The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides skilled and unskilled home health services to medically fragile children aged 5–21 at no out-of-pocket cost to families. Services range from personal care and therapy to ABA support and early intervention.
Every parent wants the best for their child. When a child has complex medical needs, navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming — especially when you're not sure what support is available or how to access it. That's where the Georgia Pediatric Program comes in.
GAPP was designed specifically to fill that gap. It connects families of medically fragile children with the skilled care they need, right in the comfort of their own home. And one of the most important things to know upfront: there is no out-of-pocket cost to the family. If your child is eligible for Medicaid, you can apply at any time.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the program — what it covers, who qualifies, and why finding the right care team makes all the difference.
What Is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program is a Medicaid program designed to support medically fragile children between the ages of 5 and 21. It provides both skilled and unskilled home health services based on each child's individual medical needs.
Unlike many healthcare programs, GAPP doesn't require families to jump through financial hoops. Eligibility is tied to Medicaid, not income brackets or complex applications — and once approved, families receive services at zero cost. That removes one of the biggest barriers families face when seeking ongoing care for a child with significant health needs.
Services are approved on a case-by-case basis, meaning your child's care plan is built around their specific condition, not a one-size-fits-all approach. That kind of personalized support can make a real difference in a child's day-to-day wellbeing and long-term development.
What Services Does GAPP Cover?
The scope of services available through the program is broad. Families can access a wide range of home health and developmental support services, including:
- Personal care and hygiene assistance
- Mobility and wheelchair support
- Wound care and catheter care
- Insulin injections and medication administration
- Respiratory treatment
- G-tube care
- Recuperative care
- Visiting nurse services
Beyond the clinical side, the program also recognizes that children need more than medical care to thrive. Developmental and behavioral services are just as important — and they're covered too.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services
ABA therapy is one of the most well-researched approaches for supporting children with developmental challenges. Through ABA services, children receive structured support across a range of skills, including:
- Communication and language
- Social interaction
- Motor development
- Academic and learning skills
- Self-care routines
This type of therapy helps children build independence and confidence over time, which has lasting benefits for the whole family.
Early Intervention
Catching challenges early gives children the best chance of reaching their full potential. Early intervention services are designed to step in as soon as a family notices their child may need a little extra support. The earlier the help, the greater the impact.
Therapy Services
The program offers a full spectrum of therapeutic support, including:
- Physical Therapy — to improve movement, strength, and coordination
- Occupational Therapy — to support daily living skills
- Speech Therapy — to develop communication abilities
- Behavioral Therapy — to address behavioral challenges
- Mental Health Therapy — for emotional and psychological wellbeing
- Family Support — because caring for a medically complex child affects the whole family unit
Having all of these under one program simplifies the coordination process and ensures that different parts of a child's care are working together, not in silos.
Home Care: Bringing Support to Your Doorstep
One of the defining features of GAPP is that services are delivered in the home. This matters for a few reasons.
Children with complex medical needs often find frequent hospital visits disruptive and stressful. Home-based care reduces that burden significantly. It also allows caregivers and medical professionals to see a child in their natural environment — which often leads to better, more tailored care.
Home care services through the program include personal care, transfer assistance, meal preparation, medication administration, light housekeeping, and post-surgical care. These services are designed to support families holistically — not just the child's medical condition, but the daily realities of life at home.
Sensory Play Dates and Childcare Support
Two services that often surprise families are the sensory play dates and childcare support options.
Once a week, children have the opportunity to join sensory play dates — structured sessions where they can interact with peers in a safe, controlled environment. For children with sensory sensitivities or social communication challenges, these sessions offer a meaningful space to engage, develop, and connect with others going through similar experiences.
On the childcare side, caregivers can step in to give parents and guardians a much-needed break. Raising a medically fragile child is demanding work, and caregiver burnout is a real and serious concern. Having access to reliable, trained childcare support — even for just a few hours — can make a significant difference in the long run.
How to Access GAPP Services
If your child is between 5 and 21 years old, has complex medical needs, and is eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for the Georgia Pediatric Program at any time. There's no set enrollment window. Services are then approved based on your child's assessed medical needs.
Working with experienced gapp providers is key to making the most of what the program offers. A knowledgeable provider will guide you through the application process, help coordinate the right mix of services, and ensure your child's care plan reflects their unique needs.
Why the Right Care Team Changes Everything
Caring for a medically complex child takes a village. Having access to gapp providers who genuinely understand both the clinical and emotional dimensions of that journey makes an enormous difference.
The right team doesn't just treat a condition — they treat a child. They show up consistently, build trust with the family, and adjust support as the child grows and their needs evolve.
Taking the Next Step
If you believe your child may qualify for the Georgia Pediatric Program, the best thing you can do is reach out and ask. A quick consultation with a qualified care team can clarify eligibility, walk you through the application process, and help you understand exactly what your child could receive.
Families across Georgia are already benefiting from the full range of services the program provides. With the right support in place, medically fragile children can receive the care they deserve — at home, on their terms, at no cost to you.
Reach out to a trusted team of gapp providers today to schedule a free consultation and find out how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Georgia Pediatric Program?
Children aged 5–21 who are medically fragile and eligible for Medicaid can qualify for GAPP. Services are approved based on the child's specific medical needs, and families can apply at any time.
Is there a cost for GAPP services?
No. There is no out-of-pocket cost to families. The program is funded through Medicaid.
What types of therapy are available through GAPP?
The program covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, mental health therapy, and family support services.
What is ABA therapy and is it included in GAPP?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-backed approach that helps children develop communication, social, motor, academic, and self-care skills. It is included in the program's range of services.
Can services be provided at home?
Yes. A core feature of the Georgia Pediatric Program is that services are delivered in the home, reducing stress on the child and family while providing care in a familiar environment.
