Free Healthcare Programs for Children in Georgia

Medicaid Healthcare Programs for Babies & Toddlers with Disabilities

What Parents Need to Know About GAPP, Katie Beckett, and Early Intervention Support

Raising a child with complex medical needs comes with enough challenges, affording quality care shouldn’t be one of them. Thankfully, Georgia offers free and low-cost community healthcare programs designed to support families of medically fragile infants and toddlers. Whether your child needs in-home nursing, therapy, or early developmental support, several public programs exist to help you access the services you need at no cost.

This article explores the top resources available to Georgia families, including the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), Katie Beckett Medicaid, and Babies Can’t Wait, and how to apply.

What Is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) provides free in-home nursing care and personal care support to eligible children under 21 with complex medical needs. For infants and toddlers under 4, GAPP primarily offers skilled nursing services, which can include:

• Medication administration

• Tube feeding

• Seizure monitoring

• Tracheostomy care

• Monitoring for chronic conditions like cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, or prematurity-related issues

💡 GAPP services are fully covered by Medicaid. If your child qualifies, there is no out-of-pocket cost to your family.

Does GAPP Cover Babies and Toddlers?

Yes, but there are a few key things to know:

• Personal support services (PSS) through GAPP begin at age 5. Before that, only nursing services are typically approved.

• Babies may qualify for GAPP if they have a medical condition requiring skilled care, such as:

  • Seizures or epilepsy

  • Gastrostomy (G-tube) or feeding support

  • Respiratory complications

  • Developmental delays requiring monitoring

  • Diagnoses like cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes, or traumatic birth complications

📍 In-home care can be provided only in the child’s residence.

To get started:

1. Ensure your child has Medicaid (either standard or Katie Beckett).

2. Contact a home care agency like Miralta Home Care to begin the paperwork.

3. Your doctor will need to fill out several medical forms, including the DMA-6 and DMA-87, outlining your child’s care needs.

4. Your agency will submit the full packet to GAPP for approval.

⏳ How long does it take? Approval typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on how quickly forms are completed and submitted.

What Is Katie Beckett Medicaid?

If your child doesn't qualify for standard Medicaid based on income, Katie Beckett Medicaid is a lifeline for many families.

This waiver allows children with significant medical needs to qualify for Medicaid based on their disability, not their parents’ income. It’s often used in combination with GAPP to access in-home nursing services or therapy.

Pro tip: If your child has a diagnosis and requires ongoing care or medical devices, you may be eligible. There is no cost to apply, and many families receive full Medicaid benefits.

What Is Babies Can’t Wait?

Babies Can’t Wait is Georgia’s early intervention program for children under 3 years old with developmental delays or medical conditions.

Services may include:

• Physical therapy

• Speech therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Developmental specialists

Unlike GAPP, Babies Can’t Wait focuses on development, helping your child reach key milestones and get connected to therapy early.

You can apply through the Babies Can’t Wait website or ask your pediatrician for a referral.

Is It Really Free?

Yes! The programs above, GAPP, Katie Beckett, and Babies Can’t Wait, are all part of Georgia’s publicly funded health and disability support system. While there may be paperwork involved, there is no cost to apply or receive services if your child is approved.

In fact, many families also qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which can be received in tandem with GAPP or Katie Beckett.

Why Starting Early Matters

Even if your baby or toddler doesn’t yet qualify for personal care services, beginning the process early allows you to:

• Build a care plan with your pediatrician

• Secure home nursing if needed

• Transition smoothly into preschool or special education

• Get help from programs like SSI or Babies Can’t Wait

Many of these services are underutilized, especially in families who aren’t aware that children with autism, cerebral palsy, feeding tubes, seizures, or global developmental delays may qualify.

How Miralta Home Care Can Help

At Miralta Home Care, we specialize in helping families navigate Georgia’s complex healthcare programs. Our team can:

• Help you apply for GAPP and handle all of the paperwork

• Connect you to therapy and community resources

• Provide loving, experienced nurses and caregivers in your home

• Advocate for your child’s needs, at no cost to you

Whether you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Questions We Hear from Parents

• Can I get GAPP and Katie Beckett at the same time?
  Yes, many families use Katie Beckett to gain Medicaid access and then apply for GAPP services.

• Can I receive both SSI and GAPP?
  Yes, and having SSI often makes the Medicaid process even smoother.

• Does GAPP cover autism?
  Autism usually does not qualify on its own. If your child requires skilled care, such as feeding support or complex medication administration for another condition, that is fine - many of our patients are on the spectrum.

• Do I need to pay anything to apply?
  No. Applications are free and there is no cost for services once approved. Some parents choose to hire a consultant to help with Katie Beckett applications.

• Am I required to commit to a long-term contract?
  No, you can choose to change providers or adjust your child’s services at any time.