Resources
Questions parents ask us.
Every question, grouped, all answers open so you can read or print the whole page.
Cost and GAPP
Do we really pay nothing?
If your child qualifies for the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), Georgia Medicaid pays for our nursing. You pay nothing out of pocket for it. There are no application fees.
Who qualifies?
Children under 21 with Georgia Medicaid and a physician documented need for skilled nursing at home. Read GAPP and eligibility.
How many hours will we get?
Georgia Medicaid decides that from what your child’s doctor documents. We can’t promise a number. We’ll help you ask for what your child needs, and help you appeal if the answer is less than that.
How long does approval take?
Georgia Medicaid says up to 30 days after a complete request. Putting the request together usually takes one to three weeks before that.
We were told we make too much for Medicaid.
Ask us about Katie Beckett. It qualifies children based on their own income and needs, not the parents’.
Can I be paid to care for my child?
In some cases, for personal care support hours. Read Paid parent caregiver.
Nurses and care
Who will be in my home?
A pediatric RN or LPN with an active Georgia license, BLS, a background check and health clearances, matched to your child’s equipment and checked on it before the first shift.
Will it be the same nurse?
We keep the same nurses on a case as long as we can. When someone new is coming, we tell you first.
Are your nurses trained on my child’s vent or trach?
Every nurse on a trach or vent case shows competency on that equipment before the first shift. If your child uses equipment we haven’t staffed, we train on it with your supplier first.
What does the nurse do if my child gets sick on a shift?
Follows the plan of care and your doctor’s parameters, calls the RN supervisor and your doctor, and calls 911 if your child needs it. Then calls you.
Scheduling and contact
Who do I call at night?
A member of our leadership team. One number, (404) 641-8603, reaches us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What if our nurse can’t make a shift?
We’ll tell you as soon as we know, and we’ll tell you what we’re doing to fill it. We won’t leave you guessing.
Can we choose nights or school hours?
Tell us the hours that matter most and we staff toward them. Approved hours are set by Medicaid; when they fall is worked out with you.
Do you cover my county?
We staff across metro Atlanta and take calls from all of Georgia. Call and we’ll tell you plainly.
Getting started
My child is in the hospital. When should I call?
Now, even without a discharge date. We work with the discharge planner so nursing is ready when your child comes home.
What do I need for the first call?
Fifteen minutes, your child’s basic history, and whether your child has Georgia Medicaid.
Can we switch to you from another agency?
Yes. Your child’s GAPP approval stays with your child, not the agency.
What happens at 21?
GAPP ends at 21. We start planning the transition with you a year ahead.