Georgia Pediatric Programs
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid program managed by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) that provides skilled home care services for medically fragile children with special needs. As participants in the GAPP waiver program, FAITH MEDICAL SERVICES is reimbursed by the State of Georgia for home child care services offered. You can enjoy payment flexibility and rest assured that your child is getting the best care possible care right at home. Our licensed caregivers have many years of experience working with medically fragile children, and you can have the peace of mind that they are properly looked after.
Eligibility criteria for GAPP
To qualify for the GAPP waiver program, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Your child needs to be under the age of 21
- Your family must meet general Medicaid requirements
- Your child must be currently receiving physician-ordered services
- Your child needs to be medically fragile and require the level of long-term care offered by a professional facility.
With GAPP, there is also an eligibility category called Katie Beckett Waiver, or Deeming Waiver, which applies to children under the age of 18. In this case, your income as parents will not be taken into account. Instead, only your child’s needs will be considered.
To establish whether your child qualifies for GAPP, they will be reviewed by the Alliant Georgia Medical Care Foundation’s (GMCF) Medical Review Team. In general, they need about 30 days to come to a decision. If you feel that the number of hours approved for your child is not enough, you can file an appeal explaining how the decision could impact your child’s health in a negative way, but make sure you respect the appeal deadline.
Home child care services we offer under the Georgia Pediatric Programs for Children
At-home child care services can be an alternative to a long-term care facility because your child stays in place where they feel more comfortable, and the family will get to spend more time with them. Home health care is more convenient, requires fewer arrangements on behalf of the family, not to mention that the risk of contracting an infection from other children is significantly lower.
Although many parents choose to stay at home to look after a medically fragile child, this option may not be sustainable in the long run. It may involve many career and lifestyle sacrifices. At the same time, children with special needs require a skilled level of care that their families may not be qualified to provide. At FAITH MEDICAL SERVICES, we have a team of experienced caretakers who can spend as much time as needed with your child.
Skilled nursing and personal care services provided under GAPP include:
- Assistance with daily living activities
- Bathing
- Meals
- Housekeeping
- Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration & temperature
- Assistance with ambulation & transfers
- IV therapies
- Wound care
- Tube feedings
- Gastrointestinal disorders
At the same time, our professional caregivers are warm and compassionate individuals who know how to work with children and always make them feel at ease. At FAITH MEDICAL SERVICES, we continuously invest in our caregivers’ ongoing education, so you can rest assured that their services are always up to date with the highest home care standards. Your child is in good hands.
Are you looking for a professional child care provider? Contact us today!
Caring for a medically fragile child can be difficult. We’re here to help. If you’re not sure which home care option is right for you or need help understanding GAPP eligibility criteria, call us at 770-907-7226 (we’re available 24/7) or send us a message on our website and we will assist you right away.