Central Michigan District Health Department.
Parents of eligible children with chronic health issues who have private health insurance in Mid-Michigan can now purchase secondary insurance designed to support their families.
Central Michigan District Health Department’s Pediatric Specialty Medical Services are also available to adults with cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and bleeding disorders.
Families with private insurance are eligible for CSHCS, which helps pay for medical expenses related to a child’s medical diagnosis not covered by other insurance, said Kelly Conley, director of personal health at CMDHD.
Conley said examples of medical conditions that are often covered include diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, birth defects, cystic fibrosis, cleft palate/lip, cancer, and many other serious diseases and conditions. It is said that it will be done.
Conley said there are more than 2,700 child medical conditions eligible for the CSHCS program, and starting Oct. 1, the age range will expand from 21 to 26.
“Children’s Special Health Services is a great program that helps a lot of families,” Conley said. “The great thing about this scheme is that even people with private insurance are eligible.”
CMDHD staff provides CSHCS education to families and health care providers in the community to help others better understand the program and its benefits.
There are no income restrictions for this program. However, Conley said some higher-income households may have co-pays or payment plans.
CMDHD staff assists any family in applying for the program after the child receives a qualifying medical diagnosis.
Once a person is certified after a medical history review by a physician at the state CSHCS office;
Conley said local health department staff work with families throughout the year to help with medical support, transportation needs, complex billing issues, or if they need to be away from home overnight for treatment. It is said that there is
CMDHD employees helped families write emails to insurance companies and make phone calls to reverse denials of needed medical care.
CMDHD staff can also assist in obtaining other needed items that may not be covered by insurance, such as wheelchair ramps and air conditioning, Conley said.
CSHCS is administered by the State of Michigan, with local representatives assigned to each county health department.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/cshcs or call the CSHCS Family Center at 1-800-359-3722 or CMDHD (989) 314-7570.
