Top 5 Mistakes Families Make on the Katie Beckett Application—And How to Avoid Them

Navigating Georgia’s Katie Beckett Medicaid Waiver process can feel overwhelming—especially for families applying for the first time. At Latarcsha Britt Consulting, we’ve supported families across the state through this process, and we’ve seen many common pitfalls that can delay or even derail an application.

Avoiding these five mistakes can make all the difference in your child getting the care they need—without unnecessary stress.

1. Incomplete or Missing Medical Documentation

Why It Happens: Families often submit medical records that are too general, outdated, or lacking in detailed clinical information. Some providers may not be familiar with the level of documentation needed for Medicaid waiver eligibility.

How to Avoid It: Make sure all submitted documents clearly show your child’s diagnosis, functional limitations, and ongoing medical needs. You’ll need current evaluations, specialist reports, and therapy notes—not just a diagnosis letter.

📌 Tip: Include records that speak directly to your child’s daily challenges with mobility, self-care, communication, and safety.

Source: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

2. Inconsistent Answers Across Forms

Why It Happens: The Katie Beckett application includes multiple forms—Level of Care (LOC), Medicaid application, and sometimes third-party evaluations. Families sometimes fill them out at different times or with help from different people, leading to inconsistent descriptions of the child’s condition.

How to Avoid It: Review every form thoroughly to ensure consistency in how you describe your child’s needs. Use the same language and examples when possible. This helps reviewers clearly understand your child’s case.

🔍 Pro Tip: At Latarcsha Britt Consulting, we offer side-by-side guidance to keep your forms aligned and your story clear.

3. Underreporting Your Child’s Daily Challenges

Why It Happens: Parents often hesitate to highlight their child’s struggles, either because they’re used to handling it all or they want to focus on their child’s strengths.

How to Avoid It: For this application, it’s critical to focus on the level of care your child needs daily. Don’t downplay behaviors, medical interventions, or developmental delays—even if they’re part of your normal routine.

💡 Remember: This is not a reflection of your parenting. It’s about advocating for the support your child deserves.

Source: Georgia Pediatric Program Guidelines

4. Waiting Too Long to Start the Process

Why It Happens: Some families wait until a crisis, a hospital stay, or an insurance issue before applying. Others think they need to gather everything on their own before reaching out for help.

How to Avoid It: Start early. The application process can take 60 to 90 days or more, especially if additional documentation is requested. The sooner you begin, the more time you have to gather quality records and respond to questions.

⏳ Need help getting started? We offer a free consultation to walk you through the first steps. Just contact us.

5. Going It Alone Without Expert Support

Why It Happens: The waiver process seems straightforward on the surface—but the fine details can be confusing. Many families don’t realize they can get help until after an application is denied.

How to Avoid It: Working with a professional—especially someone with insider experience—can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Latarcsha Britt has over 14 years of experience and is a former case manager with Georgia’s Katie Beckett Medicaid Unit. She knows what reviewers are looking for—and how to present your child’s story clearly and effectively.

🙋‍♀️ Don’t wait for a denial to seek help. Get expert support from the start.

Final Thoughts

The Katie Beckett Medicaid Waiver offers a lifeline for Georgia families of children with disabilities—but the process can be tough to navigate alone. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with someone who truly understands the system, you can give your child the best chance at receiving the care they need.

Ready to get started? Contact us, today. Serving all of Georgia.