CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3138&Q=387702, with eligibility determination and case management services subcontracted to Child Development Infoline, http://www.ctunitedway.org/cdi.html.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program (formerly known as Children with Special Health Care Needs) provides comprehensive and coordinated health care for income-eligible children who have, or are at elevated risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions.

SERVICES

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program coordinates services for children under age 21 who have, or who are at elevated risk for having, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions (biological or acquired), and who also require health and related non-educational and non-recreational services of a type or amount not usually required by children of the same age. The program also offers payment for certain types of services including, but not limited to, adaptive and specialty equipment, specialty pharmacy and nutritional formulas, hearing aids, and medical and/or surgical supplies. Also, respite funds are available to families whose children are enrolled in the CYSHCN Program. Families may be placed on a waiting list until funds become available. Respite services include planned or emergency care, including summer camps, to provide relief to eligible families caring for children with special health care needs. Maximum respite grant per family is $500 per year.

ELIGIBILITY

Children ages 0 through 17 who have, or who are at elevated risk for having, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions (biological or acquired), and who also require health and related non-educational and non-recreational services of a type or amount not usually required by children of the same age; Transitional services available for children ages 18 through 21 who are enrolled in the program. Care coordination, family support services, and respite funds are provided without regard to family income; For other services income must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level; When income exceeds the limit, special expenses such as medical debt, child care costs, and transportation expenses for medical care will be considered; Must have exhausted all other sources of payment, such as private insurance and HUSKY health plans.

APPLICATION

Call Child Development Infoline (800-505-7000) for screening

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by program name: Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

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SOURCE: Child Development Infoline
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: March2013