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| 1. What types of programs are available through Special Medical Services? |
| 2. What qualifies a child as a child with special health care needs? |
| 3. What is the Catastrophic Illness Program? |
| 4. What is Care Coordination? |
| 5. How can I learn more about my child's medical condition? |
| 6. My child with special needs is underweight and has a feeding problem. How can I get help? |
| 7. I'm having trouble with the school program handling my child's behavior and ongoing medical problems. Who can help me? |
| 8. I don't have any way to get my child to her/his doctor's appointment. What can I do? |
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| 1. What types of programs are available through Special Medical Services? | Back to top |
Special Medical Services has a mandate to provide leadership to build and promote a community-based system of services for children with special health care needs and their families. In addition to a focus on development of a medical infrastructure, SMS supports a limited number of specialized medical and related services that provide direct care, such as:
- Community-based Care Coordination services
- Child Development services
- Nutrition, Feeding, and Swallowing services
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| 2. What qualifies a child as a child with special health care needs? | Back to top |
| Children with special health care needs(CSHCN) have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional condition, and also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. For example, CSHCN may be those with cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities, diabetes or other metabolic diagnoses, genetic or congenital problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD), asthma, autism spectrum disorders or seizure disorders. The definition applies to conditions that have lasted or are virtually certain to last for at least one year and that result in limitation of function, activities or social roles. |
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| 3. What is the Catastrophic Illness Program? | Back to top |
| The Catastrophic Illness Program (CIP) is a DHHS-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to adult individuals age 21 or over requiring extensive medical treatment for specific conditions. Persons with cancer, hemophilia, end stage renal disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis may apply to the program. Available assistance is limited to $2,500 per individual per year. |
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| 4. What is Care Coordination? | Back to top |
Care Coordination are comprehensive, community-based services offered to any family with a child who has special health care needs regardless of family income or where families go to receive medical services. Families and Care Coordinators work together to make a plan of care for a child. Coordinators help families to find, apply for and get a broad range of medical, social and financial resources from a variety of agencies and/or providers. Examples are: help with funding sources, e.g., Medicaid or insurance; finding respite care; problem solving family concerns; going with a family to medical visits or school meetings; or linking a family with a parent resource person or support group. |
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| 5. How can I learn more about my child's medical condition? | Back to top |
| SMS staff can help families obtain information about a variety of chronic illnesses or conditions affecting children as well as about national, state and community resources. Specific educational materials can be provided and the library resources of NH Family Voices are available. If appropriate, referral to a variety of medical specialists experienced with children who have special health care needs can be provided. For more information, please contact 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4488 |
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| 6. My child with special needs is underweight and has a feeding problem. How can I get help? | Back to top |
Parents, Physicians, Early Intervention Specialists, School Nurses, Child Care Programs, the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC), Head Start or other agencies identifying children with nutrition or oral motor feeding issues may generate referrals to the SMS Nutrition, Feeding and Swallowing Program. The program has developed a statewide network of contracted nutritionists and feeding and swallowing providers that serve children and families. These professionals work within their local communities to provide direct care and consultation. Services may be provided in the home or in conjunction with schools or other programs. For more information please contact 1-800-852-3345 ext 4488. |
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| 7. I'm having trouble with the school program handling my child's behavior and ongoing medical problems. Who can help me? | Back to top |
SMS has a consulting psychologist who can provide services to children and families. School consultation about the effects of chronic medical problems on learning and assessment of intellectual and socio-emotional development can be provided on a limited basis. Parents may receive assistance about managing problem areas such as bedwetting, behavior, fears, compliance with medical regimes and hyperactivity. Linkages with community-based mental health professionals for on-going counseling will be arranged for families requiring services above and beyond SMS consultation. For more information please contact 1-800-852-3345 ext 4488. |
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| 8. I don't have any way to get my child to her/his doctor's appointment. What can I do? | Back to top |
SMS care coordinators can refer you to transportation providers in your area who take Medicaid transportation vouchers. If you are not covered by Medicaid, but are eligible for SMS, financial support may be available. Referrals can also be made to local Developmental Services Area Agencies or volunteer programs in your region that provide transportation assistance. For more information please contact 1-800-852-3345 ext 4488. |
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