Caring for a child with complex medical needs comes with unique challenges, and it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a state Medicaid program created to give families the professional support they need. GAPP covers skilled nursing and personal care services directly in your home, allowing your child to grow and thrive in a safe, familiar environment.

At First Choice Home Care, we provide more than just clinical assistance—we bring peace of mind, reliable support, and a team dedicated to your child’s health, happiness, and comfort.

What is the GAPP Program?

The GAPP program is a specialized Medicaid program designed to provide high-level, in-home care to medically fragile children and young adults under the age of 21.

Who Qualifies?

Children who qualify for GAPP typically have medically complex needs or are considered medically frail. This includes children who require:

• Technology dependency (such as ventilators, tracheostomies, or feeding tubes)
• Complex medical management or regular clinical monitoring
• Assistance with daily living activities due to severe physical or developmental delays

What Does it Cover?

GAPP covers the cost of in-home clinical care at no cost to eligible families. The state allocates a specific number of hours per week for professional caregivers to come to your house, ensuring your child receives continuous care while giving parents and primary caregivers a chance to rest, work, or focus on other family members.

Our Pediatric Services

We tailor our care to match the precise instructions of your child’s physician. Our comprehensive pediatric services include:

• Skilled Pediatric Nursing: Clinical interventions managed by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), including ventilator care, tracheostomy management, IV therapies, and tube feedings (G-tube/J-tube).
• Personal Support Services: Helping your child with the essential activities of daily living (ADLs), such as gentle bathing, dressing, hygiene care, and specialized feeding assistance.
• Companion Care for Children: Engaging your child with positive socialization, age-appropriate interactive play, and emotional support to promote their psychological development and well-being.
• Expert Care You Can Trust: Every member of the First Choice care team is specifically trained in pediatric care. We screen, vet, and continuously train our nurses and aides to ensure they meet the highest clinical and compassionate standards required to care for medically fragile children.

What to Expect as a Parent

We treat your family like our own. From our first conversation, we focus on making the transition to home care as smooth and comforting as possible:

• A Dedicated Match: We don’t just send any caregiver; we work hard to match your child with a nurse or aide whose personality and skills fit your household’s dynamic.
• Open Communication: Our nursing supervisors stay in close contact with you and your child’s doctors to adjust the care plan as your child grows and their needs evolve.
• Consistency: We strive to keep the same familiar faces in your home, building a routine that helps your child feel safe and secure.

The Referral Process for Case Managers & Pediatric Physicians

We partner closely with pediatricians, hospital discharge planners, and Medicaid case managers to ensure seamless transitions from clinical settings to the home.

Step 1.Submit Referral & Clinical Packet:
Send us the child’s basic demographic information along with the current medical history, physical exams, and any physician orders for nursing care.

Step 2.In-Home Clinical Assessment:
Our pediatric nursing supervisor conducts a comprehensive home assessment to verify clinical eligibility and design a customized care plan.

Step 3.State Submission & Approval:
We package all necessary medical documentation and submit it directly to the Georgia GAPP office for prior authorization, tracking the application closely to speed up approval.

We Are Here to Support Your Family

Whether you are a provider looking to transition a patient or a parent trying to find the right care for your child, our intake specialists are ready to guide you through the process.

Call to Learn More: 404-333-8960
Office Location: 303 Perimeter Center N, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30346