The budget proposes a total of $198.6 million ($135.8 million General Fund) for the Childrens Medical Services Programs (CMS), a decrease of $40.7 million ($43 million General Fund) below the 2003-04 Budget Act. The reason for this reduction was not specified. These programs include California Childrens Program (CCS), Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP), and Genetically Handicapped Persons Program (GHPP) local assistance funding.
This petition is geared to all of these Children's Medical Services Programs, but it is specifically dedicated to California Children's Services (CCS). CCS is a statewide program that treats children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions or diseases. CCS can authorize and pay for specific medical services and equipment provided by CCS-approved specialists. The California Department of Health Services manages the CCS program. Larger counties operate their own CCS programs, while smaller counties share the operation of their program with state CCS regional offices in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The program is funded with state, county, and federal tax monies, along with some fees paid by parents.
If you or your childs doctor think that your child might have a CCS-eligible medical condition, CCS may pay for or provide a medical evaluation to find out if your childs condition is covered.
If your child is eligible, CCS may pay for or provide:
· Treatment, such as doctor services, hospital and surgical care, physical therapy and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, X-rays, orthopedic appliances and medical equipment.
· Medical case management to help get special doctors and care for your child when medically necessary, and referral to other agencies, including public health nursing and regional centers; or a
· Medical Therapy Program (MTP), which can provide physical therapy and/or occupational therapy in public schools for children who are medically eligible.
