GEORGIA, USA — A temporary extension has been granted in a medical assistance program that many Georgia families rely on, buying them more time.
The Medicaid program, known as Appendix K, became available in Georgia during the pandemic to temporarily allow family members to become paid caregivers. This helped to limit people entering their homes. The program's fate was in jeopardy as it was set to expire on Saturday.
Chelsie Nichole is a mother-of-five-turned-nurse for her daughter Rosie, who has Pfeiffer Syndrome.
"It was a temporary program designed to fill in the gap for us while they set up some long term options for our families and now here we are three years later," she said.
She sent an update on the program's fate to 11Alive on Monday after she received a letter which appears to be from the Georgia Department of Community Health. It stated the temporary extension will run through March 31, 2024. It will allow family members who are legally responsible to continue their personal care services.
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For the last three years, Chelsie has been able to stay at home taking care of Rosie through Georgia Pediatric Program's (GAPP) use of Appendix K. She explained that the program allowed her to become a paid caregiver in efforts to help with the nursing shortage and reduce the risk of families getting COVID.
The mom is part of Facebook groups where hundreds of parents believe this could have negative trickle effects, including the straining of children’s hospitals.
"On top of that, my daughter’s 5. She’s now had 27 surgeries to date. We have that constant medical stress already on us," she said. "Then to have these additional worries and paperwork, things that we’re trying to do. Our families are drowning. They’re overwhelmed already."
Georgia parents signed multiple petitions asking for another extension. Since the extension was granted, parents are still fighting for a permanent solution.