What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid program that brings skilled nursing and personal care into the home for medically fragile children under 21.​Established in 2002 and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health, GAPP lets children with complex or chronic medical needs receive the care they require at home — rather than in a hospital or institutional setting. A licensed nurse delivers care under a physician-directed plan, which keeps care consistent and improves quality of life for the child and the whole family. Because it is funded through Georgia Medicaid, approved care comes at no cost to your family.
Who Qualifies for GAPP?
A child generally qualifies for GAPP if they are under 21, enrolled in Georgia Medicaid, and have a physician-documented need for skilled nursing or personal care.
​
Final eligibility and the number of approved hours are determined by a clinical review of medical necessity — based on your child's needs, not your family's income.
Your child likely qualifies if they…
-
Are under 21 years old
-
Are enrolled in (or eligible for) Georgia Medicaid
-
Are medically fragile and need skilled nursing or personal care
-
Have physician-ordered services and documented medical necessity
-
Are a Georgia resident
Common qualifying needs
-
Tracheostomy, ventilator, or oxygen dependence
-
G-tube or J-tube feeding support
-
Seizure disorders
-
Cardiac or respiratory conditions
-
Genetic disorders and other complex diagnoses
What if my child isn't on Medicaid because of our income?
Many families assume they don't qualify for Georgia's Pediatric Program (GAPP) because their household income is too high. Fortunately, that's often not the case.
If your child has complex medical needs, they may be eligible for Katie Beckett Medicaid, a program that allows children with qualifying medical conditions to receive Medicaid without considering their parents' income. Eligibility is based primarily on your child's medical needs and level of care—not your household earnings.
Once approved for Medicaid through Katie Beckett (or another qualifying Medicaid program), your child may become eligible for GAPP services, including skilled private duty nursing in the comfort of your home.
If you're unsure whether your child qualifies, don't worry. Our team is happy to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you understand the options available to your family.
What does GAPP cover?
GAPP covers in-home skilled nursing and supportive personal care, tailored to your child's individual needs in their approved plan of care`
Skilled Nursing
-
RN and LPN in-home care
-
Tracheostomy care, suctioning, airway support
-
Ventilator and respiratory monitoring
-
G-tube / J-tube feeding management
-
Seizure monitoring and emergency response
-
Complex medication administration
Personal Care Support
-
Bathing, grooming, and hygiene
-
Safe repositioning, transfers, and mobility
-
Adaptive feeding and sensory support
-
Therapy-directed activities
-
Comfort, safety, and development monitoring
-
Care coordination with physicians and therapists
How Do I Apply for GAPP?
In five steps — and with the right agency, most of the paperwork is handled for you.
​Your child needs active Georgia Medicaid (or a Katie Beckett pathway) and physician-ordered, medically necessary care. We'll help you check both.
2. Choose a GAPP-Approved Nursing Agency
Select a Medicaid-enrolled GAPP nursing agency that serves your area. Your agency coordinates the prior authorization with Medicaid.
3. In-Home Assessment &
Plan of Care
A licensed nurse assesses your child at home, and we build the physician's plan of care with all required documentation.
4. Prior Authorization & Determination
We submit everything to Georgia Medicaid for review. The GAPP team determines the approved nursing hours based on medical necessity. This often takes about 30–90 days.
5. Nurse Placement &
Ongoing Care
We match your family with the right nurse, you approve the match, and a supervising RN provides ongoing oversight. Hours are reassessed as needs change.
Where is GAPP Available in Georgia?
GAPP is a statewide program for eligible Georgia Medicaid members.
​
Opulent Private Care Services supports medically fragile children and their families across Georgia — from metro Atlanta and the suburbs to communities throughout the state. Wherever you are, we can talk through eligibility and next steps.
​
North Georgia
Forsyth • Hall • Franklin • Hart • Madison • Cherokee • Dawson • Royston & surrounding areas
​
Metro Atlanta
Fulton • Cobb • DeKalb • Gwinnett • Clayton
​
Central & South Georgia
Henry • Rockdale • Newton • Barrow • Walton • Fayette • Coweta
​
…plus families throughout every other Georgia county.
​
Not sure if we serve your area?
We provide GAPP-approved pediatric in-home nursing in every region of Georgia. If you live in Georgia, your family is covered — and our team will walk you through next steps.
More than a provider — a partner in GAPP
GAPP works best when your agency actually guides you through it. We don't start care until all three parties agree it's the right fit — our Three Thumbs Up Rule.
First Yes
Opulent Approval
Clinical skills, background checks, and professionalism evaluated before a caregiver ever meets your family.
Second Yes
Family Approval
You meet the caregiver first. It only moves forward when your family is comfortable and wants them in your home.
Third Yes
Caregiver Approval
The caregiver understands the expectations and truly wants to care for your child. The right fit goes both ways.