The Parent's Guide to the Katie Beckett Waiver: How to Apply in Georgia

If you're a Georgia parent raising a child with a disability, you've probably heard whispers about the Katie Beckett Waiver. Maybe another parent at therapy mentioned it. Maybe your pediatrician suggested looking into it. Or maybe you've been Googling "Georgia autism resources" at 2 AM, desperate to find financial relief.

Here's the good news: the Katie Beckett Waiver exists specifically to help families like yours. The not-so-good news? The application process can feel overwhelming.

That's exactly why we put together this guide. Let's break it down step by step.

What Is the Katie Beckett Waiver?

The Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver is a Georgia Medicaid program designed for children with significant disabilities. It provides health coverage regardless of parental income: which is a game-changer for many middle-income families who don't qualify for traditional Medicaid.

Named after Katie Beckett, a child whose case in the 1980s changed federal policy, this waiver recognizes that children with disabilities can receive better care at home than in institutions. And it makes that care financially accessible.

What does it cover?

• Doctor visits and specialist appointments
• Therapeutic services (including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy)
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Zero co-payments and deductibles on Medicaid-covered services
• Potential assistance with your family's private insurance premiums

For Georgia families navigating the costs of autism treatment or other disability-related care, this waiver can be life-changing.

Who Is Eligible for Katie Beckett in Georgia?

Before diving into the application, let's make sure your child meets the basic eligibility requirements. Your child must:

• Be 18 years old or younger
• Be a U.S. citizen (or meet specific immigration requirements)
• Be a Georgia resident
• Live at home rather than in an institution
• Have a physical or mental disability requiring a level of care equivalent to hospital or skilled nursing facility care
• Qualify as disabled under the Social Security Act (§1614)

Here's the key advantage: parental income is not considered for eligibility. This is what sets Katie Beckett apart from standard Medicaid programs.

If your child has autism, intellectual disabilities, significant developmental delays, or complex medical needs, they may qualify. The determination focuses on your child's care needs: not your family's bank account.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Katie Beckett Application in Georgia

Ready to get started? Here's exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Request or Download the Application

You have two options to get the application:

• Call the Centralized Katie Beckett Medicaid Team at 678-248-7449
• Visit Georgia Gateway at www.gateway.ga.gov

Applications are available in both English and Spanish. The forms were most recently updated in January 2025.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

This is where many families get stuck. The state needs comprehensive documentation proving your child's level of care needs. Start collecting these items early:

Medical Documentation:

• Recent medical records from your child's physicians
• Hospital discharge summaries (if applicable)
• Documentation of diagnoses and ongoing treatment needs

Evaluations from Licensed Professionals:

• Psychological evaluation documenting cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior
• Developmental evaluation (especially important for younger children)
• Medical assessments showing your child requires institutional-level care

Administrative Documents:

• Proof of Georgia residency
• Your child's birth certificate or proof of citizenship
• Social Security numbers for your child and family members

Step 3: Complete the Required Forms

The application packet includes several forms. Don't skip any of them:

• Medicaid Application (Form 94) : The main application form
• Third Party Liability Questionnaire (DMA-285) : Information about other insurance coverage
• Voter Registration Declaration Statement
• HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
• Supplemental Documentation : Any additional forms requested

Fill out every section completely. Incomplete applications are a top reason for delays.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed application through multiple channels:

By Mail:
P.O. Box 172
Norcross, GA 30091

In Person (Physical Address):
2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Suite 150
Norcross, GA 30071

Other Options:

• Online through Georgia Gateway (www.gateway.ga.gov)
• Fax: 678-248-7459
• Phone: 678-248-7449
• Your local DFCS office

Keep copies of everything you submit. Every single page.

Step 5: Wait for the Eligibility Determination

After submission, the Katie Beckett Medicaid Team reviews your application. They'll notify you of their determination by mail.

Important update for 2025: All medical level of care determinations approved for Katie Beckett are now authorized for a minimum of two years. This applies to both new and existing applicants: which means less frequent re-evaluation stress for families.

Step 6: Follow Up as Needed

If you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe, or if the team requests additional documentation, respond promptly. Keep the Katie Beckett team's contact information handy:

• Phone: 678-248-7449
• Fax: 678-248-7459

Tips for a Successful Katie Beckett Application

After helping many Georgia families navigate this process, here's what we've learned:

Be Thorough with Documentation

The number one reason applications get denied or delayed? Insufficient documentation. The state needs to see clear evidence that your child requires institutional-level care. Detailed evaluations from licensed professionals make all the difference.

Get Current Evaluations

Outdated assessments won't cut it. If your child's last psychological or developmental evaluation is more than a year old, consider getting updated testing before you apply.

Document Daily Care Needs

Keep a log of your child's daily care requirements. How much assistance do they need with feeding, bathing, mobility, communication, and safety? This information supports your application.

Don't Downplay Challenges

This isn't the time for optimism. Be honest and specific about your child's limitations and care needs. The evaluation focuses on what your child cannot do independently.

Keep Organized Records

Create a folder (physical or digital) with copies of everything. Track submission dates, follow-up calls, and any correspondence from the state.

Ask for Help

The application process is complex. Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who can guide you through it.

How MATS Can Help with Your Katie Beckett Application

At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), we understand how overwhelming this process feels. We work with Georgia families every day who are navigating exactly what you're going through.

Here's how we can support your application:

Psychological Evaluation (Completed by an Outside Provider)

A comprehensive psychological evaluation is often required to demonstrate disability status and document cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. MATS does not provide psychological evaluations at our clinic. Families will need to obtain this assessment from a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician.

ABA-Related Assessments & Documentation Support

MATS can support the Katie Beckett application with ABA-related clinical documentation, including:

• Comprehensive ABA assessments that serve as the foundation for individualized treatment planning
• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) when clinically appropriate (the assessment used to identify the function of challenging behavior)
• Clear, organized documentation that aligns with common application requirements and supports continuity of care

If you're preparing to apply for the Katie Beckett Waiver and need ABA-related assessments or documentation support, reach out to our team. We're here to help Georgia families access the resources their children deserve.

You've Got This

The Katie Beckett application process takes time and attention to detail. But for many Georgia families, the outcome: comprehensive Medicaid coverage for their child: is absolutely worth the effort.

Take it one step at a time. Gather your documentation carefully. And know that support is available along the way.

Your child deserves access to the services that help them thrive. The Katie Beckett Waiver can make that possible.