Raising a medically fragile child comes with challenges that most parents never anticipated. Between coordinating medical appointments, managing daily care routines, and navigating a complex web of healthcare programs, families often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. That’s exactly where the GAPP agency steps in.
The Georgia Pediatric Program—commonly referred to as GAPP—is a Medicaid-funded initiative designed to provide skilled and unskilled home care services to medically fragile children across Georgia. If your child has significant medical needs and your family qualifies for Medicaid, GAPP could be the lifeline you’ve been looking for. Best of all, there is no out-of-pocket cost to families.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the GAPP agency: what it covers, who qualifies, and how providers like 365 Health Care make it easier than ever to access these vital services.
What Is the GAPP Agency (Georgia Pediatric Program)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program is a Medicaid waiver program administered in the state of Georgia. It was created to support medically fragile children between the ages of 5 and 21 who require ongoing skilled or unskilled care—care that would otherwise be difficult for families to manage on their own.
GAPP operates on a simple but powerful premise: children with complex medical needs deserve quality care at home, surrounded by the people who love them most. Rather than relying solely on hospital-based care or institutional settings, GAPP empowers families to keep their children at home while still receiving the professional support they need.
Services are approved based on each child’s individual medical needs, and Medicaid-eligible families can apply at any time—there’s no specific enrollment window to worry about.
Who Qualifies for GAPP Services?
To be eligible for the GAPP agency’s services, a child must:
- Be between the ages of 5 and 21
- Be classified as medically fragile, meaning they require skilled medical care or ongoing assistance due to a chronic health condition
- Be eligible for Medicaid in the state of Georgia
Because eligibility is tied to Medicaid, many low- and moderate-income families across Georgia can access these services without worrying about the financial burden. If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, reaching out to an approved GAPP provider—like 365 Health Care—for a free consultation is a great first step.
What Services Does a GAPP Agency Provide?
One of the biggest strengths of the Georgia Pediatric Program is the breadth of services available. GAPP-approved providers offer a wide range of home health care solutions tailored to each child’s specific medical and developmental needs.
Home Care
Home care forms the foundation of GAPP services. This includes personal care and hygiene assistance, mobility support, meal preparation, medication administration, light housekeeping, and post-surgical recuperative care. The goal is to make daily life safer and more manageable for both the child and their family.
For children with more complex medical needs, home care can also extend to wound care, catheter care, insulin injections, respiratory treatment, G-tube care, and wheelchair assistance. Families don’t have to worry about finding multiple providers for different needs—a quality GAPP agency coordinates these services under one roof.
ABA Services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely recognized and evidence-based approaches for supporting children with developmental challenges, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. Through ABA services, children receive targeted support across a range of developmental areas, including:
- Communication skills
- Social interaction
- Motor skills
- Academic and learning skills
- Self-care and daily living skills
- Language development
ABA therapy is delivered by trained professionals who work closely with both the child and their family to set goals and track progress over time.
Early Intervention
The earlier a child receives support, the greater the potential impact on their long-term development. GAPP agencies offer early intervention services for children who show signs of developmental delays or medical challenges that may affect their growth, learning, or independence.
Early intervention isn’t about labeling a child—it’s about giving them the tools and support they need from the start, so they can thrive at every stage of life.
Therapy Services
GAPP covers a comprehensive range of therapeutic services, which can be a significant relief for families who would otherwise face high out-of-pocket therapy costs. Available therapies include:
- Physical Therapy – Helps children improve mobility, strength, and physical function
- Occupational Therapy – Supports children in developing the skills needed for daily activities
- Speech Therapy – Addresses communication, language, and swallowing challenges
- Behavioral Therapy – Helps children manage behavior and develop healthy coping strategies
- Family Support Therapy – Provides guidance and resources to parents and caregivers
- Mental Health Therapy – Supports the emotional and psychological well-being of children with complex needs
Having access to this full spectrum of therapies through a single GAPP agency simplifies the care experience enormously for families.
Sensory Play Dates
Children with medical or developmental challenges often benefit immensely from structured social interaction. GAPP agencies like 365 Health Care offer weekly sensory play dates—carefully designed sessions where children can interact with their peers in a controlled, safe, and stimulating environment.
These sessions aren’t just fun—they support sensory processing, social skills development, and emotional regulation in a way that traditional therapy settings sometimes can’t replicate.
Childcare Services
Caring for a medically fragile child is a full-time commitment. Caregivers—whether parents, grandparents, or guardians—need rest too. GAPP-approved providers offer childcare services to give families a much-needed break, whether for a few hours or a few days.
Having a trusted, trained caregiver step in means families can recharge without compromising their child’s safety or care quality.
Why Choose an Approved GAPP Agency Like 365 Health Care?
Not all GAPP providers are created equal. Working with an approved, experienced GAPP agency ensures your child receives consistent, high-quality care delivered by qualified professionals who understand the unique challenges of pediatric home care.
365 Health Care is an approved GAPP company in Georgia, offering the full range of services outlined above. Their team takes a personalized approach to care—building individualized plans based on each child’s medical needs, developmental goals, and family circumstances.
Key advantages of working with an established GAPP agency include:
- Comprehensive service coverage – One provider for multiple care needs
- Experienced, trained caregivers – Professionals who specialize in pediatric care
- Family-centered approach – Services designed to support the whole family, not just the child
- Free consultations – Helping families understand their options before making any commitments
How to Apply for GAPP Services
Applying for the Georgia Pediatric Program is more straightforward than many families expect. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Confirm Medicaid eligibility – Your child must be enrolled in Georgia Medicaid to access GAPP services.
- Contact an approved GAPP agency – Reach out to a provider like 365 Health Care for a free consultation and to begin the assessment process.
- Complete a needs assessment – A healthcare professional will evaluate your child’s medical needs to determine which services are appropriate.
- Receive your service plan – Once approved, a personalized care plan is developed and services can begin.
Families can apply at any time—there’s no waiting period tied to a specific enrollment season.
Supporting Medically Fragile Children at Home
The Georgia Pediatric Program exists because medically fragile children deserve to grow up in supportive, loving home environments—not in clinical settings far from their families. Through the GAPP agency framework, thousands of children across Georgia receive the skilled care, therapy, and developmental support they need, all at no cost to their families.
If your child has complex medical needs and your family is Medicaid-eligible, exploring GAPP services could be one of the most impactful decisions you make. Reach out to 365 Health Care today for a free consultation and find out how the Georgia Pediatric Program can support your family.
