GAPP & KATIE BECKETT GUIDE

GAPP and Katie Beckett, explained plainly.

What these Georgia programs are, who may qualify, and exactly how to get started.

Check if your child may qualify Talk to Asia’s team

The basics

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) helps medically fragile children receive nursing and personal care at home instead of in a hospital or facility. It is run by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and paid through Medicaid.

Who it serves

Medically fragile children and young adults under 21 who need ongoing care.

What it provides

Skilled nursing and/or personal care support in the home.

How it is paid

Through Georgia Medicaid. Your child must be Medicaid eligible.

How it is approved

Every service needs prior authorization, requested through a GAPP nursing agency.

GAPP vs Katie Beckett

Families often mix these up. They do different jobs, and some children use both.

	GAPP	Katie Beckett
What it is	In-home nursing and personal care for medically fragile children	A way to qualify for Medicaid when parents’ income is too high
Age	Under 21	Under 19
Income	Child must be Medicaid eligible	Only the child’s income and resources count, not the parents’
Care needed	Medically necessary care ordered by a physician	Child needs a hospital, nursing facility, or similar level of care
Who handles the request	A Medicaid-approved GAPP nursing agency	The DCH Katie Beckett Medicaid team

How to apply, step by step

Talk to your child’s doctor. Ask about in-home nursing or personal care. GAPP requires care that a physician has ordered as medically necessary.
Make sure your child has Medicaid. GAPP services are for children who are Medicaid eligible. If family income is the barrier and your child is under 19, Katie Beckett may be the way in.
Choose a GAPP nursing agency. Requests go through a Medicaid-approved GAPP agency, which submits the prior authorization request for you. We can do this for your family.
Wait for the decision. The state reviews the request. You will get a decision letter. If something is missing, we help you fix it quickly.
Begin care and keep it going. Once approved, we build your care plan and start. Approvals are reviewed again over time, and we help with renewals.

Want us to walk you through it? See how we work with families.

What to gather

Having these ready makes everything faster. Forms can change, so we confirm the current list with you.

Your child’s Medicaid ID number (or your Medicaid application status)

A doctor’s order or referral for in-home care

Recent medical records and diagnoses

Any private health insurance information

Parent or guardian photo ID and contact details

For Katie Beckett: the application forms the Katie Beckett team sends you, which include a physician’s recommendation, a level-of-care statement, and a cost-effectiveness form

Might your child qualify?

Answer four quick questions and we will point you to a sensible next step. It takes under a minute.

Question 1 of 4

How old is your child?

This is guidance only, not a guarantee of approval. Always confirm current rules with the Georgia Department of Community Health.

Common questions

Is GAPP the same as Katie Beckett?

No. Katie Beckett helps a child qualify for Medicaid when parents’ income is too high. GAPP is a Medicaid program that provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care. Some families use both: Katie Beckett to establish Medicaid, then GAPP for care at home.

Does my child need a specific diagnosis?

Eligibility depends on the level of care your child needs, not a single diagnosis. A doctor’s documentation of medical need is what matters.

Does GAPP cost families anything?

GAPP is a Medicaid program. Ask us about any costs that may apply to your situation.

Can we apply while a Medicaid application is pending?

GAPP services cannot be approved until Medicaid is in place, so Medicaid usually comes first. We can help you plan the timing.

What if we are denied?

You can ask for a review. The denial letter explains how and by when, and deadlines are short, so contact us right away and we will help you understand the next step.

What kind of care can my child receive?

GAPP can cover skilled nursing and personal care support at home, based on your child’s doctor’s orders and the care plan that is approved.

How long does approval take?

Timing varies with how complete the paperwork is and how quickly records arrive. We help you submit a complete package to avoid delays.

Official resources

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH): the agency that runs GAPP and Katie Beckett Medicaid.

GAPP program questions: GAPP.inquiries@dch.ga.gov

Parent to Parent of Georgia: support and information for families of children with disabilities.

This guide is for education only and is not legal or medical advice or a guarantee of eligibility. Program rules change, so confirm current details with DCH. Last reviewed October 2026.

Not sure where to start?

We will listen first, then help you understand the next step for your family.

Talk to Asia’s team