# GAPP renewal in Georgia: how yearly reauthorization works, and how to keep care from lapsing. By Ava Family Services Intake and Nursing Team, reviewed by Ava Family Services leadership. Published 2026-09-30. Source: https://www.avafamilyservices.com/guides/gapp-renewal-georgia Publisher: Ava Family Services, LLC, (404) 905-7699, 275 Interstate North Cir SE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30339 > GAPP is renewed every year in Georgia. The medical form is valid for one year and should be renewed 30 to 60 days before it expires, and families re-sign their program forms each year. Most lapses come from missed dates, so the renewal really starts two months before the anniversary. ## How often is GAPP renewed? GAPP is renewed every year. Georgia Medicaid's GAPP guidance says the medical form is valid for one year and must be renewed 30 to 60 days before it expires, and families re-sign their program forms yearly. Reviewers can set a different approval length for a child, so always go by the dates on your child's approval. ## When to start the renewal Start 30 to 60 days before the medical form expires. That window exists because a renewal needs a current doctor's visit, updated orders, recent records and signatures, and each of those can take a week or two. At Ava Family Services, our nurses and office track each child's dates and start the renewal with your family and your child's doctor well before the deadline. ## What a GAPP renewal includes A renewal is a fresh look at your child's care, so expect: - **Updated physician orders and a new plan of treatment** that reflect your child's needs today. - **Recent medical records** that support the plan. - **Program forms your family signs each year**, including the letter of understanding and your freedom of choice of agency. - **A new medical review**, which approves services for the next period. ## Can hours change at renewal? Yes. Each renewal is a new medical review, so approved hours can go up or down to match your child's current needs. If your child had a hospital stay, new equipment, more seizures or new overnight care this year, make sure the doctor knows before signing the new plan. Our [guide to documenting daily care](https://www.avafamilyservices.com/guides/documenting-daily-care-for-gapp) is a good checklist to redo each year. ## Don't forget Medicaid's own renewal GAPP needs active Georgia Medicaid. Medicaid has its own renewal, and if your child's coverage is through [Katie Beckett](https://www.avafamilyservices.com/gapp-application-help/katie-beckett), that is renewed separately too. Put the GAPP date and the Medicaid date on the same calendar. ## Renewal is also a good time to ask questions Every year you re-sign your freedom of choice of agency, which is a reminder that you can choose or change your GAPP provider. If things aren't working, read [how switching GAPP agencies works](https://www.avafamilyservices.com/guides/switching-gapp-agencies). Questions about a renewal? Call Ava Family Services at [(404) 905-7699](tel:+14049057699), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. *Renewal approvals and hours are decided by Georgia Medicaid's GAPP medical review. Ava prepares the renewal paperwork with your family and your child's doctor.* ## Frequently asked questions ### How often does GAPP need to be renewed? Every year. The medical form is valid for one year, and reviewers can set a different approval length, so go by the dates on your child's approval. ### When should we start the GAPP renewal? 30 to 60 days before the medical form expires. Starting earlier leaves room for a doctor's visit, records and signatures. ### Can my child's hours change at renewal? Yes. Each renewal is a new medical review, so hours can go up or down to match your child's current needs. Keep your care list current so the plan reflects real life. ### Do we also need to renew Medicaid? Medicaid has its own renewal. If your child has Medicaid through Katie Beckett, that coverage is renewed separately, so keep both dates on your calendar. ### Does Ava handle the renewal? Ava's nurses and office work with your family and your child's doctor to keep reauthorizations on time. You still sign your forms and see the doctor. ## Official sources - [Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) Presentation, GAMMIS (June 2023)](https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/portal/Portals/0/StaticContent/Public/ALL/NOTICES/GAPP%20Presentation%20Finalized%20June%2026%2023%202%2020230630141655.pdf) - [TEFRA / Katie Beckett, Georgia Medicaid](https://medicaid.georgia.gov/tefrakatie-beckett)