Georgia’s Katie Beckett (KB) Medicaid pathway helps children with significant medical or developmental needs qualify for Medicaid based on the child’s needs—not just family income. This page is your home base with plain-language guides, videos, and links to each step: eligibility, applying, forms, appeals, and using the GAMMIS portal.
Note: I’m a parent sharing what worked for our family. This is not legal or medical advice. Policies change—always confirm details with official Georgia Medicaid/GAMMIS sources or a professional advocate.
Quick Navigation
- Eligibility (Do we qualify?)
- How to Apply
- Forms: What to Include
- If You’re Denied: Appeals & Timelines
- GAMMIS Portal: Logins & What You Can Do
- After Approval: Renewals & Next Steps
- Helpful Links & Contacts
- FAQs
Eligibility (Do We Qualify?)
KB (also called TEFRA) looks at a child’s medical/functional needs and “level of care,” not parental income. Children under 19 who need significant support for daily living, therapies, or medical care may qualify even if the family’s income would be too high for traditional, income-based Medicaid.
See full eligibility checklist »
How to Apply
Include all required KB application forms plus the supplemental items listed on your checklist. Some pieces must be completed by your child’s Primary Care Provider. For a Nursing Level of Care, include 12 months of hospital summaries and 90 days of signed nursing notes. For ICF/ID (Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities), include a current psychological evaluation (within 3 years) and 90 days of therapy notes (OT, ST, PT, ABA, etc.).
Step-by-step application guide »
Forms: What to Include
Now that you know how to apply and what documents to gather, let’s go over how to fill out each form — plus templates to help with the supplemental documentation.
View the complete forms guide »
If You’re Denied: Appeals & Timelines
If you’re denied, you can appeal—many families are approved during the appeal process once additional evidence clarifies the level of care. Watch deadlines: appeal requests are typically due within 30 days of the denial notice.
GAMMIS Portal: Logins & What You Can Do
Use the Georgia Medicaid GAMMIS portal to check eligibility dates, view claims and notices, request a new card, upload documents, and send messages. Save confirmations and PDFs for your records.
After Approval: Renewals & Next Steps
Expect periodic reviews and prior authorizations for services. Track renewal dates, keep a binder or cloud folder for records, and confirm providers have current authorizations to avoid claim issues. If you paid out of pocket while waiting, ask providers about retro-authorizations and reimbursement policies.
Renewal and next-steps guide »
Helpful Links & Contacts
Georgia Medicaid (program info): medicaid.georgia.gov
Georgia Medicaid info line: 1-800-766-4456
KB/TEFRA program page: medicaid.georgia.gov/programs/all-programs/tefrakatie-beckett
KB/TEFRA program phone: 678-248-7449
Official GAMMIS portal: mmis.georgia.gov
GAMMIS/MMIS Contact: home.gammis.com/public/Contact.aspx
Georgia Advocacy Office (request help): thegao.org/advocacy-request
Parent to Parent of Georgia: p2pga.org
Gina Deaton KB guide: ginadeaton.com/katie-beckett-guide
Debbie Dobbs (free webinar/resources): debbiedobbs.com/free-resources
Pathway 2 Possibilities: pathway2possibilities.com
Georgia Katie Beckett Medicaid Deeming Waiver Support (FB group): facebook.com/CFSGVCF
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FAQs
How long does the process take? The KB office notes that once they receive a complete application, typical review time can be up to ~90 days. Gathering evaluations and forms can add time, and appeals can add 2–3 additional months.
Can I apply if we already have private insurance? Yes. Many families use private insurance as primary coverage and KB/Medicaid as secondary once the child qualifies.
Does income matter? Parental income is not used to determine a child’s eligibility under KB/TEFRA. However, any income or assets in the child’s name (e.g., child support, trusts) must be disclosed and may be considered under Medicaid rules. If your family already qualifies for traditional, income-based Medicaid, you typically wouldn’t need KB.
Is it worth applying? For many families, yes. If your child needs ongoing therapies, equipment, or medications, Medicaid as secondary coverage can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. If KB isn’t the right fit, the process can still help you identify other supports and funding options.