Children with Medical Handicaps
Our CMH program is designed to link families of children with medical handicaps and special needs care to a network of qualified providers helping families pay for the medical services their child needs. Public Health Nurses (PHN) assist families to connect with CMH providers. CMH works with doctors and other health care providers to ensure that every child with a special health care need will have a medical home.
What are Special Health Care Needs?
Special Health Care needs may be caused by a condition a child is born with or develops later. The condition is chronic in nature and will last longer than a year.
Who is eligible for CMH?
- Less than 25 years old
- A permanent resident of Ohio
- Seen by a CMH doctor
- Have a CMH qualified medical condition or diagnosed condition
What conditions are Eligible for CMH treatment
Diabetes, Cerebral Palsey, Cystic Fibrosis, Severe vision disorders
Hearing loss, Spinal Bifida, Scoliosis, Chronic lung disease
Hemophilia, AIDS, Juvenile arthritis, Heart Disease
Cancer, Sickle Cell disease, Cleft lip / Palate, Metabolic Disorders
Program Services Include
Diagnostic Program
The diagnostic program pays for the diagnosis of medical conditions. There are no income restrictions to qualify for diagnosis services. Children are referred to a CMH approved doctor to evaluate the child to see if he or she has a medical concern. Services include:
- X-rays and tests
- Therapy evaluations
- Up to 5 days in the hospital
- Public health nursing services
Treatment Program
Treatment is received from the CMH approved providers for eligible conditions. There are medical and income guidelines to qualify.
What Does Treatment Program Pay for?
Public health nurses help coordinate services for your child and serve as your child’s advocate. We personalize your service through home visits to provide case management. We keep in touch through visits, phone calls, and letters to provide support so you never feel alone while navigating through the complex health care system.
Children can receive services for one year (or more, pending yearly financial review), from CMH-approved providers, for treatment of an eligible condition. Both medical and financial eligibility are required for the treatment program.
- Laboratory tests and x-rays
- Physician visits
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
- Public Health nursing services
- Therapies
- Service Coordination
All services must be related to the child’s eligible condition. If the child remains eligible, services may be renewed each year until the child reaches age 25.
Transition to Adulthood
The transition into adulthood is stressful, especially for families with children who have special health care needs. Early planning is key. By the time a child is 14 years old, families should begin to plan for them to no longer be eligible for CMH services as an adult. Currently, young adults’ CMH Service Coordination Program service expires the day before their 21st birthday. The treatment program service expires the day before their 25th birthday. You can find planning tools and resources on the Ohio Department of Health extensive website for CMH.
https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/ohio-transition-resources
https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/resources/guardianship
https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/resources/external
How Do I get More Information?
Please call our CMH nurse at 740-477-9667 ext 378 or 740-207-0167. The Ohio Department of Health has an extensive website for more information on CMH here.