California Children's Services


Caring for Children with
Special Medical Needs

WHAT IS CALIFORNIA CHILDREN’S SERVICES (CCS)?

CCS is a State program that helps children with certain diseases, physical limitations or chronic health problems.


CAN OUR CHILD GET CCS?

If you or your child’s doctor thinks that your child has a medical problem that CCS covers, CCS can pay for an exam to see if CCS can cover your child’s problem.

If CCS covers your child’s problem, CCS pays for or provides services like:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgery
  • Physical & Occupational therapy
  • Lab tests and X-rays
  • Orthopedic appliances and medical equipment


WHAT ELSE CAN CCS DO FOR OUR CHILD?

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, like Public Health nursing and regional centers, so you can get the services your child needs.

CCS also has a Medical Therapy Program. MTPs are in public schools and give Physical and Occupational therapy to eligible children.

ARE THERE OTHER REQUIREMENTS?

To get CCS, your child must: 

Be under 21 years old; and

  • Have or may have a medical problem that CCS covers; and
  • Have or may have a medical problem that CCS covers; and
  • Be a resident of California; and
  • Have a family income under $40,000 (your adjusted gross income on State Tax form).

WHAT IF MY FAMILY’S INCOME IS MORE THAN $40,000?

You can still get CCS if:

  • You have Medi-Cal (full scope, no share-of-cost);
  • You have Healthy Families
  • Your out-of-pocket medical expenses for you child’s care is more than 20% of your family income;
  • You only want MTP services;
  • You need to see a doctor to see if your child is eligible for CCS; or
  • You adopted your child with a known medical problem that made them eligible for CCS.


WHAT MEDICAL PROBLEMS DOES CCS COVER?

CCS doesn’t cover all problems. CCS covers most problems that are physically disabling or that need to be treated with medicines, surgery, or rehabilitation. There are other factors, too.

CCS covers children with problems like:

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Cancers, tumors
  • Hemophilia, sickle cell anemia
  • Thyroid problems, diabetes
  • Serious chronic kidney problems
  • Liver or intestine diseases
  • Cleft lip/palate
  • Spina bifida
  • Hearing loss
  • Cataracts
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Uncontrolled seizures
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • AIDS
  • Severe head, brain, or spinal cord injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Problems caused by premature birth
  • Severely crooked teeth
  • Broken bones


CAN WE USE ANY DOCTOR OR PROVIDER WE WANT?

No, CCS must approve the provider, services and equipment first.

HOW DO WE APPLY?

Fill out a CCS application and return it to your County CCS office. You can get an application from your County CCS office or download from:  www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs

Fill out your application carefully so CCS will have all the information they need to see if you qualify
.

CAN A CHILD APPLY FOR CCS?

If your child is 18 or older or an emancipated minor, they can apply on their own.


WHAT IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CCS?

For more information or help in filling out your application, contact your County CCS office. Find their address and phone number in the government section of your phone book. Look under California Children’s Services or County Health Department.

Or, look for your CCS local office at:  www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs

TULARE COUNTY CCS
1062 SO. K STREET
TULARE CA 93274
(559) 687-6915