Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
Over 2,700 medical diagnoses are eligible for CSHCS coverage.
Our goal in the Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) program is to enable individuals with special health care needs to have improved health outcomes and an enhanced quality of life through the appropriate use of the CSHCS system of care.
Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) offers medical care and treatment assistance for children with chronic, severe, disabling health problems, and provides service coordination to meet child and family needs. Eligibility is based on the individual’s diagnosis, severity, and treatment plan—NOT income. This program can be used alone or in conjunction with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
The Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) program enrolls persons, newborn to 26 years of age, who have a qualifying medical diagnosis which is chronic, severe, and requires treatment by a specialist. Clients with diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, hereditary coagulation defects (commonly known as hemophilia), and sickle cell disease are eligible to be enrolled beyond age 26. Over 2,700 medical diagnoses are eligible for CSHCS coverage.
Families are sent an application after their child is determined eligible through review of medical reports from a medical specialist. Assistance is available through the local office for locating and paying for an evaluation by a pediatric medical specialist for the purpose of determining an eligible diagnosis.
Who is Eligible?
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Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be under 26 years of age. Those 26 and over with Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, or certain blood clotting disorders my qualify for services.
Cost of Services
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Eligibility to participate in CSHCS is not based on income, but a financial assessment will be conducted and a payment agreement established.
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You may have Medicaid, MiChild, and/or private insurance.
Hours of Service
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Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed 12-12:30 for lunch)
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What does enrollment in CSHCS offer?Helps pay for visits to specialists. May help pay for specialized equipment such as wheelchairs when they relate to the CSHCS qualifying medical condition. May help pay for medications when they relate to the CSHCS qualifying medical condition. Coordination of services and assistance with finding community resources. May assist with travel and lodging expenses relating to treatment. and care for the CSHCS qualifying medical diagnosis. May help to pay medical bills for a child who has recently died.
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What does CSHCS NOT pay for?CSHCS does not cover primary care, well-child visits, mental health care, or immunizations (with the exception of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for those otherwise uninsured).
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How do I join?Ask your child's specialist to send a report about your child's condition to us. If your child has not seen a specialist, we can make arrangements to have your child evaluated. Your child's medical condition, not your income determines if you qualify for this program. If your child qualifies, he or she will be invited to join the program. An application will be mailed to you. A review of this application will determine if we will ask you to share in the cost of services.
