Overview
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), offered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), provides essential support for medically fragile children, under 21 years old, provided at no cost to the patient. If your child requires skilled nursing care or personal care assistance at home due to medical needs, GAPP can help.
Eligibility
To qualify for GAPP:
- Eligibility: Your child must already be a Medicaid recipient.
- Age Requirement: Under 21 years of age.
- Medical Need: Medically fragile and in need of skilled nursing or personal care support.
- Physician-Ordered Services: Must currently be receiving services ordered by a physician.
Why Choose GAPP?
- In-Home Care: Receive medically necessary services in the comfort of your own home.
- Skilled Professionals: Access to qualified nursing staff and personal care support.
- Personalized Care: Tailored care plans to meet your child's unique medical needs.
How to Apply
All services require prior authorization. Applications must be submitted through a Medicaid-approved GAPP Nursing Agency. We can guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
GAPP is a Medicaid program offered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) that provides at-home skilled nursing and personal care services to medically fragile children under the age of 21, at no cost to the family.
Who is eligible for GAPP?
To qualify, your child must be under 21, be an active Georgia Medicaid recipient, be medically fragile and in need of skilled nursing or personal care support, and be receiving services ordered by a physician.
How much does GAPP cost?
There is no cost to families. All GAPP services are fully covered by Georgia Medicaid for children who qualify.
What services does GAPP cover?
GAPP covers skilled nursing care and personal care support delivered in the home by qualified professionals, under a care plan tailored to your child’s medical needs.
Can a parent get paid to care for their own child?
In limited cases, yes. Through GAPP’s Family Caregiver Option, a parent can be hired and paid for personal support hours, but only if the child qualifies for GAPP (Georgia Medicaid plus medically necessary care). It does not cover skilled nursing or behavioral health aide services, and foster parents are not eligible. For children with autism, Down syndrome, or behavioral needs who do not have those medical needs, the programs to look into are Georgia’s NOW and COMP waivers, where a parent of a minor generally cannot be paid and there is a long waiting list. If you’re not sure where your child fits, fill out the referral form and we’ll help you find out.
How do I apply for GAPP?
Applications must be submitted through a Medicaid-approved GAPP Nursing Agency, and all services require prior authorization. You can get started by filling out the referral form on this page — we will guide you through the rest.
Does my child need a Medicaid ID to apply?
Yes — your child must already be enrolled in Georgia Medicaid. If you don’t have the Medicaid ID handy when you submit the referral form, you can check the "provide later" option and share it when our team follows up.
What counts as "medically fragile"?
A medically fragile child typically requires ongoing skilled nursing interventions or technology-dependent care due to a chronic or complex medical condition. A physician’s orders determine medical necessity for GAPP services.
How long does GAPP coverage last?
GAPP services are reauthorized periodically based on your child’s continued medical need and age eligibility (under 21). Your nursing agency will help coordinate reauthorizations so coverage continues without interruption.