The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP): How Families Can Access Free, High-Quality In-Home Pediatric Care

Raising a child with complex medical needs comes with both emotional and financial challenges. Between doctor visits, therapy sessions, and equipment costs, many families worry about how to afford the care their child requires. What many parents in Georgia don’t realize is that help is already available — through the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP).

GAPP is a Medicaid-funded program that provides free, in-home skilled nursing and personal care for children with significant medical conditions. This essential program helps families avoid overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses while giving children the opportunity to receive compassionate, professional care in the comfort of their own homes.

In this guide, we’ll explore how GAPP works, who qualifies, what services it covers, and how Custom Living Care helps families access benefits quickly and confidently.

What Is GAPP and How Does It Work?

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) was created to ensure that children with serious medical conditions can receive the care they need outside of a hospital setting. Funded entirely through Georgia Medicaid, GAPP covers the cost of home nursing or medical daycare for eligible children under 21 years old.

The program pays for 100% of approved services — meaning no copays, premiums, or out-of-pocket costs. Families receive skilled nursing, therapy, or personal care based on the child’s medical needs, as determined by a doctor’s recommendation and Medicaid’s clinical review.

Why GAPP Matters for Georgia Families

Many private insurance plans place strict limits on in-home nursing hours or charge steep copays, which can quickly add up. GAPP removes those barriers completely.

Through GAPP, families can:

• Access full-time or part-time nursing care based on medical necessity
• Avoid costly out-of-pocket fees for skilled nursing and therapy
• Keep their child safe and comfortable at home, surrounded by family
• Receive coordinated support from qualified pediatric care professionals

For medically fragile children — such as those with tracheostomies, ventilators, or G-tubes — GAPP can make the difference between hospitalization and a stable, supported home life.

Who Qualifies for GAPP Services?

Eligibility for GAPP is based on both medical need and Medicaid participation. A child may qualify if they:

• Are under the age of 21
• Have Medicaid coverage or qualify through a medical waiver
• Have a physician-documented need for skilled nursing or personal care
• Require daily or ongoing care that can safely be provided at home

Even if a family’s income exceeds typical Medicaid limits, Georgia’s Katie Beckett Waiver can help children qualify for GAPP based on medical necessity rather than family income.

What Services Does GAPP Cover?

GAPP covers a wide range of services designed to meet the medical, developmental, and daily living needs of children with complex conditions. These may include:

• Skilled Nursing Care: tracheostomy and ventilator management, medication administration, wound care, and seizure monitoring
• Personal Care Support: help with dressing, bathing, feeding, and mobility
• Therapy Services: physical, occupational, and speech therapy when ordered by a physician
• Medical Daycare Options: for children who need care during the day in a supervised medical setting

Every care plan under GAPP is customized based on the child’s condition and doctor’s recommendations.

The GAPP Application Process

Applying for GAPP can feel complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s what parents can expect:

• Consultation and Evaluation – A physician documents your child’s medical needs and recommends in-home nursing or personal care.
• Application Submission – Families, often with help from a home health agency, submit medical documentation to Georgia Medicaid.
• Clinical Review – Medicaid reviews the information to confirm eligibility and determine the number of care hours approved.
• Approval or Appeal – If approved, services begin right away. If denied, families can submit an appeal with additional medical evidence.

With the assistance of a knowledgeable provider like Custom Living Care, families can ensure their application is complete and avoid unnecessary delays.

What If My GAPP Application Is Denied?

A denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. Many denials are simply due to missing information or unclear documentation. Families have the right to appeal, and with strong medical evidence — such as updated physician notes or therapy reports — approvals are often granted on appeal.

Custom Living Care assists families with appeal preparation and follow-up, ensuring every eligible child receives the benefits they deserve.

How GAPP Saves Families Money

Without GAPP, pediatric in-home nursing can cost between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the child’s needs. For families requiring daily or round-the-clock support, those costs can exceed $20,000 a month.

GAPP completely eliminates these expenses, covering all authorized services through Medicaid. Parents no longer have to choose between financial stability and their child’s care — they can have both.

How Custom Living Care Supports Families Through GAPP

At Custom Living Care, we specialize in helping families navigate Georgia’s pediatric programs and Medicaid systems. Our team of licensed professionals provides:

• Eligibility screening to determine GAPP qualification
• Application assistance and document preparation
• Coordination with physicians for medical necessity statements
• Follow-up with Medicaid reviewers for faster approval
• Compassionate, high-quality in-home nursing and therapy services once approved

We understand how overwhelming the process can feel, and we’re here to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About GAPP

Is there a cost to enroll in GAPP? No. GAPP services are completely free for eligible families — there are no premiums, copays, or service fees.

Can GAPP provide 24-hour nursing care? Yes. If a doctor certifies that 24-hour skilled nursing is medically necessary, GAPP can authorize full-time care.

How long does approval take? Processing times vary, but most families receive a decision within several weeks once all documentation is submitted.

What if my child doesn’t have Medicaid yet? Custom Living Care can help families apply for Medicaid or determine eligibility through the Katie Beckett Waiver, which often allows children to qualify based on medical need.

The Bottom Line

For Georgia families raising children with medical complexities, the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is more than a benefit — it’s a lifeline. It ensures every eligible child receives the care they need at home, surrounded by family, without creating a financial burden.

With the help of Custom Living Care, parents can navigate the system with confidence, secure approval, and provide their child with consistent, compassionate, and professional care.

Contact Custom Living Care today for a free consultation to learn how GAPP can make in-home pediatric care affordable and accessible for your family.