When a child requires medical care at home, families are often faced with a heartbreaking combination of emotional stress and financial uncertainty. Many parents wonder how they’ll afford the skilled nursing, therapies, or daily care their child needs — and that’s where the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) can make all the difference.
Funded by Georgia Medicaid, GAPP provides free in-home pediatric nursing and personal care for medically fragile children under 21. This program helps families avoid the overwhelming costs of long-term hospital stays or private nursing, ensuring that children receive high-quality care where they feel safest — at home.
This guide explains what GAPP covers, who qualifies, how to apply, and how partnering with an experienced provider like Custom Living Care can make the process simple and stress-free.
What Is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program, or GAPP, is a Medicaid-funded initiative that allows eligible children to receive skilled nursing or personal care in their home or a medical daycare setting.
The goal is simple: to keep children with complex medical needs safe, comfortable, and cared for — without placing the financial burden on their families.
GAPP covers 100% of approved services, meaning there are no copays, no premiums, and no out-of-pocket costs for parents.
Who Qualifies for GAPP Services?
Children may qualify for GAPP if they meet these criteria:
- Under 21 years of age
- Medicaid-eligible or qualify through a medical waiver
- Have a physician-verified medical necessity for ongoing skilled care
- Require care that can be safely provided at home
If a child has conditions such as ventilator dependence, tracheostomy, G-tube feeding, or other complex medical needs, they may be an ideal candidate for GAPP.
Even families who believe their income is too high for Medicaid should still explore this program — many children qualify based on their medical condition, not parental income.
What Does GAPP Cover?
GAPP provides a wide range of home health services to support children’s medical and developmental needs, including:
- Skilled Nursing Care: medication management, ventilator monitoring, tracheostomy and G-tube care
- Personal Care Assistance: help with bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility
- Therapies: physical, occupational, or speech therapy when prescribed by a physician
- Medical Daycare: supervised care in a structured medical setting for eligible children
Because the program is funded through Medicaid, families never receive bills for approved services — regardless of how many hours of care their child requires.
How GAPP Helps Families Save
Without GAPP, pediatric home nursing can cost $50–$150 per hour, depending on the provider and care level. For children needing around-the-clock support, that can mean tens of thousands of dollars each month — a cost most families can’t sustain.
With GAPP, those services are covered in full. Families no longer need to choose between quality care and financial stability. The result is consistent, professional in-home care that supports both the child’s health and the family’s peace of mind.
The GAPP Application Process: Step by Step
The GAPP application process involves several stages, but with guidance, it becomes much easier to navigate. Here’s how it typically works:
- Medical Assessment: Your child’s physician provides documentation showing that in-home nursing is medically necessary.
- Application Submission: Families or their chosen care provider submit forms and supporting records to Georgia Medicaid.
- Clinical Review: Medicaid reviews the child’s needs and approves a plan of care with a set number of service hours.
- Approval or Appeal: If approved, services can begin right away. If denied, families have the right to appeal the decision.
Working with an experienced agency like Custom Living Care helps ensure applications are complete, accurate, and processed as efficiently as possible.
What If a GAPP Application Is Denied?
Denials can happen, often because of missing paperwork or unclear documentation. Families should never stop at the first “no.” Submitting additional physician notes, therapy evaluations, and letters of medical necessity often leads to approval.
Custom Living Care helps families prepare appeals and communicate directly with Medicaid to resolve issues quickly.
How Custom Living Care Simplifies GAPP for Families
At Custom Living Care, we specialize in helping Georgia families understand and access GAPP benefits. Our team of licensed nurses, care coordinators, and Medicaid specialists offers hands-on support from start to finish.
Here’s what we do:
- Evaluate your child’s eligibility and guide you through the application
- Collaborate with your child’s doctor to document medical necessity
- Handle paperwork and follow up with Medicaid reviewers
- Support appeals if services are denied or reduced
- Deliver exceptional in-home pediatric care once approved
With our help, families can focus less on forms and more on what truly matters — their child’s comfort, safety, and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About GAPP
Do families have to pay anything for GAPP services? No. GAPP is fully funded through Medicaid, so there are no copays, deductibles, or premiums.
Can GAPP cover 24-hour nursing care? Yes. If a physician documents that 24-hour skilled nursing is medically necessary, GAPP can cover it.
How long does approval take? Approval timelines vary, but with accurate documentation, many families receive confirmation within a few weeks.
What if my child doesn’t have Medicaid yet? Custom Living Care can help families apply for Medicaid and determine if their child qualifies for special waivers to access GAPP benefits.
Why GAPP Is a Lifeline for Georgia Families
GAPP doesn’t just reduce medical costs — it transforms family life. Children receive skilled, compassionate care at home, while parents gain confidence knowing their child’s needs are met by qualified professionals.
With no financial barriers, flexible care plans, and full Medicaid support, GAPP makes it possible for families to focus on their child’s well-being, not their bills.
Contact Custom Living Care Today
If your child requires ongoing medical attention at home, you don’t have to face the system alone. The experts at Custom Living Care are here to help you every step of the way — from confirming eligibility and completing applications to providing compassionate in-home care once approved.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how GAPP can help your child receive the care they need and deserve.
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