A Parent’s Guide to GAPP: Unlocking Affordable Pediatric Home Health Care in Georgia

When your child has special medical needs, getting the right care at home shouldn’t depend on confusing insurance rules or overwhelming medical bills. Unfortunately, many parents quickly discover that private insurance comes with copays, denials, or strict limits, leaving families unsure how to manage.

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) was designed to take that burden away. By providing Medicaid-funded skilled nursing and personal care at no cost to families, GAPP ensures children can safely remain at home while getting the professional support they require.

Here’s what parents need to know about how GAPP works, who qualifies, and how it can change your child’s daily life.

Why GAPP Matters for Families

Without financial assistance, in-home nursing can cost hundreds of dollars a day—something most families simply cannot afford long-term. GAPP eliminates those expenses, making essential pediatric home health care accessible.

For parents, this means:

• Children receive professional medical support in the comfort of their home

• Families avoid overwhelming medical debt

• Parents can focus on being caregivers and advocates, not just bill-payers

Who Can Benefit from GAPP?

GAPP is open to children and teens in Georgia who:

• Are under 21 years old

• Have Medicaid coverage (or qualify through a medical waiver)

• Require ongoing skilled nursing care or personal care assistance

• Have medical documentation from a physician supporting their need

Even families who think their income might be too high for Medicaid should explore GAPP—waiver programs often make children eligible based on medical needs alone.

What Services Are Included in GAPP?

Every child’s care plan is different, but GAPP commonly covers:

• Nursing Support: tracheostomy care, ventilator management, seizure monitoring, medication administration

• Daily Living Assistance: feeding, bathing, dressing, mobility support

• Therapies: physical, occupational, and speech therapy, when ordered by a physician

• Medical Daycare Options: structured, nurse-supervised care outside the home for qualifying children

Because there are no copays, deductibles, or surprise bills, parents can focus on scheduling care that truly meets their child’s needs.

How the Application Process Works

Applying for GAPP involves paperwork, medical documentation, and patience. The typical steps include:

1. Medical Documentation – Your child’s doctor provides records proving the need for in-home skilled care.

2. Application Submission – Families or their care agency send forms and medical details to Georgia Medicaid.

3. Case Review – Medicaid evaluates eligibility and determines the number of nursing or care hours approved.

4. Approval or Appeal – Families receive notification of approval or, if denied, the right to appeal with additional documentation.

What If GAPP Is Denied?

It’s not uncommon for families to face a denial the first time they apply. The good news is that appeals often succeed—especially when supported by detailed physician notes, updated therapy evaluations, or advocacy from a care agency.

Persistence is key, and many families find success when working with experienced providers who know how to present strong documentation.

How Custom Living Care Helps Families Navigate GAPP

At Custom Living Care, we know the GAPP system inside and out. Our role is to:

• Explain eligibility so parents know what to expect

• Assist with applications and gather the right documentation

• Communicate with Medicaid to track progress

• Support appeals if services are denied

• Deliver high-quality care once approval is secured

By partnering with us, families can avoid paperwork roadblocks and focus on their child’s health.

Common Questions Parents Ask About GAPP

Is there a cost to enroll?
No, GAPP services are fully covered by Medicaid. Families never pay premiums or copays.

Can GAPP provide care at school or outside the home?
GAPP is primarily designed for home or medical daycare settings, but certain arrangements may be approved based on medical need.

Does GAPP provide 24-hour nursing?
Yes, if a physician documents the medical necessity, GAPP may approve round-the-clock skilled nursing.

How long does it take to get approved?
The timeline varies, but with complete documentation, families often see results within weeks.

Final Thoughts

For Georgia families, GAPP is more than just an insurance program—it’s a lifeline that ensures children with medical needs get consistent, compassionate care at home.

At Custom Living Care, we are committed to helping families navigate GAPP and providing expert pediatric home health care that puts children first.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the care your child deserves.