Georgia has a licensed PPEC program that provides medical daycare to children with complex needs, fully covered by Medicaid. If your child requires skilled nursing during the day, a PPEC center can deliver that care while also giving them a chance to play, learn, and socialize with other kids.
This guide covers everything Georgia families need to know: what PPEC is, who qualifies, where to find centers, and how cross-border access works for families near the Florida state line.
Looking for PPEC programs in other states? See our complete state-by-state PPEC guide.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia licenses PPEC centers under Medicaid for children from birth through age 20 with medically complex conditions.
- Cost: $0 for eligible families. Georgia Medicaid covers PPEC services at no out-of-pocket cost.
- Centers operate in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, and Savannah through providers like Advanced Care Partners.
- Cross-border access with Florida: Georgia PPEC centers that regularly serve Florida Medicaid recipients can enroll as in-state Florida Medicaid providers, and vice versa. Families near the FL/GA border have options on both sides.
- Services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, meals, transportation, and developmental activities.
What Is a PPEC Center?
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. A PPEC center is a licensed, non-residential medical daycare facility that serves children with complex medical needs. Think of it as hospital-level nursing care in a daycare setting: your child receives skilled medical attention during the day, then comes home to your family each evening.
PPEC centers are not regular daycares. They are staffed by registered nurses and licensed therapists who manage conditions like tracheostomies, G-tube feedings, seizure disorders, ventilator dependency, and more. Children also participate in developmental activities, therapy sessions, and socialization with peers.
Learn more about why families choose medical daycare over other options.
PPEC in Georgia: Program Details
Georgia's Medicaid program covers Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care for eligible children. Here is what the program looks like in the state.
Program overview:
- Official name: Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)
- Ages served: Birth through age 20
- Medicaid coverage: Yes, fully covered. No copays, no deductibles.
- Operating schedule: Up to six days per week at some centers, with daytime hours that allow parents to work or attend school
- Licensing authority: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Services provided at Georgia PPEC centers:
- Skilled nursing care (medication administration, trach care, tube feedings, respiratory support)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Nutritious meals tailored to each child's dietary needs
- Transportation to and from the center
- Developmental and play-based activities organized by age and ability
- Caregiver education and family support
Georgia's program follows the same core model used in states like Florida and Texas: children receive comprehensive medical and therapeutic care during the day, then return home to their families.
Who Qualifies for PPEC in Georgia?
To be eligible for PPEC services in Georgia, a child generally must meet these criteria:
- Enrolled in Georgia Medicaid (including PeachCare for Kids, if applicable)
- Under 21 years of age
- Diagnosed with a medically complex condition that requires ongoing skilled nursing care
- Medically stable enough to receive care in a group daycare setting (rather than a hospital)
- Physician prescription for PPEC services, with a documented plan of care
Common qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, ventilator dependency, respiratory failure, seizure disorders, congenital heart conditions, and children who are technology-dependent (trach, G-tube, oxygen).
Not sure if your child qualifies? Start with your child's pediatrician or specialist. They can evaluate medical necessity and write the prescription needed to begin the enrollment process. You can also learn more about PPEC eligibility requirements here.
Where to Find PPEC Centers in Georgia
Georgia's PPEC network is smaller than Florida's, but licensed centers do operate in several major cities.
Current PPEC locations in Georgia include:
- Atlanta, GA (metro area)
- Athens, GA
- Macon, GA
- Savannah, GA
Advanced Care Partners is one of the primary PPEC providers in Georgia, operating centers across these cities. They serve Medicaid-eligible children from birth through age 20 and offer transportation, therapy, meals, and skilled nursing.
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) also provides skilled nursing for medically fragile children in both home and medical daycare settings, with offices in Stockbridge and Columbus.
How to search for Georgia PPEC providers:
- Visit the Georgia Medicaid Find a Provider tool
- Search by service type for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care
- Filter by your county or city
- Contact centers directly to confirm availability, hours, and enrollment status
You can also review the Georgia DCH Provider Manual for detailed coverage policies and provider requirements.
Cross-Border Access: Georgia and Florida
This is important for families near the Georgia-Florida border. Georgia PPEC centers that regularly serve Florida Medicaid recipients can enroll as in-state Florida Medicaid providers. The same works in reverse: Florida PPEC centers near the border can serve Georgia families.
This cross-border provision, documented by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), means families in border areas are not limited to their own state's PPEC centers.
What this means for you:
- If you live in South Georgia and the nearest PPEC center is across the state line in North Florida, your child may still be able to attend.
- If you have Florida Medicaid but live near the Georgia border, Georgia PPEC centers may accept your coverage.
- Always confirm directly with the PPEC center and your Medicaid plan before enrolling. Cross-border enrollment requires the out-of-state center to be enrolled as a provider with your state's Medicaid program.
Spark Pediatrics operates centers across North Florida, including the Jacksonville area, which is just minutes from the Georgia state line. If you are a Georgia family exploring Florida-based PPEC options, or a Florida family near the border, check our locations to see if a Spark center is nearby.
Families near the FL/GA border: Spark Pediatrics has centers in North Florida that may be accessible to your family. See our locations or check if your child qualifies for coverage.
Georgia PPEC vs. Other Care Options
PPEC is not the only option for medically complex children in Georgia, but it offers a combination of benefits that other services do not match.
For a deeper look at how PPEC compares to private nursing, read 7 reasons families choose PPEC over private nursing.
Official Georgia Resources
- Georgia Medicaid Find a Provider -- search for PPEC providers by location
- Georgia DCH Provider Manual -- coverage policies, eligibility details, and billing requirements
- Georgia PeachCare for Kids -- children's health insurance program for families who may not qualify for full Medicaid
- Georgia Department of Community Health -- the state agency overseeing Medicaid and healthcare provider licensing
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have PPEC centers?
Yes. Georgia licenses Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers under its Medicaid program. Centers currently operate in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, and Savannah. The program serves children from birth through age 20 with medically complex conditions.
How much does PPEC cost in Georgia?
PPEC in Georgia is fully covered by Medicaid at no cost to eligible families. There are no copays or deductibles. If your child is enrolled in Georgia Medicaid and meets medical eligibility, PPEC services are 100% covered.
Can my child attend a Florida PPEC center if we live in Georgia?
In many cases, yes. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration allows PPEC centers in Georgia (and other bordering states) that regularly serve Florida Medicaid recipients to enroll as in-state Florida Medicaid providers. The reverse also applies. Contact the specific PPEC center and your Medicaid plan to confirm cross-border eligibility.
What conditions qualify for PPEC in Georgia?
Children with medically complex conditions that require skilled nursing qualify for PPEC. Common conditions include cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, ventilator dependency, seizure disorders, G-tube dependency, respiratory failure, and congenital heart defects. A physician must prescribe PPEC services based on your child's specific medical needs.
How do I enroll my child in a Georgia PPEC?
Start by talking to your child's pediatrician or specialist about a PPEC referral. They will assess medical necessity and write a prescription. From there, contact a licensed PPEC center in your area to begin the enrollment process. You can find providers through the Georgia Medicaid provider search tool.
Is Spark Pediatrics available in Georgia?
Spark Pediatrics currently operates centers in Florida and Texas, not Georgia. However, families in South Georgia near the Florida border may be able to access Spark Pediatrics centers in North Florida, including the Jacksonville area. View our locations or get started to learn more.
This article was reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026. PPEC regulations and provider availability change as states update their Medicaid programs. Always verify current eligibility and provider information with your state Medicaid office or a licensed PPEC provider.
Spark Pediatrics is Florida's largest PPEC provider with centers across Florida and Texas. View all locations | Learn about our services