The CMH program provides assistance to children with special health care needs and their families who meet the medical and financial eligibility criteria. Assistance is provided to children under the age of 21 who have special health care needs (primarily chronic illnesses) and are residents of Ohio. There are three programs that assist with the diagnostic and treatment services that may be needed.
The program staff are physically located in the Job Center. This allows the staff to work with several of our partner agencies. Help Me Grow Brighter Futures staff are also located in the Job Center, allowing both our staffs to work closely with families of children age newborn to 3 years of age who may have developmental delays or chronic health conditions.
The program staff also work closely with the staff of the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services located in the Job Center to assist families to enroll their eligible children in the Healthy Start or Medicaid Programs.
Medical Eligibility Criteria
For the CMH Diagnostic Program, a child must:
- Be under the age of 21
- Be a permanent resident of Ohio
- Be under the care of a CMH-approved doctor (MD or DO)
- Have a possible special health care need
For the CMH Treatment Program, a child must:
- Be under the age of 21
- Be a permanent resident of Ohio
- Be under the care of a CMH approved doctor (MD or DO)
- Be financially eligible
- Have an eligible special health care need
For the Service Coordination Program, a child must:
- Be under the age of 21
- Be a permanent resident of Ohio
- Be under the care of a CMH-approved hospital specialty team approved for service coordination
- Have a diagnosis eligible for service coordination
CMH staff nurses help families with the CMH application and renewal process. They assess family needs, teach about conditions and make referrals to health care providers and community resources. Common services covered by CMH are physician fees, hospitalizations, prescriptions, surgery, laboratory tests, medical equipment, therapy and dental care. Families are linked to practical assistance and offered support and encouragement.