MSDH's Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program provides family-centered care coordination for children and youth with specialized health care needs such as a chronic illness or disability.
Special Needs, Special Services
If your child has a chronic illness or disability, we may be able to help. CYSHCN Services will work with you and your health providers to identify your needs and organize services to improve the health and well-being of your child. Please contact us for information to determine how we may assist your child and family.
What is Care Coordination?
Care Coordination works with children and their caregivers to match their special needs with resources and services that work together for the best possible outcome.
Who Can Qualify?
- Children and youth with special health care needs from birth to 21 years of age.
- Must be a Mississippi resident.
- Must have an eligible special health care need.
- Must complete an Intake Assessment annually.
Eligible Conditions
CYSHCN Care Coordination services work to improve systems of care for children from birth to 21 years of age with chronic medical and disabling conditions. Qualifying conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Congenital metabolic conditions identified by newborn screening
- Blood disorders
- Cardiac disorders
- Craniofacial disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Ear, nose and throat disorders
- Eye disorders
- Genetic disorders
- Malformations of organs
- Neurological disorders
- Orthopedic disorders
Referral
If you or your healthcare provider believe that your child may be eligible for the CYSHCN program, use the referral form below to notify us.
Questions and Answers
What's new about the program?
- This program does not pay for direct care services.
- Care coordination services only will be provided to children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN).
Why has coordinated care replaced Children's Medical Services?
- Health care delivery system has changed.
- Care for CYSHCN is complex and requires coordination among multiple entities.
- CYSHCN services have access to specialty health care.
- Care coordination integrates systems across agencies, organizations, and community services while remaining family-centered.
Do I need an application?
- No. Beginning January 2016, an Intake Assessment replaces the CMP application.
- Intake Assessments can be completed by phone in the MSDH Central office or at a county health department.
Will I receive reminder cards?
- Reminder cards are no longer sent.
- Your Intake Assessment will be updated annually or as needed.
What does my child gain from this program?
- The program's care coordinators will work closely with insurance providers and managed care organizations to coordinate resources, education and information for your child and family.
- Public health staff will work with families to maximize and coordinate services with providers, community resources and insurance payers.
- Uninsured individuals will be provided assistance in identifying health insurance coverage through the insurance marketplace and other resources.
More Information
- CYSHCN Brochure (English)Printable information about CYSHCN services
- CYSHCN Brochure (Spanish)Servicios para niños y jóvenes
- Further resourcesLinks to information and organizations
To learn more about CYSHCN services, call 1-800-844-0898 toll-free. If you are in the Jackson area, call 601-576-7281.
For more information about Maternal and Child Health Programs and the MCH Block Grant, call 1-800-721-7222.
