How to Switch GAPP Agencies

Learn how to switch to a reliable provider without disrupting your child’s care

Many families with medically fragile children enrolled in the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) program don’t realize they have a choice in home care providers, or that switching agencies is allowed and often easy. In fact, it is every home care provider’s responsibility to educate their patients about agency choice, and, if necessary, how to switch.

Whether you're feeling unheard, unsupported, or simply outgrowing your current agency, changing GAPP providers is perfectly ok and doesn’t have to mean interrupting your child’s care. In this article, we'll walk through how to make a smooth transition while protecting your child’s services and eligibility, and how to find a provider that truly meets your needs.

Why Families Consider Switching GAPP Providers

There are many valid reasons families choose to move to a new agency. Common ones include:

• Lack of communication or responsiveness from current agency

• Frequent caregiver turnover or scheduling issues in their family’s location

• Wanting to switch to a provider that supports paid parent caregivers

• Looking for more supportive intake or advocacy services

• Learning about better-fit agencies through parent networks or community groups

Whatever your reason, you have the right to work with the provider that best serves your child.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch GAPP Agencies in Georgia

The process to change your GAPP provider is simple and doesn’t require canceling your child’s services.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your New Provider

Start by identifying a new agency that better aligns with your family’s needs. You can research new agencies in several key ways. For example, you could check the DCH website’s list of approved private home care providers, or check the Medicaid information system’s GAPP manual. Of course, you can also ask your doctor, search on Google or your local disability support group on Facebook. For example, you could search “GAPP Program Provider”.

Ask about:

• Nurse availability in your area

• Intake support and GAPP paperwork assistance

• Family communication and caregiver training

• Support for parents as caregivers (if relevant)

You can also research providers with AI, such as by asking ChatGPT or Gemini.

2. Fill Out a GAPP Transfer Request

Once you've selected a new provider, they'll send you a standard GAPP transfer form (Appendix R) to complete and sign.

This form notifies the state of your intent to transfer agencies, so you don't need to contact your old provider directly if you prefer not to.

Before you sign any new paperwork, be sure you have asked your new potential agency any important questions about your child’s care, and understand whether they will be a good fit.

3. Your New Provider Submits the Form

Your new agency will file the request with the GAPP program office, usually through the GAMMIS system. GAPP doesn’t require families to stop services or reapply from scratch. Instead, they will arrange it so that the new agency is approved to begin care on a particular date in the future, upon which services from the old/current agency will end.

4. Start Services with the New Agency

Your new agency will confirm the start date for care. In most cases, there’s no gap in service at all, and your child continues to receive approved hours seamlessly.

Will My Child Lose Their GAPP Services?

No. As long as your child remains medically eligible and your new provider submits everything properly, your GAPP services will continue. There’s no need to re-apply or requalify until the child’s renewal date (typically 6-12 months after admission and every 6-12 months thereafter).

Your child’s existing prior authorization (PA) remains valid until it’s time for a new submission, which your new agency will handle.

How to Make the Best Choice When Selecting a GAPP Provider

Here are some questions to ask as you evaluate a new GAPP agency:

• Do they offer both Skilled Nursing (LPN/RN) and Personal Support Services (PSS)?

• Do they allow and support parent caregivers under PSS?

• How do they communicate with families? Do they offer text/email updates?

• Will I have a consistent caregiver or nurse assigned to my case?

• Do they help with GAPP paperwork and renewals?

• What are their caregiver rates and how do they select caregivers?

At Miralta Home Care, we’re proud to offer:

• Transparent, family-centered care

• Skilled, consistent nurses and caregivers

• Full support for parent caregivers

• Expert help with every GAPP step

• A focus on medically fragile children across Georgia

💬 Common Questions About Switching GAPP Providers

Q: Do I need to notify my current agency?
No, your new agency can handle the transfer paperwork on your behalf.

Q: Will there be a gap in my child’s services?
Usually not. The new agency will coordinate the start date and ensure continuity of care.

Q: Can I switch agencies more than once?
Yes, as long as your child remains eligible and you’re working with licensed GAPP providers.

Q: What if my current agency tells me I can’t switch?
This is not true. Parents always have the right to choose their provider. Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Ready to Make a Change?

If you're considering switching GAPP providers, we're here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Miralta Home Care specializes in supporting Georgia families like yours, with free help getting started and no fees for GAPP services.

Call us today or fill out our simple form to learn how we can support your child with compassionate, consistent, in-home care.