The Georgia Autism Roadmap.

A plain-language map to the Medicaid, therapy, waiver, and family-support options Georgia offers children with autism. HeartPath provides in-home skilled nursing through GAPP, so we're not the right fit for autism-only care today, but we're building toward waiver-based services, and we don't want you to wait on us to get help now.

Your roadmap, step by step

Your child already has Medicaid

Most families who qualify by income do. You're set, start at step 1 below. You don't need Katie Beckett.

You were told you make too much

Start with Katie Beckett, which ignores your income and gets your child on Medicaid, then follow the same steps.

1
Get on a diagnostic waitlist now
Autism evaluations have long waits in Georgia, so request one right away (through your pediatrician or a center like Marcus Autism Center). A diagnosis is what unlocks almost everything below, so getting on the list is the first move.
2
Once diagnosed, Medicaid pays for ABA
Georgia Medicaid covers ABA therapy for a diagnosed child, with no arbitrary cap. This is the biggest service most families use, and it's covered as soon as the diagnosis is in place.
3
Apply for SSI
Supplemental Security Income provides monthly cash for a disabled child in a lower-income household, and it confirms Medicaid. Apply at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213.
4
Use Family Support Services for respite
Georgia's Family Support Services (through DBHDD) offers limited funds for respite and support while you wait on a long-term waiver. It's a real break for caregivers in the meantime.
5
Get on the NOW/COMP waiver waitlist
These are the long-term developmental-disability waivers. The waitlist runs years, so add your child now even though the services come later. Getting on the list early is the whole game.

The organizations that help

Coverage & income support

Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Monthly cash for a disabled child in a lower-income household, and it confirms Medicaid. For most families who qualify by income, this and Medicaid are the base you build on.

1-800-772-1213

Katie Beckett Medicaid (only if your income is too high)

You only need this if you were told you make too much for regular Medicaid. It ignores your income and gets your child on Medicaid. If your child already has Medicaid, you can skip it.

678-248-7449

Evaluation & therapy

Marcus Autism Center (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta)

Georgia's leading center for autism evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Babies Can't Wait

Free early-intervention services for children under 3 with developmental delays.

Respite & long-term support

Family Support Services (GA DBHDD)

Limited funds for respite and support for a child with a developmental disability who isn't on a waiver yet. A good source of respite while you wait.

NOW & COMP waivers (GA DBHDD)

The long-term home- and community-based waivers for developmental disabilities. The waitlist runs years, so add your child now, even though it's for later.

Family navigation & community

Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2PGA)

Free statewide navigator that connects families of children with disabilities to services, and helps you understand every option above.

770-451-5484

Together We Care GA

Georgia autism family support, resources, and community.

Questions parents ask

Autism & Medicaid in Georgia

In most lower-income households the child already qualifies for Georgia Medicaid directly, no special pathway needed. Katie Beckett is only for families who were told they earn too much for regular Medicaid; it ignores your income and qualifies the child based on their needs. If your child already has Medicaid, you can skip Katie Beckett entirely.

Yes. Once your child has a diagnosis, Georgia Medicaid covers ABA therapy with no arbitrary cap. That's why getting on a diagnostic waitlist early is the most important first step: the diagnosis is what unlocks ABA and most other services.

In some cases, through the developmental-disability waivers (NOW and COMP) run by Georgia DBHDD, which have participant-direction options. These are different from GAPP, they have long waitlists, and paying a parent of a minor is limited and varies by service. Getting on the waiver list early matters.

The NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver) through DBHDD serve people with developmental disabilities, including autism. They fund home- and community-based supports. Because slots are limited, apply as early as you can.

ABA is covered by Georgia Medicaid for children with an autism diagnosis. The usual path is: get Medicaid (often via Katie Beckett), get a diagnosis (for example through Marcus Autism Center), then connect with a Medicaid ABA provider. Parent to Parent of Georgia can help you navigate each step.

HeartPath is a GAPP pediatric home-care provider. Eligibility for these programs is determined by the State of Georgia.