Children with Medical Handicaps
Richland Public Health’s Children with Medical Handicaps program (CMH) is a health care program administered by the Ohio Department of Health. The program links families of children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps families obtain payment for the services their children need. Public Health Nurses provide case management services to these families.
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 and will last longer than a year.
Who is Eligible for CMH?
- Less than 22-years-old
- A permanent Ohio resident
- Seen by a CMH doctor
- Have a CMH-qualified medical condition or diagnosed condition
What Conditions Are Eligible for CMH Treatment?
Call a Public Health Nurse to see if your child’s condition is eligible (419-774-4540). Common conditions covered include, but are not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Cerebral palsy
- 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
Programs & Services
The 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/she has a medical concern. Services include:
- Test and X-Rays
- Therapy evaluations
- Up to 5 days in the hospital
- Public Health Nursing Services
The Treatment Program
Treatment is received from CMH-approved providers for eligible conditions. There are medical AND income guidelines to qualify.
We personalize your service through home visits to provide family-centered care to assist in providing education and assessing needs. 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.
What Does the Treatment Program CMH Pay For?
Public Health Nurses are Registered Nurses (RN) who help coordinate services for your child and serve as your child’s advocate to get the help your child needs.
The Public Health Nurse is an important resource who can help families:
- Identify children with special health care needs
- Provide education about the CMH program
- Help fill out the required forms for CMH
- Help with the yearly renewal process
- Understand your child’s treatment services
- Refer your child to doctors and other services, supports, and resources
- Coordinate care between different community agencies
- Advocate for your child to help your child get the care needed
- Help with appeals and denials, if needed
- Work with agencies to make sure your child’s healthcare needs are met.
Get More Information
For more information on the CMH program, call Public Health Nursing at 419-774-4540.
