MSDH Services for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs provides family-centered care coordination services for children and youth with health care needs involving a variety of specialized providers.

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 healthcare provider to identify your needs and organize services to improve your child’s health and well-being. Please contact us for information to determine how we can help 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 to achieve the best possible outcome.

Who can qualify?

• Children and adolescents with special medical needs from birth to age 21.
• Must be a Mississippi resident.
• You must have an eligible special medical need.
• An intake assessment must be completed annually.

eligibility criteria

The CYSHCN Care Coordination service works to improve care systems for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities, from birth to age 21. Eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Congenital Metabolic Disorders Identified by Newborn Screening
• blood disease
• Heart disease
• craniofacial disorder
• endocrine disorders
• ear, nose and throat disease
• eye disease
• hereditary disease
• organ malformations
• neurological disorders
• Orthopedic disease

inquiry

If you or your healthcare provider believe that your child may be eligible for the CYSHCN program, please notify us using the referral form below.

questions and answers

What’s new in the program

• This program does not pay for direct care services.
• Care coordination services are provided only for Children and Youth with Special Medical Needs (CYSHCN).

Why has coordinated care replaced pediatric health services?

• The healthcare system has changed.
• Care for CYSHCN is complex and requires coordination among multiple entities.
• CYSHCN services provide access to specialized medical care.
• Care coordination integrates systems across institutions, organizations and community services while remaining family-centered.

Do I need to apply?

• No. From January 2016, the Intake Assessment will replace the CMP application.
• Intake assessments can be done over the phone at the MSDH central office or county health department.

Will I receive a reminder card?

• Reminder cards are no longer sent.
• Intake ratings are updated annually or as needed.

What will my child get from this program?

• The program’s care coordinator works closely with insurance companies and managed care organizations to coordinate resources, education, and information for your child and family.
• Public health staff work with families to optimize and coordinate services with health care providers, community resources and payers.
• Uninsured individuals are provided assistance in identifying health insurance coverage through insurance marketplaces and other resources.

For more information

Your opinion matters. We would love to hear from you about your maternal and child health needs, MCH Block grants, and Mississippi programs. Please share your comments, ideas and concerns with us.