
Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)
What is GAPP?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides in-home personal care and skilled nursing services for medically fragile children under the age of 21. These services are offered at no cost to families who qualify through Medicaid.
At Elite Home Care Solutions, we help eligible families apply for GAPP and offer the unique opportunity for parents or legal guardians to become paid caregivers for their own children.
How to Become a Paid Caregiver
Step-by-Step Process:
If you're currently providing daily care for your child with medical needs, you may qualify to be compensated through the GAPP program. Here's how to get started:
✅ 1. Free Eligibility Screening
Contact us to find out if your child qualifies. We'll ask a few questions about their diagnosis, Medicaid status, and daily care needs.
📝 2. Application Support
We’ll work with you and your child’s doctor to collect medical records, care plans, and other documents required to submit to GAPP.
📬 3. Submit to GAPP Administrator
We handle the paperwork and submit all documentation to the state for review and approval.
✔️ 4. Approval & Onboarding
Once approved, we’ll onboard you as a caregiver with Elite Home Care Solutions, complete your training, and walk you through logging care hours.
💼 How Being a Paid Caregiver Works
What You Can Expect:
As a paid caregiver through GAPP, you will:
-
🏠 Provide daily personal care/assistance to your child at home
-
⏰ Work flexible hours that fit your schedule and your child’s needs
-
📱 Log your hours using our digital system (EVV)
-
💵 Get paid weekly through our agency based on the hours approved
-
📋 Receive ongoing support, training, and compliance guidance from our team
Requirements:
-
You must be the primary caregiver
-
Your child must be Medicaid-eligible and under 21
-
You must complete onboarding and orientation
-
You must log care hours daily and stay compliant with program rules
❓ Frequently Asked Questions– GAPP (Georgia Pediatric Program)
What is GAPP?
GAPP stands for the Georgia Pediatric Program, a Medicaid-funded service that provides in-home care, including personal care/assistance to medically fragile children under 21.
Can I get paid to care for my own child?
Yes. If you are the parent, guardian, family of a medically eligible child, and you’re already providing care at home, you may qualify to become a paid caregiver through GAPP.
What kind of services does GAPP cover?
GAPP may cover:
-
Personal support (bathing, dressing, mobility)
-
Medication reminders
-
In-home nursing (for children with more complex medical needs)
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to families who qualify. Services are fully funded through Georgia Medicaid.
What if my child doesn’t have Medicaid yet?
We can help guide you through the process of applying for Medicaid, including the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver, which allows medically eligible children to receive Medicaid regardless of household income.
How long does the GAPP approval process take?
Once all documents are submitted, approval usually takes up to 30 business days. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Do I need a nursing license to be a paid caregiver?
No. GAPP allows non-licensed caregivers to be trained and paid to care for their child at home. We handle your onboarding and training through our agency.
What’s the commitment once I’m approved?
You’ll be responsible for:
-
Logging your care hours through our system
-
Participating in caregiver check-ins and trainings
-
Staying consistent with your child’s care and treatment plan
Is there a limit to how many hours I can be paid for?
Yes. The number of paid hours is determined by your child’s medical needs, as outlined in their plan of care. Some families qualify for a few hours per day, while others may be approved for up to 40+ hours per week.
What diagnoses or conditions qualify for GAPP?
GAPP supports a wide range of medically fragile conditions, including:
-
Cerebral palsy
-
Autism with behavioral support needs
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Uses a Wheelchair
-
Genetic Syndromes
-
Quadriplegia (other similar disabilities)
-
Muscular Dystrophy
-
Cerebral Palsy
-
Rett Syndrome
-
Spina Bifida
-
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
-
+ more
We’ll help evaluate your child’s condition and work with their physician to determine eligibility.
What if my child goes to school during the day?
That’s okay. GAPP hours can be scheduled around school hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends. Care plans are built to fit your family’s routine.
What if my child turns 21 during the program?
GAPP services end at age 21, but we can assist in transitioning to adult services or waiver programs before your child ages out.
How often does my child’s eligibility need to be renewed?
Most GAPP approvals are valid for 6 to 12 months. Our agency tracks your renewal dates and helps you with the recertification process, so you don’t have to worry.
Do I have to track hours and submit paperwork?
Yes, but we make it simple. You’ll log care hours using our electronic visit verification (EVV) system, which we’ll train you on. Our team handles all backend reporting to keep you compliant.
What support does your agency provide once I’m approved?
At Elite Home Care Solutions, we provide:
-
Dedicated care coordinators
-
Monthly check-ins
-
Training and documentation support
-
Compassionate, hands-on guidance every step of the way