California Childrens Services
California Childrens Services
California Children Services (CCS) is a statewide program that provides funding for treatment of children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions or diseases. CCS also authorizes and pays for specific medical services and equipment provided by CCS approved specialists.
With guidance from the California Department of Health Services, the County of Imperial Public Health Department operates the CCS program countywide. The program is funded with State, County, and federal tax money, along with some fees paid by parents.
If you or your child's doctor believes that your child might have a CCS eligible medical condition, the program may pay for or provide a medical evaluation to determine if your child's condition is covered. However, it is important for you to know that CCS is not a health insurance program. It will not meet all of your child’s health needs, only those related to the CCS-eligible condition.
A referral must be made and an application completed. Anyone can refer a child to CCS, including parents. Ask your child’s doctor if you child may have any of the medical conditions listed. If so, you or the doctor can refer your child to the Imperial County California Children’s Services with an electronic SARS submission.
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Once a referral is received, you will receive an application in the mail to complete and return as soon as possible.
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Provide California Children Services with all information requested.
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Apply for Medi-Cal if California Children Services believes that a family's income qualifies them for the Medi-Cal program.
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Eligibility is determined.
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Services are given/authorized.
You can find the application at: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs/Pages/apply.aspx
Additional CCS information:
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For more information on medical eligibility, and to see forms, publications, letters, notices and other Web links, please visit the state website at: www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs
California Children Services (CCS) is a statewide program that provides funding for treatment of children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions or diseases. CCS also authorizes and pays for specific medical services and equipment provided by CCS approved specialists.
With guidance from the California Department of Health Services, the County of Imperial Public Health Department operates the CCS program countywide. The program is funded with State, County, and federal tax money, along with some fees paid by parents.
If you or your child's doctor believes that your child might have a CCS eligible medical condition, the program may pay for or provide a medical evaluation to determine if your child's condition is covered. However, it is important for you to know that CCS is not a health insurance program. It will not meet all of your child’s health needs, only those related to the CCS-eligible condition.
If your child is eligible, CCS may pay for or provide:
- Treatment, hospital and surgical care, laboratory tests, X-rays, orthopedic appliances and medical equipment.
- Medical case management to secure treatment from special doctors and care for your child when medically necessary, and referrals to other agencies.
- Medical Therapy Program services, which provides physical therapy and/or occupational therapy in public schools.
No, the provider must be CCS paneled and approved to provide the services and equipment.
Only certain conditions are covered by CCS. In general, CCS covers medical conditions that are physically disabling or require medical, surgical, or rehabilitative services. There are certain criteria that determine if your child's medical condition is eligible. Listed below are eligible medical conditions that may be included and some examples of each:
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Conditions involving the heart (congenital heart disease).
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Neoplasms (cancers, tumors).
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Disorders of the blood (hemophilia, sickle cell anemia).
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Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (thyroid problems, PKU, diabetes).
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Disorders of the genito-urinary system (serious chronic kidney problems).
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Disorders of the gastrointestinal system (chronic inflammatory disease, diseases of the liver).
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Serious birth defects (cleft lip/palate, spina bifida).
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Disorders of the sense organs (hearing loss, glaucoma, cataracts).
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Disorders of the nervous system (cerebral palsy, uncontrolled seizures).
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Disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues (rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy).
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Severe disorders of the immune system (HIV infection).
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Disabling conditions or poisonings requiring intensive care or rehabilitation (severe head, brain, or spinal cord injuries, severe burns).
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Complications of premature birth requiring an intensive level of care.
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Disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (severe hemangioma).
CCS can manage your child’s medical care. This means CCS can get the special doctors and care your child needs. Sometimes, CCS refers you to other agencies, such as San Diego Regional Center so you can get the services your child needs. CCS also has a Medical Therapy Program (MTP). MTPs are in public schools and give physical and occupational therapy to eligible children.
Yes, to get CCS, your child must:
- Be a permanent resident of California County where you apply.
- Be under 21 years old; and
- Have or may have a medical problem that CCS covers.
- Have a family income under $40,000 (your adjusted gross income on the state tax form).
If your family's income is more than $40,000 you can still get CCS if:
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You have Medi-Cal (no share of cost);
- Your out-of-pocket medical expenses for your child’s care is more than 20% of your family income
- Your child requires only MTP services;
- Your child needs to see a doctor to find out if they have a condition that is eligible for CCS. This is called "Diagnostic Services"; or
- You adopted your child with a known medical problem that made them eligible for CCS.