Juggling all that you do with taking care of your children with different abilities, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the ability to pay for medical services to help your children live full and happy lives. Financial woes can often cause more hardship than even a situation requires, so it’s great when we are able to find resources that support parents and caregivers with medical expenses.
Let the SPOTLIGHT shine!
The Children’s Special Services (CSS) Program, which is coordinated through the Tennessee Department of Health, provides resources for medical and non-medical services for children with physical disabilities and special health care needs.
The CSS program has two parts: medical services and care coordination.
Medical Services
Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements can receive reimbursement for medical services which include physician and clinic visits, hospitalizations, medical supplies, prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and therapies for children.
Care Coordination
Families of eligible children can receive assistance with coordinating primary and specialty care through the designated primary care physician and corresponding managed care organization networks. Qualified care coordinators assist families in accessing many services like educational, medical, social, transportation, support, and advocacy.
Just to give you a glimpse into some of the great services available under the program, here’s a short list:
- transition planning
- speech and language
- wheelchairs and walkers
- special formula/food
- braces and artificial limbs
Location
Since the CSS program is coordinated by the local health department, there is access to the program in all 95 Tennessee Counties. Click here to find your county on the Tennessee Map.
Eligibility Requirements
Children from birth to 21 years of age may be eligible for assistance under the CSS Program. However, it is important to remember that diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria must also be met to participate in the program.
So, if you need assistance with comprehensive medical care and/or care coordination, CSS may provide you with the coverage needed. We’re so happy that there are agencies and programs in the state of Tennessee that help families within the disability community!
For more information about the CSS program and your child’s eligibility for CSS, start your journey right here.
Resource: Tennessee Department of Health.