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Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) Tips for Parents

When your child is medically fragile, there's a lot to take on. You have to figure out health care, childcare, and the best path forward for your child. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry — many resources and support services are available to help you.

 

This 6-step checklist can help you decide which early steps to take.

Step 1: Look Into the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a resource provided by the state of Georgia to children under 21 years of age who are medically fragile and in need of medically necessary skilled nursing care and/or medically necessary personal care support.

 

GAPP is a community-based service facilitated through the Georgia Department of Community Health. The program is designed to help medically fragile children who qualify for institutional care remain in their community, or return to their community if they have already been institutionalized. 

Step 2: Consider What Services Can Help

Some medically fragile children have trouble eating and swallowing, have seizures, or need medicines at set times. Consider having a nurse come to your home to help with caregiving. Options include:

  • Assistance with daily living activities

  • Bathing

  • Meals

  • Housekeeping

  • Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration & temperature

  • Assistance with ambulation & transfers

  • IV therapies

  • Wound care

  • Tube feedings

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

Step 3: Learn About Program Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the GAPP waiver program, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Your child needs to be under the age of 21

  • Your family must meet general Medicaid requirements

  • Your child must receive physician-ordered services

  • Your child needs to be medically fragile and require the level of long-term care offered by a professional facility.

Step 4: Pursue Deeming Waiver (if you don't have Medicaid)

The Katie Beckett Waiver or Deeming Waiver, is an eligibility category that takes parents’ income out of the picture and bases the decision on the child’s needs. If your child qualifies for the Katie Beckett Waiver, they become eligible for services available under the regular state Medicaid plan such as the Georgia Pediatric Program.

Step 5:  Understand the Approval Process

To establish whether your child qualifies for GAPP,  an application and supporting documents must be put together and submitted by a GAPP approved provider.

 

Your child's application will then be reviewed by the Alliant Georgia Medical Care Foundation’s (GMCF) Medical Review Team. In general, the Alliant Medical Review Team requires approximately 30 to 40 days to come to a decision. If approved service can begin with your GAPP provider.

Step 6: Secure a GAPP Approved Provider

Call us now at 404-590-2246  to submit an application for skilled nursing and or personal care services through the Georgia Pediatric Program.

Have Questions?

Click the button below to request a call back.

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