CHILDREN'S SPECIAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

CSHCS

Social workers in medical setting who work with children (those 20 years or under) should be knowledgeable about and able to refer patients and families to Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS).

CSHCS is a program within the Department of Community Health. It is for children and some adults with special health care needs and their families. Frequently it is referred to as Crippled Children's as that was the name given to the program in the past. It helps to pay for medical care for children that they might not otherwise be eligible for due to limitations in medical insurance programs of various types.

Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be 20 years old or under. Persons 21 and older with cystic fibrosis or certain blood coagulation disorders may also qualify for services. There is also a financial need component. If a family qualifies for Medicaid they will meet the financial requirement. Families may also be given a spend down like that required in Medicaid.

Provide families with a brochure about the program available online through the Michigan.Gov web site. In the past they had an application form you could download but it seems to have disapeared.

Patients and families at U of M Hospital can speak with the business office for information about how to apply.