California Children's Services (CCS)

Function

California Children’s Services (CCS) is a public health program for children and youth with certain diseases or health problems. If your child qualifies, the program may be able to pay for diagnostic and treatment services up to age 21. Physical and occupational therapy services are available locally for qualifying conditions through the Medical Therapy Program (MTP).

Eligibility

The program is available to anyone who:

• Is under 21 years of age
• Is a California resident
• Has a medical condition that is eligible for care under CCS
• And has one of the following:
  • Medi-Cal with full benefits
  • Family income of $40,000 or less
  • Out-of-pocket medical expenses expected to be more than 20 % of family’s adjusted gross income
  • A need for an evaluation to find out if there is a health problem covered by CCS
  • Was adopted with a known health problem that is covered by CCS
  • A need for the Medical Therapy Program.

Services

• Diagnostic Evaluations - Children whose family doctor has documentation to support the suspicion of having 1 of the CCS eligible medical conditions are eligible for free diagnostic services.
• Treatment Services - for a CCS-eligible medical condition, including medical, dental, surgical care, pharmaceuticals, physical and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, X-rays, appliances, equipment, and other needed services.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy - Therapy is provided in medical therapy units located in public schools to children who have a medical need for these treatment services. These CCS services do not require financial eligibility.
• Medical Case Coordination - CCS provides referrals to medical specialists and centers; follow up with others involved with the care of the child such as schools, public health / school nurses, social workers, and other agencies; transferring medical records; locating new facilities and services when families move; and assisting the family to cope with the child's condition.