Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)
Specialized home care services for children with complex medical needs through Georgia's GAPP program. We're here to help your child thrive at home with professional, compassionate care.
What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
Understanding Georgia's specialized program for children with complex medical needs
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid waiver program designed to provide comprehensive home and community-based services for children 0–21 years of age with complex medical needs who would otherwise require institutional care.
GAPP allows eligible children to receive necessary medical care and support services in the comfort of their own homes, promoting family unity while ensuring access to specialized healthcare. Families who are eligible for Medicaid can apply for GAPP at any time.
Key Benefits of GAPP
- Allows children to remain at home with family
- Provides access to specialized medical care
- Covers services for medically fragile kids from age 0–21
- Services are approved based on the child's individual medical needs
What is the Katie Beckett Waiver?
The Katie Beckett Waiver — also called the Deeming Waiver — is a special Medicaid eligibility category for children under the age of 18.
Unlike standard Medicaid, the Katie Beckett Waiver removes parents' income from the equation and bases the decision entirely on the child's medical needs. If your child qualifies, they become eligible for all services available under the regular Georgia Medicaid plan — including GAPP.
This matters for families who earn too much to typically qualify for Medicaid but have a child with significant medical needs. The Katie Beckett Waiver opens the door to GAPP services regardless of household income.
How It Differs from Standard Medicaid
Standard Medicaid
Parents' income is counted — many families with medically complex children don't qualify
Katie Beckett Waiver
Based solely on the child's needs — opens Medicaid access regardless of household income
GAPP Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for GAPP services, children must meet specific eligibility requirements
Note: Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Each application is reviewed individually, and approval is based on medical necessity and available program capacity.
Common Qualifying Diagnoses or Medical Device Use
These are some of the common conditions that may qualify for GAPP services
e.g., tracheostomy, ventilator dependence
Peritoneal or Hemodialysis for Renal Failure
Power or Manual for Non-Ambulatory Children
for Assisted Walking in Non-Mobile Children
AFOs, KAFOs, HKAFOs for Stability & Mobility
Important: Having one of these diagnoses does not automatically qualify a child for GAPP. The child must also meet all other eligibility requirements and demonstrate the need for a level of care typically provided in a hospital or nursing facility.
Services Included in GAPP
Comprehensive care services designed to meet the unique needs of each child and family
Professional nursing services including medication administration, wound care, and health monitoring
Assistance with activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, and mobility support
Working with your healthcare team to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care
Training and support for family members to help care for their child at home
How Golden Serenity Helps with GAPP
Our step-by-step process to guide your family through the GAPP application
Meet with Golden Serenity
Meet with our team to sign consent paperwork and gather required information — including letters of medical necessity from physicians, hospitalization discharges, and other supporting documents.
Paperwork Preparation & Submission
Our team prepares and submits your complete application to GAPP on your behalf. GAPP may take up to 30 days to review the application and make a decision.
Decision Received
GAPP reviews all documentation and notifies our team of their decision — either approval or denial.
We Contact You
We reach out to schedule the start of care if approved, or to walk you through the appeal process in the event of a denial — so you're never left navigating it alone.
Our team handles the heavy lifting. We prepare and submit all paperwork on your behalf so you can focus on what matters most — your child.
How to Appeal GAPP's Decision
A denial isn't the end of the road. We'll guide you through every step of the appeal process.
Receive the Decision Letter
You'll receive a letter from the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF) stating GAPP's decision. The appeal clock starts from the date on that letter — time matters.
Gather Supporting Documentation
We'll help you obtain additional written correspondence from doctors, hospitals, and any other required documentation to strengthen your appeal.
Submit Within 30 Days
We'll work with you to ensure all documentation is compiled and mailed to the address on your letter within the 30-day window.
Await GAPP's Response
After receiving your appeal, GAPP has 30 days to issue a final decision — either accepting or denying the appeal.
Writing a Strong Appeal
This letter must be written by the primary caregiver of the patient, in your own words. It should describe your child's needs and any special considerations that support their eligibility for the requested hours of care.
Your letter should address the following:
- Describe any equipment your child depends on (e.g., tube feedings, central lines, tracheostomy, ventilators)
- Explain any recent changes in your child's condition, medications, or hospitalizations
- Describe how caring for your child impacts your entire family, including other children in the home
- Detail how reducing in-home nursing or personal care hours could negatively affect your child — such as increased infection risk, risk of injury, or more hospitalizations
Your doctor plays a critical role in your appeal. They can submit clinical notes and a written letter in support of your request. Letters from multiple doctors are allowed and encouraged — each should include detailed, specific support for the care hours requested.
Additional documentation such as hospitalization discharge paperwork and nursing progress notes can also be submitted to further strengthen the appeal.
We'll help you coordinate: Golden Serenity will work with you to gather and organize all supporting documentation before submission.
You are personally responsible for submitting the appeal. Failing to follow the instructions or missing the deadline means the decision cannot be reconsidered. You are also responsible for mailing in the appeal package.
⏱ Don't wait — the 30-day deadline begins from the date on the GMCF letter. Golden Serenity will help you stay on track, but submission is your responsibility.
Received a denial letter and unsure what to do next? Our team is here to walk you through the appeal process — reach out today.
Talk to Us About Your AppealReady to Get Started with GAPP?
Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the GAPP application process and provide the specialized care your child needs.