Printable Family Resource
Your GAPP Eligibility Checklist
Work through these six areas at your kitchen table, print the page, and bring it to your first call with our intake team.
Printable Checklist
Six areas to review
0-21
Ages GAPP covers
01 / Before You Start
How To Use This Checklist
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. This checklist helps you see where your child stands before you apply. It is a planning tool, not an approval.
Print it, check each box that applies, and write notes in the margins about anything you are unsure of.
02 / Section 1
Residency, Age And Coverage
These are the starting points. If any box here is unchecked, call us anyway, because some answers can change, for example once a Medicaid application is approved.
- My child lives in Georgia.
- My child is between ages 0-21.
- My child has Georgia Medicaid, or we plan to apply.
- If our household income is too high for regular Medicaid, we have looked into the Katie Beckett (TEFRA) pathway, which looks at the child's own income and resources instead of the parents'.
- I have my child's Medicaid ID number, or the application confirmation, ready to share.
03 / Section 2
Diagnosis And Physician Documentation
Eligibility is based on medical necessity documented by your child’s physician. This is the part of the packet that matters most, so gather what you can now.
- My child has a diagnosed medical condition, written in their records.
- My child's doctor knows we are applying for in-home care and supports it.
- The doctor can sign orders that describe the care my child needs at home.
- I can request recent visit notes, hospital discharge summaries and specialist letters.
- I have a current list of medications, equipment and therapies.
04 / Section 3
Type Of Care Your Child Needs
GAPP covers two kinds of support. Check the items that describe your child’s day. Many families check boxes in both groups, and the care team will help sort out the right mix.
Skilled nursing (RN or LPN)
- Trach care, suctioning or ventilator support
- G-tube feeds or medications that need a nurse
- Seizure monitoring or frequent clinical assessments
- Personal care support: help with bathing, feeding, mobility, toileting or close supervision
05 / Section 4
Home Environment Readiness
Care happens where your child lives, so a little planning helps the first shifts go smoothly. None of these are formal rules. They are practical questions our team will ask.
- There is a clean, quiet space for care and for storing supplies.
- Medical equipment has reliable power and a backup plan for outages.
- An adult caregiver is available to learn the care plan and be present as needed.
- We have thought about which days and times we need help most, including nights.
- Emergency numbers and the plan for calling 911 are posted where everyone can see them.
What To Do If You Checked Most Boxes
You may be ready for the next step. Take our short quiz for a quick second read, then contact our intake team. We gather physician orders and records, prepare and submit the prior authorization packet through our agency, and keep you updated while the state reviews it.
Checked only a few? Reach out anyway. Many families start with gaps, and we can help you fill them.
Sources And Official Information
- Georgia DCH: Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) overview
- Georgia DFCS Medicaid Policy Manual, section 2933: Georgia Pediatric Program
Last reviewed October 2026. This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your child’s doctor about clinical decisions.
FAQ
Questions About The Checklist
Does checking every box mean my child is approved?
No. The checklist shows you are prepared. All services require prior authorization, and the state makes the final decision.
Can my child qualify if we have private insurance?
Yes, children with private insurance can still apply. Medicaid can act as secondary coverage.
What will GAPP cost my family?
There is no out-of-pocket cost for approved hours when approved by Georgia Medicaid.
How many hours of care will my child get?
Hours are approved by the state based on documented need. They are reviewed and re-authorized periodically, and you can request an update when your child’s needs change.
How long does it take after we finish the checklist?
Intake usually happens in the first week, paperwork and physician orders take 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, though no date can be promised.
We already use another GAPP agency. Can we switch?
Yes. Families choose their GAPP provider and may switch agencies. Read how switching GAPP providers works.
Take The First Step
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Bring your checklist to an intake call and we will walk through it together.