What is CMH?
The Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) program is a health care program of the Ohio Department of Health. The goal of the CMH program is to link families of children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and help families obtain payment for services their child needs.
How can CMH help?
The CMH program helps families of children with special needs in three ways:
Diagnostic Program – This program is used to diagnose or rule out a special health care need or establish a plan of treatment. Services may include tests, x-rays, therapy evaluations, public health nursing services, visits to CMH approved doctors, up to five days in the hospital. Services may be received through this program for up to six months.
Treatment Program – Children receive treatment for an eligible condition for up to one year from an approved CMH provider. Services may include lab tests, x-rays, physician visits, prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies, surgeries, hospitalizations, public health nursing services, therapies, and service coordination. Both medical and financial eligibility are required for this program.
Service Coordination Program – This program helps families locate and coordinate services for their child. The program is limited to children with special conditions who are seen by a team of providers at hospitals approved by CMH for service coordination.
Who is eligible for CMH services?
Eligibility for CMH services includes those who are:
Age 0-24 (effective July 2023)
Permanent residents of Ohio
Under the care of a CMH-approved doctor and who may have a qualifying condition
*Financial eligibility is required for the Treatment Program only
What conditions are eligible for CMH?
Some of the many eligible conditions covered under CMH include:
- AIDS
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Cleft lip/palate
- Cystic fibrosis (child and adult)
- Congenital heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Hearing loss
- Hemophilia
- Juvenile arthritis
- Metabolic disorders
- Scoliosis
- Severe vision disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Spina bifida
How can I learn more about CMH or determine if my child might qualify for CMH services?
For more information contact Donna Peeper, BSN, RN at 740-439-3577, ext. 7245 or Cassandra Smith, BSN, RN at 740-439-3577, ext. 7246.
Click on the links below for additional information:
