Georgia Pediatric Program

The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a state Medicaid program that provides in-home skilled nursing care and personal care services for medically fragile children and young adults under age 21.
It is designed to allow children who would otherwise require institutional care (or would be at risk of it) to remain in the home with appropriate supports.
The program is fully funded by Medicaid and, for eligible families, comes at no cost (no out-of-pocket expense) for those services covered.

Eligibility:

Children and young adults under age 21 with medical conditions requiring skilled nursing or personal care.
Must be a Georgia resident, eligible for Medicaid (or under Medicaid) and meet the program’s criteria for medically fragile needs.

Services offered include:

Skilled nursing services: e.g., central venous line (CVL) care, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), tracheostomy care, G-tube feeding, ventilator management.
Personal care/unskilled support: daily living assistance (bathing, dressing, feeding), hygiene, mobility and transfers, vital signs monitoring, transportation assistance for medical appointments.
Families get to choose their provider from approved providers.

The program allows children with severe health care needs to remain in their home environment, which is beneficial for quality of life and family integration as opposed to placement in institutions or continual hospital stays.
It relieves some of the burden on caregivers by providing professional in-home support.
Given your context (you are a first-time mother, and a veteran — so knowing what supports are available for medically complex children can be extremely helpful) this might be a resource worth exploring if your child has special medical or developmental needs.

No waiting list – Many sources say GAPP has no waiting list.
Annual renewal – The eligibility and service plan are reviewed annually.
Provider choice – Families choose from approved in-home care providers which can help get the right fit for care and support.
Application & documentation needed – You’ll need to apply, provide medical documentation of your child’s needs, and work with the provider network. It may be helpful to contact the program early to understand the steps and paperwork.
Coordination with other supports – This doesn’t necessarily replace all other services (therapies, school supports, etc.), so it’s good to coordinate across your child’s full care plan.
Geographic / service provider variation – While the program is statewide, provider availability may vary by county; you’ll want to check local provider lists.