GAPP Program FAQ
Everything Georgia Families Must Know
For parents of medically fragile children in Georgia, understanding your options for in-home care is essential. The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid-funded program that helps families care for their children at home by providing nursing care and personal support services that can be fully covered by Medicaid.
What is the GAPP Program?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) offers in-home nursing and caregiving services for children under age 21 who have significant medical needs. It is administered by Georgia Medicaid and covers services that allow families to keep their children at home instead of in institutional care.
GAPP can provide:
Skilled nursing (RN or LPN)
Personal Support Services (PSS) such as bathing, dressing, feeding
Behavioral Therapy
Ongoing care coordination
Who is eligible for GAPP?
Children are typically eligible if they:
Are under age 21
Have complex medical needs requiring daily care
Are enrolled in Georgia Medicaid
Need help with activities like tube feeding, seizures, tracheostomy care, or mobility
See our full guide to GAPP eligibility →
Can a parent be paid to care for their own child with GAPP?
Yes, depending on the child’s diagnosis, care needs and Medicaid-approved hours. The Family Caregiver Option (FCO) is a meaningful way for parents whose children would otherwise need to be in a clinical setting to be able to continue to provide care while acting as a trained caregiver for their family. GAPP agencies educate family caregivers about the right procedures and make sure all of the care and paperwork runs smoothly. Parents become employed by the GAPP agency to care for their own child.
Learn more about how parents are paid to care for a disabled child here.
How do I apply for GAPP?
Applying for GAPP is a multi-step process that includes:
A physician referral and submission of a Plan of Treatment (PPOT)
Completion of medical paperwork, often with the help of your agency
A review by Medicaid to determine service approval and hours
A qualified GAPP provider like Miralta Home Care can guide you through every step at no cost.
Read our step-by-step guide to applying for GAPP →
How long does GAPP approval take?
Approval typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the full application and medical documentation are submitted. However, delays can occur if paperwork is incomplete or additional information is needed.
Can I receive both GAPP and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
Yes. GAPP is a Medicaid benefit, and it does not affect your child’s SSI eligibility or payment amount. Parents can even be paid caregivers under GAPP while continuing to receive SSI support for their child.
See our post on parent pay and SSI →
Does GAPP cover autism?
GAPP does not typically cover behavioral or developmental-only conditions, such as autism, unless the child also has physical health issues requiring skilled nursing or daily care.
For example:
✅ Covered: A child with autism and epilepsy requiring daily medication
❌ Not covered: A child with only behavioral therapy needs
More on which diagnoses and conditions are covered by GAPP in Georgia →
Do I need to pay anything to apply for GAPP?
No. There is no cost to apply, and your GAPP agency (like Miralta) should assist with the application and paperwork for free. All services are fully covered for families who qualify under Georgia Medicaid.
Am I required to commit to a long-term contract?
No. Families are not locked into long-term contracts. While some consistency is recommended for care coordination, you can switch providers or pause services if needed.
Can parents get paid to be caregivers under GAPP?
Yes. Through the PSS (Personal Support Services) portion of GAPP, parents, grandparents, or close relatives may be hired as paid caregivers for their own child — as long as the child is eligible and the family member passes background checks and training requirements.
Read more about the Parent Caregiver Option →
How are nursing hours determined?
A licensed physician completes a Plan of Treatment (PPOT) based on your child’s condition and daily care needs. Medicaid reviews this plan and approves a number of skilled nursing or caregiver hours per week.
Please note that you should be mistrustful of agencies claiming to be offering significantly more hours on an immediate basis. While reconsideration requests can be filed, these take time and must be coordinated between the family, doctor, agency and Medicaid team.
Learn more about how to work with your GAPP agency to determine the potential number of hours.
What conditions qualify a child for GAPP?
GAPP eligibility is based on the level of medical need, not just diagnosis. However, some common qualifying conditions include:
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Epilepsy/seizures
Tracheostomy or ventilator dependence
Tube feeding (G-tube or J-tube)
Severe mobility issues or wheelchair dependence
What’s the difference between GAPP and Katie Beckett?
GAPP provides in-home medical services for children already on Medicaid.
Katie Beckett is a Medicaid waiver that allows children with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid even if their parents earn too much.
Many families apply for both to maximize their child’s access to care.
Compare GAPP vs. Katie Beckett →
Can my child receive GAPP services and attend school?
Yes! GAPP services are often scheduled before or after school or on weekends. Some children even receive nursing during remote learning or summer breaks.
How do I choose a GAPP provider agency?
Look for an agency that:
Specializes in pediatric home care
Offers parent caregiver training
Has available nurses and caregivers in your area
Provides application support and follow-up
Why families choose Miralta Home Care →
What happens after GAPP is approved?
Once approved, your chosen agency will:
Develop a customized care plan
Assign nurses or caregivers based on your child’s schedule
Handle scheduling, payroll (if you're the caregiver), and compliance
Need Help Getting Started?
Miralta Home Care is here to help you every step of the way, from your first phone call to full approval and beyond. We assist with paperwork, assign qualified nurses and caregivers, and help parents get paid to care for their own child.
Call us today at 404-828-0175 or email us at info@miraltahomecare.com.
