California Children's Services
If your child has a catastrophic or serious medical condition that meets program eligibility criteria, this program may be able to provide financial assistance for medical services and coordinate health care services. Services include physical and occupational therapy, financial assistance, case management and access to specialized medical care. Your child must be under 21 years of age, family income must meet certain eligibility guidelines and only certain conditions are covered.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Age: Your child must be under 21 years of age.
- Residence: Your child must be a permanent resident of the California county where you apply.
- Income: Your family income must be less than $40,000 per year, according to the adjusted gross income on your California income taxes. A child whose family has a higher income may receive services if the estimated cost of medical care in one year is expected to exceed 20 percent of the family income. If your child has full scope Medi-Cal with no Share of Cost, the family income can exceed $40,000. State regulations require families to apply for Medi-Cal when they are requesting medical coverage to pay for hospitalizations, medical provider appointments, medications and/or durable medical equipment or supplies from the CCS program.
- There is no income or Medi-Cal requirement for children eligible to receive Medical Therapy Unit therapy services only, diagnostic services only or for those families who adopted a child with a known CCS eligible medical condition.
If CCS thinks that your child might have an eligible condition, CCS may pay for diagnostic services, including examinations, laboratory tests, and/or X-rays.
Services Provided
- Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology
- General Laboratory Tests
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthodontics
- Physical Therapy
- Specialized Information and Referral for Health Issues
- Surgical Intensive Care
Eligible Medical Conditions
In general, CCS covers medical conditions that are physically disabling or require medical, surgical, or rehabilitative services based on state regulations. The following medical conditions may be eligible for the CCS program if they meet eligibility criteria.
| Category | Condition |
|---|---|
| Conditions involving the heart (congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease) |
Neoplasms (cancers, tumors) |
| Diseases of the blood (hemophilia, sickle cell anemia) |
Diseases of the respiratory system (cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease) |
| Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (thyroid problems, PKU, or diabetes that is hard to control) |
Diseases of the genitourinary system (serious kidney problems) |
| Diseases of the gastrointestinal system (liver problems such as biliary atresia) |
Serious birth defects (cleft lip/palate, spina bifida) |
| Diseases of the sense organs (eye problems leading to loss of vision, such as glaucoma and cataracts, and hearing loss) |
Diseases of the nervous system (cerebral palsy, uncontrolled epilepsy/seizures) |
| Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy) |
Severe disorders of the immune system (HIV infection) |
| Disabling injuries and poisonings requiring intensive care or rehabilitation (severe head, brain, or spinal cord injuries, and severe burns) |
Complications of premature birth requiring an intensive level of care |
| Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (severe hemangioma) |
Medically handicapping malocclusion (severely crooked teeth) |
Medical Therapy Program: Occupational and Physical Therapy Services
Children with physical handicaps who are eligible for the CCS program may receive physical and/or occupational therapy through the Medical Therapy Unit (MTU). Therapists specialize in pediatric treatment and equipment issues. The goal of therapy is directed toward attaining maximum function within the limits of the child's capabilities.
The Medical Therapy Program is a cooperative effort of state and local departments of health and education.
The program accepts children with eligible conditions from birth to age 21. Referrals to the program can be made by parents, private physicians, specialty clinics, school nurses, hospitals, or other agencies. There is no charge for the occupational and physical therapy services. Financial assistance is available, for those that qualify, to help pay for durable medical equipment and bracing needs.