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What benefits are available from Children's Special Health Care Services?

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) helps to pay for medical are and treatment for certain eligible medical conditions.

Why should I join CSHCS?
We work with you to ensure that you or your child receive the very best care. We help you with:

  • Paying specialty medical bills
  • Coordinating services from multiple providers
  • Learning about specialty providers, such as Doctors, hospitals and clinics
  • Coordinating health insurance benefits
  • Covering co-pays or deductibles

What does CSHCS NOT pay for?

  • CSHCS does not cover primary care, well-child care, mental health needs, or experimental health care.
  • CSHCS does not provide assistance with incontinence supplies. Incontinence supplies may be a benefit of Medicaid coverage. Contact your DHS caseworker for more information.

What type of diagnoses are covered?

  • Cancer
  • Hearing Loss
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
  • Muscular Dystrophy

For a complete list of diagnoses click here

How can this program help pay for my child to see a specialist?
CSHCS will cover the cost of diagnostic evaluations needed to have the child seen by a specialist, our team can facilitate the referral.  Primary insurance coverage will always be billed first with CSHCS paying co-pays/deductibles. If your child has Medicaid health insurance, initial visits are always covered.

Are their resources to help pay for specialized equipment (wheel chairs, oxygen, etc.)?
Yes there are, if the child/adult is medically eligible and the item is for their covered diagnosis.

Can CSHCS pay for unusual equipment needs for my child or me (i.e., van-lifts, tie downs, ramp, etc.)?
Yes, when they relate to your child’s or your medical condition, certain equipment ordered by the specialist may be covered.

Can CSHCS help pay for lodging and transportation to an out-of-town doctor’s appointment or if the child is hospitalized?
Yes, some families do receive this benefit.

Can I take my child out-of-state for medical care?
Out-of-state care always requires special approval, but our team can facilitate the referral.

Does CSHCS cover hearing aids, glasses or orthodontics?
Hearing aids, glasses and even orthodontics may be covered, if the child's medical condition is approved for these items.

Does CSHCS cover special medications, infusions, or home testing supplies?
CSHCS can possibly help with this need. CSHCS will need a medical report from the child’s specialist to determine eligibility.

Can I be reimbursed by CSHCS for bills I have already paid?
No, CSHCS does not reimburse for previously paid bills and only pays providers directly.

How do I enroll my child?
Please call:

  • For Branch & Hillsdale County residents: 517-279-9561, ext. 146
  • For St. Joseph County residents: 269-273-2161, ext. 210

Organization Information

Annual Reports

Administration

Organization Documents

- Strategic Plan
- Mission and Vision
- Agency Organization Chart