Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)
judy.scali@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
P: 740.652.2826 F: 740.653.6626
The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH) provides assistance to children with special health care needs and their families who meet the medical and financial eligibility criteria. Assistance is provided to children under the age of 23 who have special health care needs and are residents of the State of Ohio.
FCHD offers public health nurse (PHN) services, by staff skilled in working with families with special health care needs, to clients of the CMH program.
Three Ways CMH Can Help... CMH has three programs to help children with special health care needs. All services must be given by CMH approved providers.
- 1. 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
- 2. The 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 23.
- 3. The 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.
For more information about the MCH program visit odh.ohio.gov or call our office at
(740) 652-2800 or email judy.scali@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
