California Children’s Services (CCS) is a statewide program dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care and support for children under 21 years old who have certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions. Established in 1927, CCS serves as a vital resource for families, ensuring that children with special health care needs receive the necessary services and treatments. (dhcs.ca.gov)
Program Overview
CCS offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, including:
- Medical Case Management: Assistance in coordinating care, selecting appropriate specialists, and navigating the healthcare system.
- Diagnostic and Treatment Services: Coverage for medical evaluations, hospital stays, surgeries, and specialized treatments.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: Therapeutic services aimed at improving mobility and daily functioning.
- Medical Equipment and Supplies: Provision of necessary medical devices and supplies, such as wheelchairs and orthotic devices.
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemophilia
- Cerebral palsy
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Traumatic injuries
- Infectious diseases with major sequelae
- Age: Under 21 years old.
- Residency: Must be a resident of California.
- Medical Condition: Have a CCS-eligible condition.
- Financial Eligibility: Families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $40,000 or less may qualify. Those with higher incomes may still be eligible if their child’s medical expenses are significant. Children enrolled in Medi-Cal may also qualify. (dhcs.ca.gov)
- Address: 5530 Overland Ave, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92123
- Phone: (619) 528-4000
- Email: CCS.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov (sandiegocounty.gov)
- Address: San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, Room 308, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 255-3737
- Website: San Francisco Department of Public Health (sf.gov)
- Phone: 1-800-299-4584 (calstatela.edu)
- Phone: 1-714-347-0300 (calstatela.edu)
- Established: 1927
- Serves: Children under 21 with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions
- Total Cost in 2021: $1.96 billion
- Federal Funding in 2021: Approximately 50%
- California Department of Health Care Services, 2023
- San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency, 2023
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 2023
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 2023
- Orange County Health Care Agency, 2023
- California Children’s Services Program Overview, 2023
- California Children’s Services Program Cost Overview, 2023
These services are designed to address a wide array of conditions, including but not limited to:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for CCS, children must meet the following criteria:
Regional Resources
CCS operates through county health departments, offering localized support. Here are some county offices and their contact information:
San Diego County
San Francisco County
Los Angeles County
Orange County
For other counties, please visit the California Department of Health Care Services website to find the appropriate contact information.
Financial Considerations
The cost of the CCS program is shared between state, county, and federal funds, along with some fees paid by parents. In 2021, the total cost of the CCS Program was $1.96 billion, with about half funded by the federal government. (ccha.org)
Comparison with National Benchmarks
While specific national benchmarks for programs like CCS are limited, California’s extensive network and comprehensive services set a high standard for state-supported programs for children with special health care needs.
Conclusion
California Children’s Services plays a crucial role in supporting children with special health care needs across the state. By offering a wide range of services and resources, CCS ensures that eligible children receive the necessary care and support to lead healthier lives.