What Is GAPP Medicaid?
GAPP is a state Medicaid service designed specifically for children under the age of 21 who are medically fragile and require ongoing clinical care. The program allows these children to receive professional medical support in their homes or communities instead of staying in a hospital or long-term care facility.
In order to qualify, a child must:
Have active Georgia Medicaid coverage
Be medically fragile
Require continuous or shift-based skilled nursing care
Meet the same level of care typically required for hospital or nursing facility admission
This level of support ensures that in-home care is provided only when it is medically necessary for the child’s safety and quality of life.
Does GAPP Cover Skilled Nursing at Home?
Yes — in-home skilled nursing services are one of the primary benefits offered through the program. Approved families can receive care from licensed pediatric Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) directly in the home environment.
These services may include:
Medication administration
Tracheostomy care
Ventilator or oxygen support
G-tube feeding assistance
Seizure monitoring
Vital signs tracking
Respiratory treatments
Wound care and infection prevention
This type of care is especially important for children with neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, mobility limitations, or feeding tube dependency. A physician must certify that in-home skilled nursing is essential to prevent hospitalization or institutional placement.
How Many Nursing Hours Can Be Approved?
Coverage through GAPP is based entirely on medical necessity. Some children may qualify for only a few hours of nursing support each week, while others with more complex conditions can receive up to 24 hours of skilled care per day.
Most approved care plans fall between:
8 to 16 hours of daily in-home nursing
Overnight monitoring if medically required
Continuous supervision for medically unstable children
The final number of hours is determined through physician orders and a prior authorization process submitted to Medicaid for review.
Is There Any Cost to Families?
For eligible children, services provided under GAPP Medicaid are typically covered at no cost to the family. There are no copayments or out-of-pocket expenses for approved in-home skilled nursing services.
The program exists to provide a safe and cost-effective alternative to long-term hospitalization. Home-based care not only supports medical stability but also allows children to remain in a familiar, family-centered environment — which often leads to better emotional and developmental outcomes.
Why In-Home Skilled Nursing Matters
Hospital-level care at home offers several benefits for medically fragile children:
Reduced risk of infections
Improved emotional well-being
Greater family involvement in care
Consistent daily routines
Better long-term health outcomes
Children who receive skilled nursing support at home are often more comfortable and responsive to treatment when surrounded by familiar people and environments.
Getting Started with GAPP
To access skilled nursing through GAPP Medicaid, families typically need:
Active Medicaid coverage for their child
A physician’s order documenting the need for skilled nursing
A Medicaid-enrolled GAPP provider to submit a prior authorization request
Once approved, nursing care can begin based on the child’s individualized care plan and medical needs.
Final Thoughts
If your child requires ongoing medical supervision or specialized treatment, the Georgia Pediatric Program may offer the support your family needs. With Medicaid-covered skilled nursing services available at home, many medically fragile children can receive hospital-level care without leaving the comfort of their own environment — helping them grow, develop, and thrive safely alongside their families.
