child must:

• Be under 21 years old

• Have a medical diagnosis or condition requiring support

• Be covered by Georgia Medicaid

Parents exceeding the Medicaid income requirements should consider the Katie Beckett Waiver.

What is the Katie Beckett Waiver?

The Katie Beckett Waiver, or Deeming Waiver, is an eligibility Medicaid category for children under the age of 18. The Katie Beckett Waiver takes parents’ income out of the picture and bases the decision on the child’s needs. If the child qualifies for the Katie Beckett Waiver, they become eligible for services available under the regular state Medicaid plan.

No Cost Services offered by GAPP for Medically Fragile Children

GAPP provides a wide range of skilled nursing services tailored to the specific needs of each child. These services are administered by licensed healthcare professionals and may include:

• Ventilator and Respiratory Support: Management of ventilator-dependent care, including CPAP and BiPAP therapies, tracheostomy care, suctioning, and respiratory treatments.

• Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Support: Administration of tube feedings, care for gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes), and management of colostomy and ileostomy needs.

• Medication and Infusion Therapies: Administration of medications, including intravenous (IV) therapies and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

• Monitoring and Vital Signs Assessment: Regular monitoring of vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature to track the child’s health status.

• Wound and Skin Care: Provision of wound care services to promote healing and prevent infections.

• Neurological and Chronic Condition Management: Support for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, muscular dystrophy, and other neurological impairments.

• Paralysis and Mobility Assistance: Assistance with mobility for children who are wheelchair-dependent or have paralysis, ensuring safe transfers and positioning.

These services are part of a personalized care plan developed in collaboration with your child’s physician and family, ensuring that the care provided aligns with your child’s medical needs and family preferences.

GAPP's personal care assistance services are non-medical supports designed to help children with functional or developmental limitations maintain comfort, safety, and dignity at home. These services typically include:

• Bathing and Hygiene Support: Assisting with bathing, grooming, and dressing.

• Feeding Assistance: Helping with meals, including preparation and feeding.

• Mobility and Transfers: Assisting with movement around the home and transfers between bed, chair, or wheelchair.

• Incontinence and Toileting Care: Providing support with toileting needs and managing incontinence.

• Light Housekeeping: Performing tasks like changing bed linens and maintaining a clean environment.

• Companionship and Emotional Support: Engaging in activities and providing social interaction to promote emotional well-being.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Observing the child’s condition and reporting any changes to healthcare professionals.

These services are tailored to each child’s specific needs and are delivered by trained caregivers, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Personal Care Aides (PCAs), under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Personal Care Support

Skilled Nursing Support

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100% Covered by Medicaid | Certified Pediatric Nurses | Personalized Care Plans

STEP 1

Contact Us

Let's discuss your child’s needs. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Free Consultation & Assessment

Our specialists will discuss your child’s medical needs and verify eligibility for the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP).

Begin Personalized Care

Once approved, our experienced pediatric nurses will start providing compassionate, in-home care that supports both your child and your family.

Step 2

Step 3

The application process involves an assessment of the child’s needs and the development of a personalized care plan. Once approved, services typically commence within 30 to 60 days.

GAPP Approval Process

Navigating Medicaid and insurance can feel overwhelming, but we take care of all the paperwork for you! Our team ensures your child gets the care they need without the financial burden—because every family deserves access to exceptional in-home healthcare. Here's what you can expect as we work with you through the process:

• A referral from your child's doctor is required

• Our compassionate home care coordinator will come out to your home to complete your initial consultation.

• We will submit the required documentation is submitted to GAPP for approval.

• The GAPP decision team will determine your child's eligibility.

• We will work with you to begin the In-home medical/personal care support for your child (within 30-60 days of initial application).

Medicaid & Insurance - No Cost to Families

• We Accept Medicaid & Most Private Insurance Plans

• No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Families Who Qualify

• We Help with the GAPP Application Process