The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides skilled and unskilled home care services to medically fragile children ages 5–21 in Georgia at no out-of-pocket cost to families. Approved providers like 365 Health Care offer a wide range of services, from personal care and therapy to ABA services and early intervention.
Raising a child with complex medical needs is one of the most demanding—and most rewarding—things a parent can do. Every decision matters, from the specialists you choose to the environment your child grows up in. For Georgia families navigating this journey, there is meaningful support available through a state Medicaid program that many people simply don’t know enough about.
The Georgia Pediatric Program was designed with one clear goal: to help medically fragile children receive the professional care they need in the comfort of their own homes. No clinical waiting rooms. No long commutes. Just consistent, individualized care from qualified professionals who come to you.
This article breaks down how the program works, who qualifies, and what kinds of services families can access through an approved provider like 365 Health Care.
What Is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program is a Medicaid program that provides home-based services to children between the ages of 5 and 21 who are medically fragile. Services are approved based on each child’s specific medical needs, and families who are currently enrolled in Medicaid can apply at any point during the year.
One of the most important things to understand about GAPP services is that there is no out-of-pocket cost to the family. The program covers both skilled services (like nursing care and medical treatments) and unskilled services (like personal hygiene assistance and mobility support), depending on what the child requires.
For children under the age of 5, the pathway is slightly different. These younger children require skilled home care nursing and must currently be receiving physician-ordered services to qualify for the program.
Why In-Home Care Makes a Difference for Medically Fragile Children
There is growing recognition among pediatric health professionals that the home environment plays a meaningful role in a child’s overall well-being. For children with special medical needs, familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety, improve cooperation with care routines, and support better long-term outcomes.
Pediatric home health care bridges the gap between clinical settings and everyday life. Rather than managing complex medical needs solely through outpatient visits or hospital stays, families receive professional support woven directly into their child’s daily routine. This continuity of care often makes a significant difference—not just for the child, but for the entire family.
Parents who serve as primary caregivers also benefit. Having a trained professional step in for a few hours each day gives families the breathing room they need to rest, manage other responsibilities, and be more present when it matters most.
What Services Does 365 Health Care Offer Under GAPP?
365 Health Care is an approved Georgia Pediatric Program provider based in Atlanta, serving medically fragile children across the state. The agency offers a broad range of services tailored to each child’s individual care plan.
Home Care
This includes personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, transfer assistance, light housekeeping, and post-surgery recovery support. The focus is on helping children manage daily life safely and comfortably at home.
ABA Services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy supports children in developing communication skills, social skills, motor skills, self-care habits, and academic abilities. These sessions are carefully structured and delivered by trained professionals.
Early Intervention
When a parent first notices that their child may need additional support, early intervention can make a lasting difference. 365 Health Care provides early intervention services designed to address developmental concerns before they become more complex challenges.
Therapy Services
The agency covers a wide range of therapeutic needs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, family support, and mental health therapy. Families don’t have to coordinate multiple providers across different locations—everything is available through one trusted agency.
Sensory Play Dates
Once a week, 365 Health Care hosts sensory play dates where children can interact with peers in a safe and structured environment. For children who may have limited social opportunities due to their medical needs, this kind of peer interaction is genuinely valuable.
Childcare Services
Caregiving is a full-time commitment, and every caregiver deserves a break. 365 Health Care offers childcare services for a few hours or even a few days at a time, giving families the flexibility to recharge.
How Do Families Get Started?
The process of enrolling with 365 Health Care is designed to be straightforward and low-stress. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 — Initial Call and Intake
The family contacts 365 Health Care and provides preliminary information about the child’s needs. A home visit is then scheduled to assess the situation in more detail.
Step 2 — Individualized Care Plan
Based on the assessment, the team develops a personalized care plan specific to that child. Families review the plan together with the care team before anything moves forward.
Step 3 — Caregiver Match
Once the care plan is approved, 365 Health Care uses a matching process to connect the child with the most suitable caregiver or nurse. A supervisory nurse makes regular unannounced visits during care hours to ensure standards are consistently met.
Families can request a caregiver change at any time, and there are no long-term contracts required. Services can be adjusted or stopped without penalties.
Taking the Next Step
Navigating pediatric home health care for the first time can feel overwhelming, but the right provider makes the process manageable from day one. 365 Health Care has built its reputation on delivering quality, individualized care to Georgia’s most vulnerable children, with a team that treats every family with genuine compassion.
If your child is between the ages of 5 and 21, currently enrolled in Medicaid, and has medical needs that qualify under the Georgia Pediatric Program, GAPP services could be available to your family at no cost. Reaching out for a free consultation is the simplest first step—and 365 Health Care makes that easy.
Call 470-945-0660 or visit 365healthcare.org to schedule your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Georgia Pediatric Program?
Children between ages 5 and 21 who are medically fragile and enrolled in Medicaid may qualify. Services are approved based on the child’s individual medical needs.
Is there any cost to families for GAPP services?
No. There is no out-of-pocket cost to eligible families under this Medicaid program.
What if my child is under 5 years old?
Children under age 5 are not covered under the standard GAPP model but may still qualify for skilled home care nursing if they are currently receiving physician-ordered services.
How long does it take to get approved?
365 Health Care can help get your loved one approved for private home care services in as little as 30 days.
Can I change caregivers if my child doesn’t connect with them?
Yes. 365 Health Care can rematch your child with a different caregiver at any time with no penalties.
Does 365 Health Care require a long-term contract?
No. Families only pay for services rendered and can change or stop services at any time.
