Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions families ask about the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP), pediatric in-home nursing, and how Opulent Private Care can help your medically fragile child receive skilled care at home across Georgia.
1. What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides in-home skilled nursing and personal care for medically fragile children under age 21. GAPP allows children to receive the medical support they need safely at home, at no cost to families.
2. Who qualifies for GAPP nursing services?
Children and young adults under 21 who have ongoing skilled nursing needs or medically fragile conditions may qualify. Eligibility is based on medical necessity, not income. Common qualifying needs include trachs, vents, feeding tubes, seizures, respiratory conditions, genetic disorders, and other complex medical diagnoses.
3. What medical conditions qualify a child for GAPP?
Examples include:
• Tracheostomy or ventilator dependence
• G-tube or J-tube feeding support
• Seizure disorders
• Cardiac or respiratory conditions
• Oxygen dependence
• Genetic or neuromuscular disorders
• Prematurity with medical complications
• Other medically fragile diagnoses determined by the physician and GAPP clinical team
4. Is GAPP income-based?
No. GAPP eligibility is not based on family income. It is based entirely on the child’s medical needs.
5. Do we need Medicaid before applying to GAPP?
No. If your child qualifies for GAPP, our team can help your family apply for Medicaid as part of the process. Families should not worry if they don’t currently have Medicaid coverage.
6. Is GAPP in-home nursing really free for families?
Yes. GAPP services are covered by Medicaid at zero cost to families — no deductibles, no co-pays, and no out-of-pocket expenses.
7. How do I start the GAPP approval process?
Just contact Opulent Private Care Services. We guide your family through every step: the intake, coordination with your child’s doctor, PPOT completion, documentation, submission to Georgia Medicaid, and ongoing support throughout the entire process and beyond!
8. How many nursing hours can my child receive through GAPP?
Nursing hours depend on your child’s medical needs and the Physician’s Plan of Treatment, which the GAPP clinical review team uses to determine the appropriate number of weekly hours. Some children receive part-time support, while others may qualify for extensive weekly nursing hours depending on their condition.
9. How soon can in-home nursing begin after approval?
Once GAPP approves your child’s hours, services can begin as soon as:
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A nurse is matched,
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The family is ready to start, and
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The schedule is confirmed.
Most families begin care very quickly after approval.
10. Can Opulent Private Care Services take over care if I’m already with another agency?
Yes. Families can switch agencies at any time. Opulent Private Care Services handles the transfer process, communication with Medicaid, and smooth coordination so there is no lapse in care.
11. Can a parent or guardian be paid as the caregiver under GAPP?
Yes. Through the Family Caregiver option, parents or guardians can be trained and approved to provide care for their child through a licensed home health agency like Opulent Private Care Services.
12. Does GAPP cover day, evening, and overnight nursing?
Yes. Nursing hours can be scheduled during the day, in the evening, or overnight — depending on your child’s medical needs and the number of hours approved.
13. Can nurses provide care while my child is at school or therapy?
Yes. With physician clearance and school approval, nurses can support your child during school hours, transportation, and therapy sessions. Many families choose blended routines: home care → school care → after-school care.
14. Do you serve my county or city in Georgia?
Yes — Opulent Private Care Services serves all 159 counties in Georgia, including Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, Central Georgia, South Georgia, and rural areas. If you live anywhere in Georgia, you are covered.
15. Do you provide care in rural Georgia?
Absolutely. GAPP is available statewide, and we support families in rural, suburban, and urban communities across all regions of Georgia.
16. How are Opulent Private Care Services nurses matched to each child?
We match nurses based on:
• Skill level
• Experience with your child’s condition
• Schedule availability
• Personality fit
• Your family’s preferences
Our goal is to create a safe, stable, long-term match.
17. What if I want a different nurse or need a better fit?
You can request a change at any time. We work closely with families to ensure the nurse placed in your home is someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
18. What’s included in skilled nursing vs supportive care?
Skilled care includes medical tasks such as tracheostomy care, feeding tube support, seizure monitoring, respiratory treatments, medication administration, and vital signs monitoring. Supportive care includes bathing, grooming, mobility assistance, sensory feeding, therapy-directed exercises, and daily routines — under RN direction.
19. Will my child have the same nurse consistently?
We prioritize consistency, stability, and relationship-building. Our team works to ensure families are paired with the right nurse/nurses that fit their needs.
20. What happens if my child’s needs increase over time?
If your child’s condition changes, we coordinate with your physician to update their care plan and request a reassessment from the GAPP review team. Families should reach out anytime they feel their child needs additional support.
21. How long does GAPP approval take?
Most families can expect:
• Intake + physician coordination: 1–2 weeks
• GAPP clinical review: 2–6 weeks
• Total: 3–6 weeks
Timelines vary, but Opulent Private Care Services works diligently and swiftly to get you on the program as quickly as possible.
22. What if my child was denied GAPP in the past — can we try again?
Yes. Many denials happen because documentation was missing. We review your case, coordinate with your doctor, and resubmit with accurate clinical detail so the GAPP team has a clear picture of your child’s needs.
23. Do you help families who are new to Georgia?
Yes. Families who recently moved to Georgia can still qualify for GAPP. We help with Medicaid setup, physician coordination, and the full approval process.
24. What makes Opulent Private Care Services different from other GAPP agencies?
Opulent Private Care Services provides:
• Personalized guidance
• Strong advocacy for medically necessary hours
• Exceptional nurse matching
• Family-centered communication
• Support for both skilled nursing and family caregivers
• Coverage in every county in Georgia
Our mission is to make the process simple, supportive, and stress-free. We advocate for you and your family like they are our own!
25. Do you support both skilled nursing and the Family Caregiver option?
Yes. Opulent Private Care Services supports both pathways and helps families decide which option or both, is best for their child’s needs and home situation.
26. How do I contact Opulent Private Care Services if I’m ready to start?
You can reach us by phone (678) 341-8342, email info@opulentprivatecare.com, or through our online intake form. Our team will guide you through the next steps and start the process immediately.