The Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) Program is offered through the Ohio Department of Health and provides assistance to individuals with special healthcare needs. The program helps eligible children and adults access services for the diagnosis and treatment of qualifying chronic medical conditions. In Marion County, a public health nurse works on behalf of families to help coordinate services and support care at no cost.

Public health nurses work with families to:

  • Identify children with special health care needs who may qualify for the program
  • Assist families with CMH applications and paperwork
  • Explain the program, Letters of Approval, and medical plans of treatment
  • Help families understand and work with medical insurance plans
  • Locate CMH approved providers
  • Make referrals to physicians, pharmacies, durable medical equipment providers, and other services
  • Provide service coordination, advocacy, health assessment, education, and developmental screening
  • Visit children and families in the home, health department, or other agreed-upon locations
  • Help families find and use services their child needs

 Eligibility Requirements

  • Age 0-25 years
  • Permanent resident of Ohio
  • Under the care of a CMH approved doctor (M.D or D.O)
  • Have or may have a chronic medical condition

Eligible Medical Conditions

  • Chronic Pulmonary Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Juvenile Arthritis
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Cancer
  • Cleft Lip/Palate
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hemophilia
  • Spina Bifida
  • Hearing Loss
  • Heart Defects
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Others may qualify, please reach out to find out more

 

*Financial eligibility is required only for the treatment program*

To apply or learn more, call 740-387-6520 and ask to speak with a Public Health Nurse who can assist you.

Diagnostic Program

Children can receive services for up to six months from CMH-approved providers to help find out if they have a special healthcare need and to create a plan for care if needed.

Examples of covered services include:

  • Tests & x-rays
  • Public health nursing services
  • CMH approved doctor visits
  • Therapy evaluations
  • Up to 5 days of hospitalization
  • Access to community dietitian

Treatment Program

Children may receive care for up to one year through CMH-approved providers to treat an eligible medical condition. This type of service requires that the child meet both medical and financial guidelines.

Examples of covered services include:

  • X-rays & labs
  • Doctor Visits
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical supplies & equipment
  • Surgeries
  • Hospitalizations
  • Therapies
  • Public health nursing services
  • Service coordination
  • Access to a community dietitian

Nutrition Services

People enrolled in CMH diagnostic or treatment services who have questions or concerns about nutrition can ask to work with a community dietitian. Community dietitians are licensed nutrition professionals who partner with families through home visits. They provide nutrition check-ups, guidance, and education tailored to the child’s needs.

Community dietitians can help with concerns such as tube feeding support, food allergies, healthy weight changes, and feeding challenges that worry caregivers.

Examples of services offered:

  • Nutrition assessment
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Special formula assistance
  • Referrals to appropriate services

Resources

Pager last updated: February 19, 2026