Georgia Katie Beckett Program

The Katie Beckett program offers Medicaid Coverage to children under 18 who have a disability and live at home instead of an institution.

These children must meet specific criteria, allowing families to provide at-home care covered by Medicaid.

The Katie Beckett Program is a federal program that allows states to waive the income eligibility threshold for Medicaid coverage for children with disabilities.

The program is named after Katie Beckett, a young girl who was diagnosed with a rare disorder and spent years in a hospital before her family fought for her right to receive care at home.

Georgia has implemented the Katie Beckett Program to provide health care coverage for children with disabilities who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to their family's income.

If you have a child with a disability, you may be familiar with the challenges that come with accessing health care services.

Georgia has implemented the Katie Beckett Program to provide health care coverage for children with disabilities who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to their family's income.

In this article, we'll give you a brief overview of the program in Georgia, including what it covers, how to apply for it, and the renewal process.

Georgia’s Medicaid Katie Beckett Program

The state of Georgia participates in the Katie Beckett Program.

The program allows the state to overlook income as an eligibility factor for Medicaid families with children with disabilities.

The program was initiated under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) in 1982.

It is important to note that while the Katie Beckett Program is a federal program, Medicaid is managed separately in each state.

The program provides access to Medicaid coverage.  

It's worth noting that qualification is not based on medical diagnosis; instead, it is based on the institutional level of care the child requires.

It provides benefits to certain children 18 years of age or less who qualify as disabled individuals under §1614 of the Social Security Act and who live at home rather than in an institution.

What Katie Beckett covers in Georgia

The program provides access to Medicaid coverage. As such, it covers a range of services that Medicaid provides, including doctor's visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and more.

For families with children with autism, the Katie Beckett Program can be especially helpful in covering the high costs of treatments and therapies.

These may include in-home ABA therapy, which could be costly if not covered by an insurance.

For families with children with autism, the Katie Beckett Program can be especially helpful in covering the high costs of treatments and therapies.

The program also covers home and community-based services for children with autism, which can help them receive care in their homes instead of hospitals or institutions.

Applying in Georgia

To apply for the Katie Beckett Program in Georgia, you will need to complete an application and provide documentation of your child's disability and medical needs.

You will also need to provide information about your income and resources.

You can fill out the application either online, or print it and submit via fax or mail.

The completed signed application should be submitted to the Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team or any local DFCS office, by mail, telephone, fax, or online at www.gateway.ga.gov.

Apply online

Georgia Katie Beckett Application Form - English

Georgia Katie Beckett Application Form - Spanish

You can submit your signed application to one of these addresses:

Katie Beckett Medicaid Team Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 172

Norcross, GA. 30091

Katie Beckett Medicaid Team Physical Address:

2211 Beaver Ruin Rd.

Suite 150

Norcross, GA. 30071

If you have any questions or need additional assistance with the application process, you can contact the Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team for more information.

Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team:

Phone: 678-248-7449

Fax: 678-248-7459

Navigating the application and eligibility process for the Katie Beckett Waiver can be complex.

However, there are experts available who can guide you through the process.

These experts can help you understand the eligibility requirements, complete the application, and advocate for your child's needs.

Don't hesitate to reach out to them for support.

Renewal Process

Once your child is enrolled in the Katie Beckett Program, you will need to renew their coverage from time to time.

All medical level of care determinations that meet the standard for Katie Beckett approval will be authorized for a period of no less than two years.

This means submitting updated documentation of their medical needs and income information.

The renewal process is important to ensure that your child continues to receive the services they need.

What is NOW or COMP Waiver in Georgia?

In addition to the Katie Beckett Program, Georgia also offers two other Medicaid waivers that may be able to help families with children with disabilities.

The NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports) waivers provide another set of criteria to get access to Medicaid coverage.

These programs are for individuals who meet the level of care that would be required in an intermediate-care facility for people with intellectual disabilities (ICF-ID).

The NOW waiver serves individuals with less intensive needs than those in the COMP waiver.

The NOW program aims to increase independence and quality of life for individuals with less intensive needs.

The NOW and COMP waivers have different eligibility criteria. They are for individuals who meet the level of care that would be required in an intermediate-care facility for people with intellectual disabilities (ICF-ID).

While the Katie Beckett Program covers children with disabilities who wouldn't otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to their family's income or resources, the NOW and COMP waivers have different eligibility criteria.

Their eligibility criteria is for individuals that require facility care and have intellectual disabilities.

If you're interested in learning more about the Katie Beckett Program or any of Georgia's Medicaid waivers, we encourage you to contact your local Department of Community Health or a Medicaid specialist who can guide you through the application process.

We hope this article has been helpful in giving you an overview of the Katie Beckett Program in Georgia.

Remember that there are resources available to help you and your child receive the care and support you need.