Katie Beckett Waiver 101: What Georgia Families Need to Know

For many Georgia families raising a child with a disability or complex medical needs, navigating healthcare options can be overwhelming—especially when income-based Medicaid doesn’t apply. The Katie Beckett Medicaid Waiver offers a vital solution, helping children access critical services regardless of parental income. But what is it, who qualifies, and how can you apply? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Katie Beckett Waiver?

The Katie Beckett Waiver—also known as the Deeming Waiver—is a Medicaid program that allows children under 18 with significant disabilities or medical conditions to qualify for Medicaid coverage based solely on the child's income and resources, not the parents' .

This waiver was created to ensure that families wouldn't have to institutionalize their children just to receive care. Instead, it allows them to receive services at home or in their community, giving them access to therapies, nursing care, durable medical equipment, and more.

Who Is Eligible in Georgia?

To qualify for the Katie Beckett Waiver in Georgia, your child must:

• Be under the age of 18

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

• Live in Georgia

• Have a disability or chronic condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability

• Require the level of care typically provided in a hospital, nursing home, or other institution—but can safely be cared for at home

The application process includes both a financial review (of the child only) and a medical necessity review.

What Services Does the Waiver Cover?

Once approved, children can access a range of Medicaid services, including:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies

• Private duty nursing

• Medical supplies and equipment

• In-home supports

• Behavioral health services

• Prescriptions and routine medical care

This coverage can make a life-changing difference in a child’s development and a family’s financial stability.

How Do You Apply?

Applying for the Katie Beckett Waiver in Georgia involves several detailed steps:

1. Complete the Medicaid application through the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

2. Submit the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver Application Packet, which includes:

   • Physician’s evaluation

   • Medical records

   • Care plans

   • Letters of medical necessity

3. Undergo a level-of-care review by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF)

The process can be lengthy and complex. Families often face denials due to incomplete documentation or lack of clarity in demonstrating medical need.

How Latarcsha Britt Consulting Can Help

At Latarcsha Britt Consulting, we specialize in helping families navigate this exact process. With over 14 years in social services and direct experience as a former case manager in Georgia’s Katie Beckett Medicaid Unit, Latarcsha brings expert insight and heartfelt support to each family.

We offer:

• Step-by-step guidance through the entire application process

• Assistance gathering and organizing medical documents

• Personalized support based on your child’s unique needs

• Virtual services available statewide across Georgia

Our mission is to make sure no family has to face this alone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many families are denied simply because of preventable errors. Here are a few common pitfalls:

• Not providing detailed medical documentation

• Submitting forms with missing or inconsistent information

• Failing to explain how care at home is equivalent to or better than institutional care

Working with an experienced consultant can drastically reduce these errors and improve your chances of approval.

Final Thoughts

The Katie Beckett Waiver is a lifeline for families raising children with complex medical needs in Georgia. But the process can feel intimidating without support. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re applying for the first time or reapplying after a denial, we’re here to guide you with clarity and compassion.

Ready to Get Started?

Let Latarcsha Britt Consulting walk with you every step of the way. Contact us for a free consultation.

Sources:[1] https://medicaid.georgia.gov/programs/all-programs/katie-beckett[2] https://www.parenttoparentofga.org/index.php?cID=190[3] https://gafcp.org/initiatives/katie-beckett/