The short version
In one sentenceKatie Beckett opens the door to Georgia Medicaid for a child with significant medical needs, even if the parents earn too much for regular Medicaid; GAPP is one of the services that Medicaid card can then pay for.
Katie BeckettEligibility. Parents' income not counted. Under 19.
Medicaid cardSame coverage as other Georgia Medicaid kids
GAPPServices. Nursing and aide hours at home. Under 21.
Side by side
| Katie Beckett | GAPP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A way to qualify for Georgia Medicaid | A Medicaid program for nursing and personal care at home |
| Ages | Through the month the child turns 19 | Until the 21st birthday |
| Based on | Disability and institution-level care needs. Parents' income and resources are not counted. | Medical necessity for skilled nursing or personal care |
| Who decides | DFCS decides Medicaid eligibility; Alliant Health Solutions approves level of care | Alliant Health Solutions medical review approves services and hours |
| Where you apply | Georgia Gateway online or the Centralized Katie Beckett team | Through a GAPP-enrolled nursing agency |
| Cost | No premium or patient liability | Medicaid pays the agency |
What to do first
GAPP services need active Medicaid, so Medicaid is the first lock to open. In practice, many families start the Katie Beckett application and send us a message in the same week, so records and the doctor's order can be gathered while Medicaid is being decided.
If your child already has Medicaid of any kind, skip Katie Beckett and send us a message.
Go deeper
Katie Beckett Georgia
Our companion site covers Katie Beckett in full: who qualifies, the forms, where to send them, renewals and what happens at 19.