GAPP Eligibility
Could Your Child Qualify For GAPP? Find Out In 60 Seconds
Answer five quick yes or no questions to see if your child may be a fit for in home nursing through the Georgia Pediatric Program.
Enrolled
GAPP Provider
College Park
Georgia
0-21
Ages GAPP covers
Step 1
Take The Eligibility Quiz
This quiz gives a quick first read, not a decision. Only the state can approve GAPP services. If you are unsure, pick the closest answer and our intake team will help on a call.
0 of 5 questions answered
Your possible results
You May Qualify For GAPP
Your answers match the main GAPP criteria. The state makes the final decision. Contact our intake team to start.
Try The Katie Beckett Route
Without Medicaid, many children reach GAPP through Katie Beckett. Read our Katie Beckett guide.
Medical Need Comes First
GAPP needs a documented need for skilled or hands on care. Ask your child’s doctor if their needs meet this standard.
Georgia, Ages 0-21 Only
GAPP may not be the right program. Contact Georgia Medicaid or your child’s doctor about other options.
Questions about your result? Call 404-905-8332 to talk it through with our team.
The Rules
The Four GAPP Criteria In Plain Language
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Georgia Medicaid program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), that provides in home skilled nursing and personal care support for medically fragile children ages 0-21. To be considered, a child generally needs all four of the following.
Each point is checked when the prior authorization request is reviewed, so it helps to understand them before you start.
01
Lives In Georgia
Your child must be a Georgia resident. Families in every county can apply.
02
Within The Age Range
Babies, children, teens and young adults up to the program age limit qualify.
03
Medical Necessity
A doctor documents a need for skilled nursing or hands on daily care at home.
04
Medicaid Eligible
Your child has Georgia Medicaid directly or through the Katie Beckett pathway.
Coverage
No Medicaid? The Katie Beckett Route
Many families assume their income rules them out. The Katie Beckett (TEFRA) pathway looks at your child’s own income and resources, not the parents’, so many children in working families can still become Medicaid eligible.
If your child has private insurance, you can still apply. Medicaid can act as secondary coverage. Approved hours carry no out of pocket cost when approved by Georgia Medicaid.
The Katie Beckett application is separate from the GAPP request. Many families work on both at the same time so care is not delayed. Our team can explain the order of steps and which forms usually come first.
Diagnoses
Conditions That Often Qualify
No diagnosis qualifies on its own. What matters is the level of care your child needs each day, as documented by your child’s doctor. Two children with the same diagnosis can have very different needs. These groups are common among GAPP families.
01
Neurological
Cerebral palsy
Brain injury
Seizure disorders
Hydrocephalus
02
Genetic
Down syndrome
Angelman syndrome
Rett syndrome
Rare genetic conditions
03
Physical
Muscular dystrophy
Spina bifida
Paralysis
Wheelchair users
04
Technology Dependent
Trach or ventilator
Feeding tubes
Central lines
Medical equipment
Next Step
What You Need To Apply
You do not need a full file to make the first call. Gather what you can and our team helps with the rest, including physician orders and the prior authorization packet sent through an enrolled GAPP agency.
If something is missing, that is normal. We contact your child’s doctor for orders and records with your permission and tell you clearly what is still needed.
- Your child's diagnosis information
- A current medication list
- Your doctor's name and contact details
- Medicaid or insurance cards
- Recent medical records, helpful but not required
After The Quiz
What Happens After You Call
Here is how a typical start looks once you reach out to SLB In-Home Care.
1
Intake Conversation
We ask about diagnosis, daily care needs, insurance and doctors, and answer your GAPP questions.
2
Records And Orders
We gather physician orders and medical records, and help you complete the forms the state asks for.
3
Prior Authorization
We prepare and submit the GAPP prior authorization request, track it and keep you updated during review.
4
Nurse Matching
Once hours are approved, you help choose your nurse and we build a schedule, including overnight or respite.
Common Questions
Questions About GAPP Eligibility
Does a good quiz result mean my child is approved?
No. The quiz is a first check. The state makes the final decision after reviewing your child’s records and physician orders.
Who decides how many hours my child gets?
The state approves hours based on documented need. Hours are reviewed periodically, and you can request an update when needs change.
Can my child qualify if we earn too much for Medicaid?
Often, yes. See the Katie Beckett section above, or call us and we will walk through your situation.
My child's condition is not listed. Should I still apply?
Yes. Eligibility depends on care needs, not a list of diagnoses. Talk to your child’s doctor and give us a call.
How long does the process take?
Intake happens in the first week, paperwork and physician orders over roughly the next two weeks, and the state’s review usually takes up to about 30 days after a complete packet. Most families start care about 30 to 60 days after the first call. We cannot promise a date.
What if GAPP is denied?
We help families understand the decision and can help with an appeal when it makes sense.
Can we switch to SLB if we already have a GAPP agency?
Yes. Families choose their GAPP provider and may switch agencies. See how to switch GAPP providers.
Does GAPP cover care at school or daycare?
Care can often continue at school or daycare when it is part of the approved plan. Ask us how this works for your child’s schedule.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 911. GAPP nursing is planned home care and does not replace emergency services.
Get Started Today
Talk To Our Intake Team
Call 404-905-8332, Mon to Fri 7am-7pm and Sat and Sun 11am-5pm, or send a message any time through 24/7 online support.