Children with Medical Handicaps
Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) Program is a health care program in the Ohio Department of Health. It links families of children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps families obtain payments for services their child needs. CMH has three programs to help children with special health care needs. All services must be given by CMH approved providers.
Diagnostic Program
Children can receive services for up to six months, from CMH-approved providers, to rule out or diagnose a special health care need or establish a plan of treatment. These services may include:
- Tests and x-rays
- Therapy evaluations
- Public health nursing services
- Visits to CMH-approved doctors
- Up to five days in the hospital
Treatment Program
Children can receive services for one year, 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 22.
Service Coordination Program
This program helps families locate and coordinate services for their child. This is a limited program available to children, with specific conditions, who are seen by a team of providers at hospitals approved by CMH for service coordination.
How is a child enrolled in the CMH Program?
The child’s CMH-approved doctor (M.D. or D.O.) sends a medical application form to CMH. Public health nurses can start the application process by referring families to CMH approved doctors. The parent, legal guardian or client who is at least 18 years old must sign the release of information and consent on the application form before CMH can act on the application.
Which children are eligible for CMH?
Those who are:
- Age 0-22 (Will expand to 23 years on July 1, 2022)
- Permanent residents of Ohio
- Under the care of CMH-approved doctor (M.D or D.O.) and who have or may have a chronic medical condition
Financial eligibility is required for the Treatment Program only